Events Industry Launches Global Sustainability Principles
February 6, 2019
Last month, representatives of global events, tourism and sustainability bodies ushered in the new year with the launch of four Principles for Sustainable Events designed to guide and motivate event organizers worldwide to embrace and implement green practices.
This multi-stakeholder group, convened by the Events Industry Council (EIC) through two forums held during IMEX in Frankfurt and Las Vegas, agreed that the focus of these principles should include:
- Shared responsibility for implementation and communication between event organizers and suppliers
- Identification of basic environmental practices
- Key social considerations
- Pathways to support thriving economic practices
The Principles for Sustainable Events encourage organizations and practitioners to adopt practices that foster collaboration with a simple but powerful message: By working together, event planners and suppliers can support a healthy natural environment, resilient communities and culture, and thriving economies.
“The potential to transform our industry through the widespread adoption of sustainable events principles is inspiring,” said Tina Wehmeir, chair of the EIC board of directors.
She continued, “Developed with extensive global input and derived from an examination of industry standards, global sustainability frameworks and alignment with the United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, we are confident these principles will serve to unify the events industry’s commitment to a more sustainable world.”
Given the volume and visibility of the global events industry, with millions of events generating more than $1 trillion USD in direct spending each year, events represent an enormous opportunity to increase sustainability on the ground as well as raise awareness among individuals and organizations, according to Hillary Green, program officer of the Sustainable UN Initiative (SUN), UN Environment.
“Meetings and events are also important tools used by the United Nations System to further the Sustainable Development Goals and the wider Agenda 2030,” Green said. “The Principles for Sustainable Events are concordant with similar work taking place at the UN and can be an initial guide to assist all actors involved in the events industry in accelerating the transformation towards a sustainable, climate-neutral world.”
To review these groundbreaking principles and join the movement of more than 60 endorsers that include global industry associations, multinational companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises from 13 countries, go 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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