The strategic partnership between the International Association of Professional Conference Organisers (IAPCO) and Business Events Australia aims to encourage sustainability conference management around the world. The collaboration will deliver a new sustainability award and a sustainability toolkit for PCOs.
IAPCO’s president Sissi Lignou, called sustainability “a defining principle for the future of our industry”.
“Through this partnership, IAPCO and Business Events Australia are empowering our members to lead by example, demonstrating how creativity, collaboration and responsibility can coexist to deliver exceptional and impactful events worldwide.”
With the partnership announced at business events industry trade show IBTM World, currently underway in Barcelona, the chair of IAPCO’s sustainability committee, Ajay Bhojwani, highlighted both the will and the challenges in a move towards more sustainable meetings.
“Recent IAPCO member research found that 71 per cent of members have a clear sustainability vision and strategy, and 58 per cent have a designated sustainability role within their organisations responsible for implementing sustainability practices in their clients’ event,” said Bhojwani.
“However, respondents identified the increased cost of implementation and a lack of sustainability subvention and subsidy programs as key challenges in advancing sustainability across the events industry. Which is why this partnership is so important.
“This partnership represents a shared commitment to meaningful action. Together, we aim to showcase innovation, create practical tools that enable every organiser to make a real difference, as well as recognise the best-in-class implementation of sustainability actions and tools.”
And according to Tourism Australia’s acting managing director, Robin Mack, the collaboration is moving fast.
“Sustainability is increasingly important for the business events industry and one of Tourism Australia’s key strategic pillars, driving how we market, operate and partner across the industry,” said Mack.
“Our new partnership with IAPCO will strengthen and help to accelerate sustainable practices.
“We look forward to announcing the first Sustainability Award winner and launching the toolkit at IAPCO’s Annual Meeting & General Assembly in February next year.”
The sustainability award judging panel has already been selected and offers some serious might.
Alongside Mack and Bhojwani, it includes the leaders of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, the Joint Meetings Industry Council and the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services (IFES).
Branding, education and engagement are also part of the partnership between IAPCO and Business Events Australia.
