Radisson Hotel Group and GDS-Movement have unveiled a new roadmap designed to bridge the gap between sustainability ambitions and practical implementation in the meetings and events industry. Despite 66% of associations recognising sustainability as crucial, only 34% have integrated it into their operations, with a mere 3% boasting advanced sustainability programmes. The guide, titled "Accelerating Sustainable & Regenerative Events: A Guide for Associations & PCOs," aims to assist associations and professional congress organisers (PCOs) in embedding sustainability into event planning, delivery, and reporting.

The guide was launched in Brussels and draws on insights from the GDS-Index, a benchmarking programme for destination sustainability. It highlights the complexity faced by associations managing multiple events across various destinations and suppliers. Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, stated, "The industry does not have a sustainability awareness problem; it has an implementation challenge."

The roadmap outlines five key actions for enhancing sustainability in events: early collaboration with destination partners, prioritising certified suppliers, integrating social impact initiatives, adopting low-carbon mobility strategies, and implementing sustainability-linked frameworks. Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement, emphasised the role of destinations, saying, "Destinations play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition towards sustainable and regenerative events."

This initiative reflects a shared commitment by Radisson Hotel Group and GDS-Movement to foster sustainability through practical action and collaboration. The full guide is available online, offering a foundation for delivering more sustainable events globally.

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