PCMA & SANCBE Drive Sustainability Forward With Climate Conference Launch
July 18, 2024
PCMA and the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE) are gearing up to launch Convene 4 Climate, a sustainability conference for the global business events industry. Set for Oct. 2-3 in Barcelona, the inaugural gathering is open to select participation in a workshop-based environment and aims to drive responsibility, harness the power of technology, and deliver transformative solutions to address climate change challenges.
The big picture: Convene 4 Climate’s curated programming will explore three central themes–Reimagine, Inspire, and Movement–and allow for meaningful discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and the development of actionable strategies to help transform what the event industry offers and how it produces business events, according to PCMA officials.
Need to know: Located In Barcelona's Business district, the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona is the HQ hotel for Convene 4 Climate 2024. Within walking distance of the Barcelona Convention Center, Diagonal Mar shops and the marina, the beach hotel features on-site dining, pool bar, terrace and event venues. Attendees may have the opportunity to check out a qualifying regatta during the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup Barcelona, which kicks off Aug. 22. The America's Cup Match starts on Oct. 12.
What they’re saying: “Together with SANCBE, PCMA is co-creating a way forward for a regenerative future that empowers the global business events industry to continue to operate in a commonsense way while driving positive change for a new economy,” said Sherrif Karamat, president and CEO of PCMA and CEMA. “Now is the time to embark on this transformative journey to reimagine the future, inspire sustainable progress, and ignite a movement towards a more resilient tomorrow.”
Why it matters: Convene 4 Climate participants will reimagine the future of business events through the lens of sustainability, be inspired by the potential for long-term profitability in harmony with environmental stewardship and join a global movement that is optimistic in the face of climate challenges.
Deeper dive: “Business events offer platforms for addressing complex issues, and they act as crucial catalysts for successfully merging sustainability and digitalization,” said SANCBE Co-Chairs Matthias Schultze, managing director, German Convention Bureau (GCB) and Eric Bakermans, director marketing meetings and conventions, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC). “Europe, as a hub for meetings and conferences, leads this twin transformation with initiatives such as the European Green Deal, offering not only a consistent strategic framework, but also avenues for practical solutions. To invigorate our collective mission, it is now vital to synchronize our efforts and, above all, find inspiration in one another.”
Interested participants can submit an expression of interest here.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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