Radisson Hotel Group and GDS-Movement have introduced a practical roadmap aimed at closing the gap between sustainability ambitions and on-the-ground execution in the meetings and events sector. The guide, titled "Accelerating Sustainable & Regenerative Events: A Guide for Associations & PCOs," was unveiled in Brussels and targets associations and professional congress organisers (PCOs) seeking to integrate sustainability into their event operations.
The launch comes amid a stark industry reality: while 66% of associations recognise sustainability as a critical priority, only 34% have woven it into their daily operations, and a mere 3% have advanced sustainability programmes in place. The guide aims to shift the conversation from awareness to action, providing a structured approach for event planners across multiple destinations and supplier networks.
From awareness to implementation
Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, underscored the core challenge: "The industry does not have a sustainability awareness problem; it has an implementation challenge." Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among hospitality leaders that the sector has moved past the why and now needs the how.
The roadmap draws on insights from the GDS-Index, a benchmarking programme that evaluates destination sustainability performance. It acknowledges the complexity faced by associations that manage events across various cities and with numerous suppliers, each with different sustainability maturity levels.
Five key actions for sustainable events
The guide outlines five actionable steps for event organisers:
- Early collaboration with destination partners – Engaging local convention bureaus, hotels, and venues from the outset to align on sustainability goals.
- Prioritising certified suppliers – Choosing vendors with recognised sustainability certifications to ensure credibility and impact.
- Integrating social impact initiatives – Incorporating community engagement and legacy projects into event programmes.
- Adopting low-carbon mobility strategies – Encouraging public transport, electric vehicles, and other sustainable travel options for attendees.
- Implementing sustainability-linked frameworks – Using measurable KPIs and reporting standards to track progress and drive continuous improvement.
Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement, highlighted the pivotal role of destinations in this transition. "Destinations play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition towards sustainable and regenerative events," he said. The guide is designed to help destinations and event organisers work together more effectively, leveraging local infrastructure and policies to reduce environmental impact.
The initiative builds on Radisson Hotel Group's broader sustainability commitments, which include science-based targets and a focus on reducing carbon emissions across its portfolio. For hoteliers and event venues, the guide offers a template for aligning with client expectations and industry standards.
For travel management companies and agents, the roadmap signals a growing demand for sustainable event solutions. As corporations and associations increasingly require sustainability reporting, intermediaries will need to integrate these criteria into their supplier selections and event planning services. This trend is also reflected in recent moves by other travel technology providers, such as Trip.Biz's new AI suite for corporate travel, which aims to streamline sustainability tracking.
The full guide is available online, offering a practical foundation for delivering more sustainable events globally. It represents a collaborative effort between a major hotel group and a leading sustainability organisation, signalling a shift towards actionable, measurable change in the MICE sector.
As the industry prepares for a new wave of post-pandemic events, the emphasis on sustainability is likely to intensify. The roadmap provides a clear path for associations and PCOs to not only meet expectations but also lead in regenerative practices. For destinations, the guide reinforces the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure and partnerships, a theme echoed in recent destination-focused initiatives like Amari Colombo's positioning as a launchpad for Sri Lanka travel.
Radisson Hotel Group and GDS-Movement plan to promote the guide through industry events and webinars, encouraging widespread adoption. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to fostering sustainability through practical action and collaboration, setting a benchmark for the meetings and events industry worldwide.
