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need technology solutions to allow them to be flexible in event format in these post- Covid-19 times .
Teeken talks about how they have updated the building ’ s infrastructure with interactive screens and hybrid event capabilities , especially on the academy floor of the building . “ A lot of the courses and training are held on this floor , but also smaller meetings , like interviews , can be held .”
She goes on to reinforce this development message , saying : “ We ’ ve invested and have updated a lot of our technology , so that people can conduct faceto-face meetings in a hybrid way too .”
This is not just for training purposes , however , as The IoD itself represents a global community , making hybrid meetings a must . Teekens explains : “ We have board meetings where not every
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member is based in the same country , so hybrid meetings work practically as well as contributing to reducing our carbon footprint . It ’ s easier for people to join via a screen when you can hear well throughout the room . You can ’ t do without it anymore .”
Sustain the course As with all event professionals , especially ones with venues , Teekens is conscious of her sustainability impact , when it comes to both putting on events and the day-to-day running of the business .
This means working with what is available post-event to create a business case for running things sustainably .
Teekens says : “ I think for our own people , we focus a lot on what we can do to make sure that we do the sustainable aspect here in the building also . We hardly ever pay for any signage ,
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“ The historical aspect is really important to share with corporate events .” |
as it ’ s all recyclable .
“ We don ’ t put that many things on desks or tables – if we do , it ’ s only things made from recyclable material .”
Teekens adds : “ We are trying to make our venue as sustainable as possible . For the third year in a row , the 116 Pall Mall building has won Planet Mark certification .
“ The certification recognises continuous improvement for organisations and real estate , working towards zero carbon goals .”
It ’ s not just the awards Teekens highlights though , she mentions that the venue has reduced its carbon footprint by 51 % over the past three years .
“ We ’ re proud of that ,” she continues . “ We ’ re doing a lot to get the right food and drink in a sustainable way to the building . Every supplier we work with needs to have a sustainability policy , as well as an inclusion and diversity policy .” CN
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