ICCA and Destination Canada have released the results of their survey which explored how associations and their event partners are engaging with sustainability and highlighting the integral role sustainability now plays in the issuing and actioning of Request for Proposals (RFPs).

The survey was in the field from the beginning of July until early September 2023. It received 248 responses from across all geographic regions.

The information, which was initially shared via a joint webinar held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, is now available for download HERE.

The live webinar featured: Virginie de Visscher – Destination Canada; Thomas Reiser – International Committee on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH); and Natasha Richards, IMEX.

Together they discussed key points raised in the survey and how these findings reflect the industry’s readiness – and willingness – to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Highlights included the willingness of associations/organizations to pay for more sustainable events; the challenges faced when planning sustainable events; and the importance of communicating an event’s sustainability to attendees.

Speaking of the report, ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath stated: “Our ongoing partnership with Destination Canada – which I am delighted to announce is being renewed in 2024 – puts sustainability at the top of the ICCA advocacy agenda. By pursuing a proactive sustainability policy, and more crucially, applying tangible measures, our associations can align their goals with – and influence – the value proposition our members provide. Collating accurate data and analysis for discussion at a global level makes the messaging clear: we have the power to set an effective and engaging agenda that can and will reach far and wide.”

Destination Canada’s executive director of Business Events, Virginie De Visscher, added: “At Destination Canada, we are dedicated to elevating the environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability of the business events industry, in Canada and around the world. We are deeply thankful for our valuable partnership with ICCA, which shares our belief in investing in forward-thinking research to inform innovative, creative and collaborative solutions in a new era of sustainable travel. We hope this survey and its findings spark real change and enable us to build a brighter, more sustainable future together, so the global business events industry can continue to flourish.”