Julia Spangler
Owner, Ecosystem Events

Instead of planning one national or global summit for a company or association, the event design now includes multiple hubs in two or three regions where large proportions of attendees are concentrated—for example, San Francisco, New York, and London—connected with hybrid event technology. Attendees get to connect in-person with colleagues from across their broader region while sharing educational content broadcast from any of the hubs, all while eliminating the long-haul flights that are the biggest source of carbon emissions for events.

Virginie De Visscher​​​​
Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada
MPI Sustainability Advisory Board

Five years from now, the meeting industry has made notable strides towards sustainability, navigating a landscape shaped by both challenges and opportunities. Spurred by both government regulations and technological advancements, government regulations mandating stringent environmental standards have catalyzed a movement within the industry, driving organizations to prioritize sustainability in all aspects of event planning and execution. While the widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) hasn’t reached its full potential, there has been a noticeable increase in their use, albeit at a slower pace than initially anticipated.

In tandem with efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel, there has been a significant shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation, including an increase in train travel for shorter distances. High-speed rail networks have expanded, offering convenient and eco-friendly alternatives for attendees traveling within regions. This shift has not only reduced emissions but also enhanced the overall travel experience, fostering a sense of connection and community among travelers.

Moreover, the meeting industry has embraced the concept of social sustainability, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental, economic and social well-being. Event organizers prioritize venues and destinations that demonstrate a commitment to ethical labor practices, community engagement and cultural preservation. This approach ensures that events leave a positive impact on local communities, contributing to their long-term resilience and prosperity.

Furthermore, sustainability initiatives extend beyond the confines of event venues, encompassing diverse aspects such as food sourcing, accommodation and waste management. Event menus feature locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, supporting local farmers and reducing food miles. Accommodation options prioritize eco-certified hotels and eco-lodges, offering guests a sustainable place to stay during their visit. Waste-reduction strategies, including composting and donation programs, minimize the environmental footprint of events while maximizing social impact.

In this future landscape, the meeting industry embraces a holistic approach to sustainability, balancing environmental stewardship with social responsibility and economic viability. While challenges persist, including barriers to the widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuels, the industry remains resilient and adaptive, continuously striving towards a more sustainable future. Through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, the meeting industry sets a precedent for sustainable practices that prioritize people, planet and prosperity.

Troy Reynolds, CMP, EMD, SEPC, AIEMA
Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Imaginneurs
Chair, MPI Sustainability Advisory Board 

By 2029, our way of thinking, feeling and acting will have seismically evolved.

Thinking instinctively. Our surroundings and encountered situations will instinctively stimulate lifecycle, systems and circular thinking.

Feeling intuitively. Our curiosity and sensory experiences will inspire intuitive, holistic and balanced triple-bottom-line ideas. Our emotional IQ in collaboration with artificial intelligence will influence intuitive decision-making and problem-solving that spark maximizing and minimizing positive and negative 3P (planet, people, prosperity) impacts for the greater good of future generations.

Acting naturally. Our understanding of mother nature and always being in sync with the potential forces of nature will initiate insightfully integrated nature-based choices, ways, turnkey products and service solutions that make sustainable meetings and events happen naturally to become second nature.

Possible? Probable? Preferable? Or the “wildcard” to our human nature of the future?"

Where there is the will, there is always a way to realize:

• UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• The UNFCCC Paris Agreement 2015
• The UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration
• The UN Convention on Biological Diversity

Elodie Lortal
Corporate Sales Executive, Novotel Paris Centre Tour Eiffel

The first engagement was to ban plastic bottles and single-use plastic back in September 2022. We installed water stations at the lobby level and in our convention center.

We invited our guests to bring their own refillable water bottles when attending events or checking in at the hotel.

We were the first large-capacity Parisian hotel to entirely ban plastic bottles. For six months we had to educate our staff and explain to our customers, but we stood strong, and clients responded positively to our actions.

Other examples related to the ban on single-use plastic:

• Amenities (small bottles of shampoo and soap) were replaced by larger refillable bottles.
• Single plastic bottles were replaced by refillable bottles made out of corn.
• Water fountains were implemented for our staff in the back office.
• All managers have been trained on “Fresque du Climat” (Climate Fresk). The goal is to roll out this training to all 250 frontline staff members of our property by September 2024.

Annette Ott-Barnett, CMP Emeritus, CMM, CAE
Torrens University Australia (Sydney) Professional Doctorate (Research)

Will we meet the UN-initiated sustainable development goals (SDGs) deadline of 2030 to “transform our world;” “end poverty and inequality, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity;” and to decrease food waste overall by 50%? Probably not. The 2030 deadline is an incredibly ambitious goal, for sure.

My focus in the next five years is to find ways to reduce food waste at business events, which is the thesis for my research. I appreciate all the hard work so many individuals and organizations have done to make a difference; however, in 2023, the UN indicated that the recommended response to minimize food waste globally, including in Australia, where I am studying, had been slow to non-existent.

Just remember, when we waste food, people starve. There is truth to what our parents told us growing up: “People are starving in *****, eat all your food.” They did not tell us to take only what you can eat. It’s time for all-you-can-eat buffets, which have an undefinable impact on the food wasted at business events, to end.

Understanding the sources of food wasted at business events will be crucial; however, making simple changes can and will positively affect present and future generations’ socioeconomic and environmental needs.