This Events Industry Council webinar convened sustainability leaders from across the global business events ecosystem to explore how organisations can maintain momentum on climate action amid economic pressure, regulatory complexity, and resource constraints. Moderated by Gwendal Castellan (Destination Vancouver), the discussion featured perspectives from Guy Bigwood (Global Destination Sustainability Movement), Nancy Prouda (Hilton), and Ben Wielgus (Informa).
Integration is Imperative
A central theme was the need to move sustainability from a standalone initiative to a fully integrated business practice. Panelists agreed that while measurement and reporting remain important, over-emphasis on perfect data can delay meaningful action. Organisations were encouraged to prioritise high-impact actions—such as renewable energy sourcing, waste reduction, and supply-chain collaboration—rather than waiting for exhaustive measurement frameworks.
Make the Message Resonate
The conversation highlighted a persistent challenge: many leaders struggle to demonstrate the business value of sustainability due to limited or inconsistent data. This has led, in some cases, to the deprioritisation of climate initiatives. Panelists stressed the importance of reframing sustainability in language that resonates with business outcomes, including cost savings, resilience, risk mitigation, guest satisfaction, and long-term competitiveness.
Inspire Action
Speakers also underscored the complexity of operating across diverse regulatory environments and decentralised organisational models. Rather than relying on mandates alone, success increasingly depends on inspiring action—making sustainability relevant to individuals at every level of an organisation and embedding it into daily decision-making.
Looking ahead, the panel encouraged organisations to take a pragmatic, phased approach: focus on what matters most, start where you are, and build over time. By integrating climate commitments into core strategy, community priorities, and operational norms, the business events industry can continue to advance sustainability as a driver of value, relevance, and leadership—rather than treating it as optional or external to the business.