SITE
Sustainability & DEIAB in business events : a shifting tempo or lasting commitment ?
SOOLNUA ’ S FOUNDER AND SITE RESEARCH CONSULTANT PÁDRAIC GILLIGAN , EXPRESSES A FIRM BELIEF THAT SUSTAINABILITY AND DEI ARE NOT ABOUT COMPLIANCE OR VIRTUE SIGNALLING BUT ABOUT BUSINESS RESILIENCE AND UNCHAINED MELODY
O ver the past decade , the global business events industry has been marching – sometimes steadily , sometimes hesitantly – to a shifting rhythm . Initially , the beat was set by sustainability , and more recently , ESG ( Environmental , Social , and Governance ) priorities , with a particular emphasis on DEIAB ( Diversity , Equity , Inclusion , Accessibility , and Belonging ).
I say ‘ hesitantly ’ because this evolution has been anything but uniform . While some regions have embraced sustainability more swiftly , the US has conspicuously lagged behind . Conversely , when it comes to DEIAB – particularly racial diversity – the US has often taken the lead .
But now , there ’ s a new sheriff in town , or , to extend the musical analogy , a new conductor on the podium in the US . He ’ s clearly not a fan of the rather progressive score that has shaped the industry ’ s recent evolution . In response , many highprofile corporate leaders , the first chairs in this grand orchestra of commerce , are scrambling to align their sheet music .
Their sudden pivot feels less like conviction and more like a desperate attempt to stay in harmony with the shifting power dynamics . Hypocrisy or expediency ? You choose .
The question remains : what should we do ? First , we must recognise that sustainability and DEIAB are not passing trends . Climate change is still accelerating , and systemic inequities still exist . To pretend otherwise is to ignore both economic realities and societal
Above : Pádraic Gilligan
expectations . The business events industry , by its very nature , is global . While some markets may retreat from these priorities , others continue to set ambitious goals . Those who abandon these values risk falling behind .
Second , we need to push past the noise and focus on action . It ’ s easy to issue statements ; it ’ s harder to embed these principles into procurement policies , supply chains , hiring practices , and event design . If a company truly believes in sustainability and DEIAB , it must continue integrating them into its core operations , even when external pressures make it politically inconvenient .
Third , the industry must work together to hold organisations accountable . Peer pressure – when applied effectively – can be a powerful motivator . Benchmarking , transparency , and shared best practices can help ensure that companies maintain their commitments . We must also recognise that backsliding comes with a cost , not just reputationally but financially , as younger generations of consumers and employees increasingly demand ethical business practices .
Finally , we should reframe the narrative . Sustainability and DEIAB are not about compliance or virtue signalling ; they are about business resilience and long-term profitability . A more sustainable events industry is a more cost-effective one . An industry that prioritises diversity is an industry that attracts the best talent . The strongest economies , the most dynamic businesses , and the most innovative ideas emerge from environments that embrace complexity , difference , and forwardthinking strategies .
So , while the tempo may be shifting , we must not abandon the music entirely . The challenge for the business events industry is to keep playing – perhaps adjusting the arrangement , but never losing sight of the melody . Because the world is listening , and the next generation of event professionals will not accept silence as an option . n
ISSUE 135 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 13