ICCA
Global Sustainability – ICCA ’ s framework to becoming a global enabler
CCA CEO SENTHIL GOPINATH OUTLINES THE MAJOR THEME OF THE ASSOCIATION ’ S UPCOMING CONGRESS IN THAILAND
A major theme – of course – for the 62nd ICCA Congress ( 12 – 15 November ) in Bangkok is sustainability . It must be . It is arguably the single biggest issue we all face , and as a global industry we are well placed to gather , think , and plan for more sustainable ways to do business … and to live . The circles we move in bring together the thought leaders , academics , and practitioners to how we can adapt to a more sustainable way of being .
One of the many reasons the Bangkok bid was successful in hosting Congress was how it gave Congress agency in complementing the legacy ambitions of Bangkok Vision 2032 . This ambitious
20-year project celebrates the city ’ s 250th anniversary by pledging to make this vibrant capital more convenient , more inclusive , and more sustainable .
A major aspect of the sustainability content proposition in Congress will be realised through our daily Sharing Hubs . Expert Topic Champions will guide the public discourse on how we can actively uncover and promote the tangible benefits of planning and hosting more sustainable meetings and events . The outcomes we generate from these lively member-led 90-minute discussions will form the basis of how ICCA thinks , plans , and delivers business events with our members and associations in the coming years .
Above : Senthil Gopinath
To measure ICCA ’ s own sustainability best practices , we have again engaged our valued colleagues at the GDS Sustainability Index to analyse and , more importantly , critique our efforts . We must hold the mirror up to ourselves first and take heed of where improvement lies . Yes , we can talk the talk , but real proof and real leadership is how we put our words into actions .
So , come and join us in Bangkok ! Come and be part of the sessions . Come and listen to engaging and inspiring speakers from different countries and different sectors talk about subjects as diverse as sustainable urbanism through architecture ; how the UN SDGs are shaping RFPs ; how clean energy and waste management at source is changing the look and feel of our venues ; how ESG reporting has real transformative potential ; how the latest advances in flight sustainability offer practical hope to a globally felt dilemma . This is just a flavour of what is to come . Trust me , there is plenty more .
ICCA has the vision , the people , the desire to do something special across three incredible days and , I guarantee , sustainability has been present in every Congress-related conversation and planning session for the last 10 months . From keynote addresses to the coffee we drink , from group working parties discussing the major issues of the day to cleaning up in Benchakitti Park , from transforming food waste into organic fertiliser to finding common consensus in ways to influence and lobby government . ICCA comes into Congress stronger than ever , and welcomes this amazing opportunity to put – and keep - sustainability at the very top of our shared global agenda . n
ISSUE 127 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 11