Events Industry Council Makes Sustainability Education More Accessible for Event Professionals
August 2, 2021
The Events Industry Council (EIC) recently launched an interactive, self-paced online version of its in-person Sustainable Event Professional Certificate Program (SEPC), putting educational opportunities within easier reach for event planners, suppliers and sustainability professionals seeking to improve the environmental performance of their events and services.
Developed by a globally diverse group of business events industry leaders and experts in sustainability, social impact and event management, the course covers 16 modules that include understanding the business value of sustainability, improving the environmental performance of meetings and events, and effective methods for achieving corporate social impact goals.
“As the industry that, at its core, fosters human connections driving both measurable economic and social impact, we have a remarkable opportunity to champion the notion of people, planet and prosperity,” said Amy Calvert, CEO of EIC. “By committing to the journey of creating events that reflect these core values, we ensure a relevant and resilient future. This program will inspire and equip professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to produce events that align with their organizational values and with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
To earn the SEPC, event professionals must complete 16 online course modules covering a variety of topics related to sustainability, social impact and event management. They include:
- Sustainability in Events
- Sustainability Frameworks
- Sustainable Event Planning
- Carbon Emissions
- Food and Beverage
- Materials Resource Management
- Exhibitions
- Social Impact and Community Service
- Diversity Equity and Inclusion
- Accessible Events
- Human Trafficking
- Supply Chain Management
- Measurement and Reporting
- Marketing Communication and PR
- Business Case
The program’s social impact area has also been expanded to include additional content on accessible events and diversity, equity and inclusion, according to EIC officials.
But with the majority of the industry focused on recovery and restarting live events following a financially devastating year, how can the events industry make the case for prioritizing the kinds of sustainable practices featured in the EIC program?
“A focus on sustainability and social impact will be essential for building back better [and] this is the time to focus on our industry’s long-term future through practices that are more sustainable, equitable and resilient,” explained Mariela McIlwraith, vice president of sustainability and industry advancement for EIC. “One of the guidance documents developed by EIC’s APEX COVID-19 Business Recovery Task Force, our Principles for Recovery, align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for this reason.”
So far, approximately 500 event professionals have participated in the SEPC program, including Angie Ahrens, senior manager of global events for Infor and chair of EIC’s Knowledge Committee. Although she’s been planning sustainable events for many years, Ahrens said she recently took the course to further hone her skills while staying abreast of how the overall sustainability landscape is shifting and accelerating.
“I knew I needed to continue to learn and develop in all the ways that sustainability is changing and growing for us as industry professionals,” Ahrens said. “I also really wanted to look at the sourcing elements to be more aware of the social impact that sustainability covers, because we all know sustainability isn’t just about being green.”
She continued, “During and after the program I was able to take a microscope to my program and really see…where the low-hanging fruit was and what I was missing. Now I can just grow on that experience and really make more sustainable efforts moving forward that impact the triple bottom line: how we impact socially, environmentally and of course, fiscally.”
The course fee of $495 USD fee includes access to the full online course and workbook, a SEPC digital badge and 12 CEs. Event professionals who earn the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate also receive 12 hours of Continuing Education (CE) credits toward their CMP application or recertification.
In its commitment to supporting the events community as it continues to navigate the impact of COVID-19, EIC is offering a $50 USD discount on all SEPC program pricing through December 31, 2021. Participants can use code SEPC50 during the check-out process to take advantage of this discount.
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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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