29 Events Future
Trinity College . Dublin
delegates ) and an increase in interest around incentives from overseas .
“ Wellness and sustainability remain key priorities for organisers and , as a destination , this is something that aligns with our values ,” says Steven . “ We have witnessed a big switch towards CSRled incentives and sustainable travel and venue options in recent years .”
With budgets under scrutiny , there are opportunities to get creative and explore options that achieve the same goals but at lower cost , Steven notes , and points out VisitScotland can connect with transport providers , social enterprises , local businesses , and charities to allow clients to experience first hand how a region or city can work together to add value to an event .
So , how does she think ‘ the future ’ of events will look ?
“ The future looks green ! Destinations need to ensure they are aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals ( UN SDGs ) and that this ethos is filtering through to stakeholders and industry .
“ Scotland is already an industry leader in sustainability and with VisitScotland ’ s Journey to Change movement , we are thrilled that our partners are continuing this at their
own level . Luxury events can be sustainable , and we need to ensure that we are exploring new opportunities and collaborations to strengthen this .”
Value in Ireland Adding a perspective from across the water , Ciara Gallagher and Paul Mockler from Fáilte Ireland , and David Boyce , Tourism Ireland , all say that when attracting international conferences to Ireland their primary focus has been on the resulting economic value . However , they do note a global shift in perspective , with a growing emphasis on the broader impact that conferences can deliver for both the association and the destination itself .
As an island , they say , it is critical that Ireland plays its part in reducing carbon footprint . Cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is the goal .
Examples of international conferences Ireland has hosted that have created multiple positive impacts include Velo-city 2019 , which played a crucial role in enhancing cycling infrastructure , resource allocation , and safety across Dublin . While the Globe Learning Expedition in Kerry in 2018 presented a forward-looking vision for environmental research projects , raising awareness of pressing environmental challenges . And the European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference , held in Galway in 2018 , led to continued funding for impactful health research . Now more than ever , it is important that the host destination ensures the mission of the association can be achieved locally .
Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland jointly promote the island of Ireland as a business events destination under the ‘ Meet in Ireland ’ brand and the agencies are keen to collaborate to integrate the broader social and environmental impacts of international conferences and events . Technical advancements , the agencies stress , can have a positive impact on the environment , for example , mobile apps provide real-time updates , event schedules , venue information and maps , which all makes it easier to navigate large scale events or conferences . At the same time these apps have resulted in significant reduction in the requirement for paper and printing .
Both Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are keen to stress that the island ’ s events industry is more than keen to roll out the ‘ green carpet ’ and promise their agencies are doing everything within their gift to ensure events are a success and are remembered by those that attend .
“ The teams behind the Meet in Ireland brand , and the Dublin Convention Bureau ,” they point out , “ actively participate in several international alliances including the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe ( SANCBE ), the International Alliance for Impact and also the Best Cities Alliance . These Alliances are all sharing knowledge and insights to help shape the future of the business events industry , encouraging best practice and thought leadership .” CN www . conference-news . co . uk