Impact is not accidental. It is engineered.

For decades, associations have understood that conferences create value. They bring communities together, accelerate knowledge exchange and strengthen professional networks.

Yet event success is often measured through attendance, satisfaction scores and revenue.

Destination Canada’s Legacy & Impact Study set out to understand what happens beyond those metrics. Over three years, the study analyzed 15 international business events hosted across Canada to uncover what creates lasting economic, social and environmental impact.

For STEM societies, these findings offer a practical framework for designing meetings that advance their missions.

Look beyond traditional event metrics

Business events create value far beyond short-term economic activity in the host destination. The study tracked outcomes across eight interconnected areas: intellectual, social, policy, human, financial, cultural, natural and built impacts.

For STEM societies, these outcomes can include research collaborations, stronger professional networks, workforce development, policy influence and visibility for emerging disciplines.

The 2023 International Conference on Isotopes in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, demonstrated how conferences contribute to sector advancement, helping accelerate new isotope production and strengthen global supply chains for cancer treatment.

TCU Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Understand impact as a chain reaction

The study found that impact develops as a chain reaction. Individual learning and connections create organizational change, which can influence communities, sectors and destinations over time.

For associations, this provides a practical way to understand how delegate experiences can evolve into broader outcomes, from professional advancement and innovation to policy influence and sector growth.

Build legacy from the start

Events that generated extraordinary impact consistently demonstrated three foundations: intentional design, strategic collaborations and sustained stewardship.

For STEM societies, that means defining legacy goals early, engaging the right partners and committing to follow-up after the event concludes.

The 2022 Insects to Feed the World Conference in Québec City, Québec, adopted a strategic action plan before the event, creating a roadmap to track, measure and communicate achievements over time.

Québec City Convention Centre, Québec City, Québec
Photo Credit: Kesnel-Charles Pelletier

Use accelerators to deepen impact

The study also identified 18 impact accelerators that help expand and deepen outcomes.

These include success factors such as government participation, destination marketing organization involvement and policy alignment, alongside legacy drivers such as knowledge transfer, capacity building, sector innovation and advocacy activities.

Together, they provide practical levers for strengthening the long-term value of meetings and conferences.

Design for inclusion and shared benefit

The role of inclusion was another important finding.

Events that intentionally incorporate diverse perspectives create stronger outcomes, broader participation and more widely shared benefits. For STEM societies, this means creating opportunities for emerging professionals, underrepresented groups and diverse voices to help shape the future of their fields.

The 2024 One Young World Summit in Montréal, Québec, demonstrated this approach by amplifying Indigenous voices through dedicated programming, strengthening representation and global dialogue.

Palais des Congrès de Montréal, Montréal Québec
Photo Credit: Stéphan Poulin - Tourisme Montréal

Create outcomes that outlast your event

For associations ready to think beyond the closing session, the evidence is clear. Conferences can deliver far more than short-term returns—when planned with intention.

To read the complete Legacy & Impact Study Final Report and case studies, visit the Destination Canada website.