What importance does the industry place on issues of sustainability and environmental awareness? How can companies, organisations and…
What importance does the industry place on issues of sustainability and environmental awareness? How can companies, organisations and associations develop and adopt consistent polices and practices that are cleaner and safer, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure adequate management of chemicals, incorporate environmental costs and reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment?
These are just some of the questions to be highlighted and discussed at the first ever EIBTM environmental debate.
Taking place on the last day of EIBTM at Palexpo, Geneva on Thursday 22 May at midday, the debate will be chaired by Ian Dockrill, formerly Executive Vice President of Professional Development & Global Services for Meetings Professional International (MPI) and now Director of Global Industry Relations and Strategic Development for Reed Travel Exhibitions` meetings and incentive events worldwide.
High profile panellists include Peter Haigh, International Sales and Marketing Director UK, Accor; Paul Clements-Hunt, co-ordinator of United Nations Environment Programme`s (UNEP) Financial Initiatives and Antti Vihinen, Board Member of Association Internationale des Palais de Congres (AIPC).
Commenting on the introduction of a major environment debate at EIBTM, Debbie Jackson, Group Exhibition Director said: Reed Travel Exhibitions has an enviable reputation within the worldwide travel and meetings and incentive sector in raising the profile of, and highlighting environmental issues. The impact that Environmental Awareness Day at World Travel Market which has been running for the past eight years well illustrates this.
This debate gives an opportunity for an open, lively and challenging discussion to take place with input from those who have embraced the need for a sustainable industry and for those who may have yet to recognise the full effect and impact environmental issues have on their business.
The debate though is just part of EIBTM`s commitment to developing a sustainable industry. We are delighted to announce that, in liaison with the United Nations Environment Programme, we are joining forces to bring together key stakeholders together to form a worldwide initiative. This aims to act as a catalyst for individual companies` efforts and actions to integrate sustainable development in their business practices.
UNEP already work with twenty two industry sectors to provide leadership and encourage partnerships in caring for the environment. Their reputation and expertise throughout the world will prove invaluable in helping the meetings and incentive industry to develop consistent, worldwide recognition for their sustainable business practices backed by everything UNEP stands for.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
