The document presents findings from two global studies on the future of meetings, emphasizing the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in the events industry. It highlights a shift in corporate priorities, with delegates expecting more formal CSR initiatives than what the industry currently provides. Examples of successful CSR practices from various organizations are cited, alongside statistics on delegate expectations and the significance of communicating CSR efforts.

1. EIBTM PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
OFFICIAL AV PARTNER

2. The state of
sustainability in the
events industry
Jackie Mulligan
Director of Enterprise
ICRETH, Leeds Metropolitan University
Project Director: CSR Global Study,
Future of Meetings Research

3. Research Sponsored by

4. Combining Findings from 2 global studies

5. The future
• Future of Meetings
– Survey of 1600 meeting
businesses analysed
– 27 expert interviews
on future trends that will
shape industry
– Review of trends literature

6. Headlines findings from Future trends

7. Focus on Value
“The habits you learn
during the recession you
maintain afterwards, and
this is true for executives
of big global corporations.
The realisation that you
can save x million by
staying at home and not
travelling so much means
that the notion that as
soon as growth starts, the
shackles will be released
is a fanciful one.”
Paul Flatters, CEO
Trajectory

8. “The trend is to focus on the
boardroom. This is happening
with politicians and a focus on
how governments and corporates
spend money. We live in an
explicit environment and there
are serious consequences on the
meetings industry because we
have to report what we do.”
Ian Yeoman
Associated Professor at Victoria
University Wellington
Blame authority

9. • Values important
• Dislike over-consumption
• Critical of authority
• Share information
New generations

10. • CSR Study:
– 2300 surveyed and 100
interviews on discovering
value and importance
of CSR worldwide
The present

11. Response levels
Central & South
America
(11%)
Europe
(41%)
Africa
(0.5%)
North America
(27%)
Asia Inc.
Australia
10.5%

12. Our Research Findings Showed
Environment
CommunityWorkforce

13. Delegates want more than
the meetings & hospitality
industry provides

14. 72%
30%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Delegates - Expects a Formal
Programme
Industry - Has a Formal
Programme
Encouraging staff & delegates to use
public transport when going to venue(s)

15. Example of CSR in Practice
• Messe Frankfurt
• Free travel for Trade
Fair visitors
• Part on payment
• Encourages staff
• Positive environmental
impact – Umbelt+
• Electric Train
Professor Bernd Hallier

16. Example of CSR in Practice
• Vancouver Convention
Centre
• Recycling + saving
planet + community
• Plastic bottles to
“United We Can”
programme

17. Example of CSR in Practice
• Patagonia recycling
plastic bottles
• Reuse = reduce impact
• Recycle one bottle =
Conserve energy to light
a 60-watt light bulb

18. Triple Bottom Line
• Holiday Inn – Low flow showerheads and faucet
aerators = saving Cdn $14,852 per year
• Fairmont Royal – Energy conservation – fixed
leaks & leaky steam traps.
Cost Cdn $25,000, Annual Saving Cdn $200,000
Source: Garci

19. Emerging economies
want more formal
programmes and have
different CSR priorities

20. 0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
USA
China
GermanyUK
India
Different CSR Priorities:
Managing
and reducing
water consumption

21. Companies with integrated CSR
programmes are competitive

22. “CSR remains high on
the agenda of many
of my clients”

23. Communicating CSR
is a challenge

24. What Delegates Want -v- What the Meeting Industry Provides
What Delegates Want
What the Meeting Industry Provides
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
On the company website Via social media (e.g.
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn)
General press In a specific CSR report

25. Find out more and join the conversation
• www.mpiweb.org/FOM
• www.mpiweb.org/CSR
• LinkedIn:
Future of Meetings group
CSR in meetings and events group
• Twitter
– @icreth
– @mpi_HQ
– @jackiemulls
– @alexjkenyon
– @drsimonwoodward

26. Continue the conversation
Thank You
& any questions?
Research by Leeds Metropolitan University