Events

16:00 - 16:40 Local Time: "Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Event Planning"
In this cutting-edge panel discussion, industry leaders will move beyond lip service to sustainability and deliver actionable insights for event professionals. The panellists will cut to the chase, providing attendees with concrete, implementable strategies to make their events more environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Panellists:

• Paul Harvey, Editor, M&IT - Northstar Meetings Group
• Guy Bigwood, Chief Changemaker - Global Destinations Sustainability Movement
• Lisa Hopkins, CEO - Business Events Industry Aotearoa
• Edward Koh, Executive Director l Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel l Experience Development Group - Singapore Tourism Board
• Elena Fis, Sustainability Manager - Kenes Group

16:00 - 16:50 Local Time: "Beyond LEDs: Rethinking Event Production for a Regenerative Future”   In this dynamic session, Guy will delve into the world of regeneration and why it matters for live events. From theory, he will then explore:  

10:30 - 11:15 CET, Grupo San Valero Main Hall, Saragossa, Spain. Catalysts for Change: Integrating Dei and Sustainability in MICE Events In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, DEI and sustainability are not just buzzwords but strategic imperatives for the MICE industry. DEI-focussed events have the potential to enhance employee engagement, strengthen brand loyalty, and expand market reach. This session explores how DEI-focussed events and sustainable practices can drive transformative change across organisations, attendees, and host communities. By addressing the diverse needs of individuals and recognising both visible and invisible aspects of diversity, such events leave a lasting, positive impact on destinations and organisations’ broader goals.

• Attendees gain enriching experiences and valuable networking opportunities, while host communities benefit from strengthened local connections and increased opportunities for local businesses.

• This session brings sustainability to life through an interactive game of MICEOPOLY, where delegates navigate the streets of sustainability, answering questions and setting greener goals.

• Mónica Molina, Senior Changemaker, Global Destination Sustainability Movement
• Amanda Lee, Marketing Manager, Simpleview

In-person: Guy Bigwood presents "The Regenerative Revolution: Developing and Managing thriving destinations that are Future Fit"   In today’s volatile and uncertain world surrounded by confronting polycrisis, associations, companies, destinations and governments more than ever need strong global partnerships and co-operatives with a shared vision to build a better future. One that is resilient and builds upon principles of connectivity and harmony rather than one focused on competitive assessments of technical capabilities.   With a carefully narrative of data, case studies and stories, this session will stimulate deep reflection and inspiration about the strategies and actions required to transform tomorrows visitors economy from one disrupted by societal change and a climate emergency to a sector that creates a prosperous and flourishing future for all.   Guy explores vital questions, including:

• How can we use the industry of business tourism and destinations to enable the overall well-being of society and the planet and in turn thrive?
• How do we balance the needs of people, business and the environment and create prosperity for all?

1. Better understand the core concepts and principles of Regeneration
2. Learn more about how destinations should be measuring, managing and reporting on the negative and positive impacts of tourism and events
3. Enhance their understanding of key themes; decarbonisation, regeneration and circular event models, the food revolution, measurement and accreditation.
4. Be inspired by stories and best practices from other destinations

15:30 - 16:00 CET: "Meeting Destinations with a Focus on Sustainability" panel with

• Pia Lange Christensen – CEO of VisitAarhus and Chair of MeetDenmark
• Kit Lykketoft – Director of Conventions, Wonderful Copenhagen
• Anne Seeberg – Chief Operating Officer, Global Destination Sustainability Movement

• Practical insights to help you select a sustainable meeting destination
• What sets Denmark’s major cities apart on the sustainability agenda

10:10 - 10:25 local time - Marta Mills explores The Nordics: Leading the Charge or Falling Behind?  An analysis of the Nordic countries’ performance in the GDS-Index, key questions to stay competitive, and the way forward for GDS and the Nordics for a more regenerative future of tourism and events.

Guy gives the GDS-Movement perspective on "How to Write a Success Story - Is Sustainability the Key for the Events Industry?"

• Moderator: Frank Grafenstein - Managing Director bei neusta Grafenstein GmbH
• Panelist: Guy Bigwood - CEO and Chief Changemaker bei Global Destination Sustainability Movement, Amir Vaziri - Event Director and Producer bei Perfect Cue
• Speaker & Panelist: Sebastian Gonzalez - Associate Director Europe bei Business Events Sydney