Leading the Change: A Guide to Convincing Business Leadership to Embrace Sustainability

November 15, 2023

Exclusively sponsored by Honeycomb Strategies

“We’ve traced the call. It’s coming from inside the house.”

One of the largest challenges to incorporating sustainability into your event may be your own leadership, ownership or management. We’ve talked with a lot of event planners who struggle to convince decision-makers to greenlight improvements they perceive as irrelevant or optional. Increasingly, planners see the urgent need for sustainability, so Honeycomb Strategies has compiled this guide to help you talk with your leadership team to gain support for sustainability programs. (Note: while our expertise is in the event industry, these tactics work for any field). 

Introduce the Triple-Bottom Line 

Profitability is essential for any business, so you can begin your conversation with leadership in the C-suite using this angle. The triple bottom line, a model introduced in 1994 by John Elkington, examines a company’s social, environmental and economic impact to combat profit gained at the expense of environmental and social factors. While Elkington’s intent wasn’t to develop an accounting framework, it may be helpful to present it in this manner to entice finance-minded board rooms to include sustainability in their budget. 

The basic guidance with the triple bottom line is that for any business decision – from supply chain management to branding – the outcome adds up to be net positive for at least two of the three considerations (economic, environmental and social) and neutral for the third. This is possible because all three factors of the triple bottom line holistically increase value, decrease risk and stabilize the business in the long term.  

Tell Leadership: Invest in a sustainability framework that adds up to net gain or cost-neutrality with little margin for loss to the bottom line.

Honeycomb Strategies
In the triple bottom line model for sustainable business, the cross-over between environmental, societal and economic interests is substantial. Image credit: Honeycomb Strategies

 

 

 

Explain the Gains of Efficiency

Sustainability requires a collaborative way of doing business, which can look like streamlined access to data, available and accurate reporting, standard practices, teams that work well across departments and group learning. Research has shown that collaboration in the workplace increases efficiency and drives productivity, according to Forbes. Returning to the accounting of the triple bottom line, the very process of aligning your event with company values like environmentalism or DEI can save your company money through efficiency. 

 

 

 

 

Tell Leadership: Improve the efficiency of our internal team by embracing a new model for sustainable collaboration.

Honeycomb Strategies
The next generation of event attendees is here, and they value sustainability. Image credit: Vidcon Anaheim.

Target the New Sustainable Consumer

The world has changed. Recent industry research shows that consumers are concerned about the impact of their spending choices. The Freeman Trends Report Q1 2023 reveals Gen Zs and Millennials currently make up 38% of event-goers, and their values will be the driving force behind consumer behavior for the next decade (at least). According to The Deloitte Global 2022 Gen Z & Millennial Survey in 2022, “protecting the environment remains a top priority for Gen Zs and Millennials. About three-quarters of respondents believe the world is at a tipping point in responding to climate change.”  

 

 

 

The next generation of event-goers are Gen Z and Millennials These groups highly value sustainability Events must incorporate sustainability to attract and retain the next generation of event attendees 

When it comes to exhibitors and sponsors, sustainability impacts their participation as well. The Freeman Trends Report Q2 2023 reveals that “for large organizations, 50% responded that sustainability was influential” in their decision to have a presence at the live show. 

Associations have to account for member companies that have strict ESG requirements for budget expenditures; to attend the show they must be satisfied that their dollars are spent with environmentally friendly, socially conscious businesses. This trend will only increase as climate change continues and market forces demand that live event sustainability become the new normal. Companies that don’t stay alert to the changing demands of their audience risk fewer exhibitors, attendees, sponsors and lowered brand relevance. 

Tell Leadership: Imagine losing half of your large-scale sponsors because of an unwillingness to pivot and respond to your target audience’s values. 

Pitch Value Creation

In contrast to the losses gambled through lack of action, there is an incredible opportunity to stand out reputationally with sustainable solutions. The same statistics quoted above about target demographics apply in the reverse: an event can build its perception as a leader by being responsive to consumer needs. Not only is an event responding to the demands of shifting values in its audience, but it also ensures relevance by staying on top of event industry trends. On the show floor, it’s a no brainer to be an expert on emerging trends in your business sector; it’s equally valuable to be ahead of the curve on event innovation.

According to the Deloitte Global Marketing Trends Report 2023, brands have increasingly chosen to lead by example in areas of sustainability and equity. By aligning purpose with programming, event brands demonstrate transparency, build community and counteract the perception of corporate greed. HubSpot’s 2023 State of Marketing Report reveals that 69% of marketers share values-based campaigns as a centerpiece of their marketing strategy. Again and again, we see that demonstrating corporate social responsibility is attractive to consumers.

Tell Leadership: Let’s build brand value by showcasing our commitment and responsiveness to all our stakeholders.

Honeycomb Strategies
Conferences and shows in many sectors are showcasing their sustainability values. Here, the Sustainability Commitment from PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023 on display in their onsite sustainability pavilion. Image credit: Honeycomb Strategies

 

 

The Case for Compassion

In 2018, Elkington said, in a re-evaluation of his own concept of the triple bottom line, that “success or failure on sustainability goals cannot be measured only in terms of profit and loss. It must also be measured in terms of the wellbeing of billions of people and the health of our planet.” 

It is incumbent on all people, businesses, governments and industries to do their part to protect both Earth’s people and the environment. The 2022 U.N. Annual Climate Report details the way in which climate and humanitarian crises are intertwined. We need drastic action to care for our planet and its living communities to ensure that events like conferences, expos and festivals stay operational and relevant for many generations to come. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tell Leadership: Let’s be part of the solution to sustain the health of Earth’s people and environment. Because it’s the right thing to do.

Honeycomb Strategies specializes in impactful solutions for sustainable events and venues. www.hcsustainability.com   Hello@hcsustainability.com

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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.