Events Industry Council Launches Sustainability Resource Hub, Green Standards Revision at IMEX
September 24, 2019
The Events Industry Council continues its commitment to greening the global events industry with the launch of the EIC Centre for Sustainable Events, unveiled Sept. 10 at IMEX America in Las Vegas. The new Centre will provide resources to increase industry-wide sustainable practices adoption and support a stronger alignment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
The virtual hub will offer online reference materials, on-demand education via EIC’s new learning management system, monthly webinars and access to education from 33 member organizations, according to EIC officials.
“The Centre will provide the sustainability education our industry needs for us to make a collective impact on the climate crisis as well as champion social and economic community needs,” saidTina Wehmeir, board chair of EIC.
Wehmeir added that the Centre will coordinate global, industry-wide collaboration with intergovernmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry associations and sustainability thought leaders to help accelerate sustainable practices, increase resiliency and support innovation in the events industry.
“We recognize the responsibility we all have – both professionally and personally – to bring about a number of positive changes in the world,” said Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, a founding sponsor of the Centre. “This begins with education and with collaboration – and we’re delighted to be working with EIC on the launch of this invaluable new resource.”
Meanwhile, the Centre will deliver EIC’s existing sustainability programs, including the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate, Principles for Sustainable Events and the Annual State of Sustainability survey.
MGM Resorts International was the Centre’s presenting sponsor at IMEX. According to Yalmaz Siddiqui, MGM’s vice president of corporate sustainability, the new resource comes at a time when event planners are increasingly seeking sustainable options for their events.
“We are finding more and more meeting planners are interested in collaborating to help protect the planet and improve society,” Siddiqui said. “EIC’s new Centre will help drive further adoption of these practices.”
A central initiative of the new Centre is the release of the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, which revise the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards. The new guidelines maintain the same level of rigor but are easier to adopt and implement.
In addition to environmental criteria, the EIC Standards place greater emphasis on regional relevance, social justice, accessibility, and diversity and inclusion. As part of EIC’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking, training on this topic will be required to achieve one of the four certification levels.
Released in a one-year provisional status to allow for additional input from early adopters, the Standards were developed with the help of more than 100 industry-leading event sustainability practitioners, including representation from 15 countries.
“The events industry’s economic, environmental and social impact puts it on par with that of major nations,” Calvert said. “This creates both the opportunity and the responsibility to take coordinated actions to magnify our influence.”
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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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