Events Industry Council Launches Sustainability Resource Hub, Green Standards Revision at IMEX
September 24, 2019
The Events Industry Council continues its commitment to greening the global events industry with the launch of the EIC Centre for Sustainable Events, unveiled Sept. 10 at IMEX America in Las Vegas. The new Centre will provide resources to increase industry-wide sustainable practices adoption and support a stronger alignment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The virtual hub will offer online reference materials, on-demand education via EIC’s new learning management system, monthly webinars and access to education from 33 member organizations, according to EIC officials.
“The Centre will provide the sustainability education our industry needs for us to make a collective impact on the climate crisis as well as champion social and economic community needs,” saidTina Wehmeir, board chair of EIC.
Wehmeir added that the Centre will coordinate global, industry-wide collaboration with intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry associations and sustainability thought leaders to help accelerate sustainable practices, increase resiliency and support innovation in the events industry.
“We recognize the responsibility we all have – both professionally and personally – to bring about a number of positive changes in the world,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, a founding sponsor of the Centre. “This begins with education and with collaboration – and we’re delighted to be working with EIC on the launch of this invaluable new resource.”
Meanwhile, the Centre will deliver EIC’s existing sustainability programs, including the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate, Principles for Sustainable Events and the Annual State of Sustainability survey.
MGM Resorts International was the Centre’s presenting sponsor at IMEX. According to Yalmaz Siddiqui, MGM’s vice president of corporate sustainability, the new resource comes at a time when event planners are increasingly seeking sustainable options for their events.
“We are finding more and more meeting planners are interested in collaborating to help protect the planet and improve society,” Siddiqui said. “EIC’s new Centre will help drive further adoption of these practices.”
A central initiative of the new Centre is the release of the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, which revise the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards. The new guidelines maintain the same level of rigor but are easier to adopt and implement.
In addition to environmental criteria, the EIC Standards place greater emphasis on regional relevance, social justice, accessibility, and diversity and inclusion. As part of EIC’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking, training on this topic will be required to achieve one of the four certification levels.
Released in a one-year provisional status to allow for additional input from early adopters, the Standards were developed with the help of more than 100 industry-leading event sustainability practitioners, including representation from 15 countries.
“The events industry’s economic, environmental and social impact puts it on par with that of major nations,” Calvert said. “This creates both the opportunity and the responsibility to take coordinated actions to magnify our influence.”
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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