2017 UFI Sustainable Development Award goes to Fira Barcelona
June 12, 2017
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has unveiled Fira Barcelona as the winner of its annual Sustainable Development Award.
The theme of this year’s competition, “Best destination approach to implementing sustainability”, was chosen in order to recognize initiatives that combine the efforts of a destination, in partnership with a professional exhibition operator, to implement sustainability around an individual exhibition or a series of events.
The award jury was composed of Members of the UFI Sustainable Development Committee and Dianne Young, Chair of the UFI Sustainable Development Committee and CEO of the Exhibition Place (Toronto, Canada), said: “Fira Barcelona’s entry demonstrates a very broad approach to sustainability which goes much beyond the stand-alone direction,”
She added, “Their strong collaboration with the City Council and other organizations is an important part of maximizing change and innovation, and as highlighted below several of their results are very impressive. The jury would also like to congratulate Marina Bay Sands from Singapore and RAI Amsterdam from the Netherlands who were finalists for this year’s award”.
After implementing certain measures around their own events (energy efficiency, eco-design, waste management, CSR program and paperless processes) and guest events (such as free consultancy and donation room), Fira Barcelona realised that they needed to expand their scope: they therefore began to develop joint initiatives with their City Council and other relevant entities.
These joint initiatives included the following:
- Development of a “Good Environmental Practices Manual” in conjunction with the Catalan Regional Government and the Catalan Waste Management Agency;
- Admission to the Barcelona Sustainable Tourism program developed by the Barcelona Convention Bureau;
- Promoting the use of public transportation among the attendees with the Barcelona City Council and other entities;
- Launch of the “Towards Zero Waste” program as a part of the “Smart City World Congress”.
Constantí Serrallonga, general manager of Fira de Barcelona, said, ”Fira de Barcelona’s commitment towards sustainability is a long-standing one. Not only have we implemented many initiatives over the past few years around our own events, but we have launched new events focusing on making companies, cities and the world a better place and have tirelessly encouraged our partners, clients, attendees and fellow cities to join us in this collective effort. Sustainability has indeed become a part of who Fira de Barcelona is and receiving the UFI Sustainable Development Award is not only an honour but a reward that further strengthens our determination to continue developing even better initiatives.”
The entries submitted by the 2017 UFI Sustainable Development Award finalists, together with the three additional entries selected during the first round of the competition as examples of best practices: BVV Trade Fair Brno (Czech Republic), CTICC (South Africa) and Meetings Africa (South Africa), are all available at www.ufi.org/sdaward.
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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