Practical Solutions for Hosting an Inclusive and Sustainable Conference
As this year’s ACCESSE24 showed, creating a more inclusive and sustainable future is critical to the organizational success of STEM societies and associations.
Embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA)—and sociocultural sustainability—can help harness the talents of diverse memberships and power excellence.
Conferences are no exception, as delegates are more motivated than ever to see these values incorporated into the events they attend, seeking to make a positive impact themselves.
That’s why Destination Canada created the Sustainability Storybook, presenting imaginative yet practical sustainability solutions for business events across Canada and around the world.
The storybook provides inspiration for event planners and organizations with real insights and tangible tools for sustainable event planning—so you can meet your delegates’ expectations.
Each sustainability solution in the storybook is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), an internationally recognized shared framework for achieving a better and more sustainable future—and a common language that unites us all.
Here are just a few examples of the initiatives being practiced at business events across Canada, to support DEIA and sociocultural sustainability:
Indigenous Fashion Show—Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta
The Indigenous Fashion Show supported by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism integrates Indigenous voices into event programming by offering a platform for Indigenous communities to share their cultural heritage and creative expressions.
This initiative is grounded in collaborations with Indigenous designers, artisans and community leaders, ensuring authenticity. The showcase fosters cultural appreciation, empowerment and community engagement, aiming to amplify Indigenous voices and celebrate their rich cultural traditions.
Indigenous programming fosters partnerships that work towards reducing inequalities by celebrating and empowering all voices. It promotes economic growth by providing opportunities for designers and artisans to showcase and sell their work. This collaborative effort addresses social, economic and cultural dimensions, while highlighting the wealth of Indigenous cultures.
Metro Hub—Kelowna, British Columbia
Metro Centre, comprised of Metro Hub event space and Metro Community outreach centre, offers an innovative way for meeting planners to foster social sustainability through venue selection.
Every event booked at Metro Hub directly supports Metro Community, which enhances the lives of people experiencing homelessness. From helping to reduce poverty to supporting sustainable communities, Metro Hub demonstrates event organizers’ commitment to community engagement—and ensures attendees feel positive about their impact.
Metro Hub demonstrates how business events can positively impact local communities and support sustainable tourism practices. It promotes inclusivity, strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of belonging among diverse groups. By providing a space for learning, creativity and celebration, Metro Hub dismantles barriers to cultural participation and plays a pivotal role in promoting understanding and tolerance.
Cultural Experience Guidebook—Québec City, Québec
The Cultural Experience Guidebook helps event organizers incorporate Québec City’s rich history and vibrant culture into their events. Through guided tours, visits to historic sites and cultural activities, participants can immerse themselves in the city’s heritage, blending French, English and First Nations influences.
Planners can partner with locals to host events at unique venues like museums, historic buildings and Indigenous sites, creating memorable experiences that showcase cultural richness in the city and foster community connection.
Spotlighting history and culture in the region contributes to building sustainable cities and communities. Incorporating a cultural experience into your event supports quality education by providing attendees with opportunities to learn about different cultures, peoples, practices, traditions and histories, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.
Community Project Playbook—St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Community Project Playbook offers meeting planners in St. John’s meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) opportunities. The project connects planners with partners to increase charitable involvement during events.
Activities range from engaging in equine therapy and facility maintenance to preparing meals, building homes, supporting people with autism and organizing food pantries. This initiative provides opportunities for purposeful CSR engagement, enriching both events and the local community.
By connecting planners with diverse activities, it fosters community involvement, addresses pressing social needs and allows your event to create a positive social impact in the host destination.
IDEAS Guide—Toronto, Ontario
The IDEAS Guide is an invaluable resource for meeting planners in Toronto, offering comprehensive information on individuals, businesses and initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and eco-conscious events.
The guide is packed with expert advice, insights, initiatives, checklists and resources covering inclusive event design, social procurement, accessible transportation options, food waste reduction and more. It also provides tangible solutions for crafting a code of conduct, navigating public and active transportation, connecting with local communities, and facilitating team-building activities.
The IDEAS Guide goes beyond high-level concepts and showcases detailed resources that are available to event planners in Toronto to support DEI and sustainability initiatives. It highlights the city’s network of local experts and partners enabling meaningful collaboration and engagement which results in inclusive and sustainable events.
Voluntourism—Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tourism Winnipeg’s Voluntourism initiative streamlines the process of arranging volunteer opportunities for conference attendees. Conference organizers are provided with a list of community volunteer opportunities with established Tourism Winnipeg partners like Habitat for Humanity, Take Pride Winnipeg, Winnipeg Harvest and the Winnipeg Humane Society.
Conference attendees can engage in hands-on activities that contribute positively to the local community while enhancing their experience in the city and creating authentic connections. Through these activities, the community receives additional support and assistance from volunteers, leaving a lasting impact and fostering a sense of goodwill.
What will you do for a more inclusive and sustainable event?
We invite you to read the Sustainability Storybook—and be inspired by its myriad of initiatives fostering environmental, sociocultural and economic sustainability. Together, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for all, in Canada and beyond.
Get in touch
To learn more about hosting sustainable, inclusive events in Canada, visit businesseventscanada.ca. Alternatively, reach out to Virginie De Visscher, Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada at [email protected] or +1 204-802-0920
