During 2019 and 2018, AFEA endorsed the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and integrated them in the organization’s strategic plan.
BARCELONA – On 29 November, In the vibrant settings of the newly opened Moco Museum in Barcelona during IBTM Leaders’ Summit, Sissi Lygnou, CEO of Greek PCO AFEA and Ariadne Stagkou-Bell, CSR & Communication Specialist, CSR Hellas received the 2021 IAPCO Driving Excellence Collaboration Award. The trophy celebrates partnerships that bring excellence to the meetings industry.
“The applications for the IAPCO Collaboration Award were outstanding. But the judging committee agreed the collaboration between AFEA and CSR HELLAS was exceptional because of the broadness of its actions. Sustainability is a key issue for our industry and this collaboration has sparked changes on a national level. It is highly inspirational and aligns with IAPCO commitment to integrate sustainability further in what we do” said Ori Lahav, IAPCO President.
About the collaboration
During 2019 and 2018, AFEA endorsed the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), and integrated them in the organization’s strategic plan. AFEA wanted to go further and contribute in creating awareness on Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development as key element for the future strategic planning of the Greek Meetings Industry. They became a member of CSR Hellas Network and with its guidance developed the “Sustainable Events” organization service (SDGs 12,8,3,2).
Actions taken under this collaboration created further awareness on the field of Sustainability on national level, wide promotion of all events on national Media, interviews, education & transfer of knowledge about the need to integrate and empower Sustainable Development to all member companies and executives of Industry Associations. CSR & AFEA are collaborating currently towards the organization of further actions and with the aim to further boost the awareness around Sustainable Development.
Ariadne Stagkou-Bell, CSR & Communication Specialist, CSR Hellas, said: “Sustainability is the only future for everyone, and recognizing the value of partnering up with diverse stakeholders provides us with the know-how and skillset to transform this challenge into a fruitful opportunity.”
Said Sissi Lygnou, CEO AFEA: "We are extremely happy and proud as this award gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of a valued, long-term collaboration with the network of CSR Hellas, as well as to empower our efforts in creating a greater awareness on the key role of sustainable development in our Industry. As active IAPCO Members, we invest in partnerships which contribute to the shaping of a more sustainable future in the Meetings Industry."
The IAPCO Driving Excellence Collaboration Award, supported by IBTM, is now in its seventh year and attracted submissions which also deserve recognition:
Shortlisted Candidates
- MCI Middle East and Arab Association of Urology (AAU)
- Kenes Group and European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC)
- The Conference Company and International Conference Services (ICS)
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
