July 8, 2024 8 minutes reading

Act or face removal: Net Zero Events signatories warned

Net Zero Carbon Events signatories will be removed from the list if they fail to show tangible CO2 reduction efforts, it has been announced.

The move imposes an added layer of responsibility on eventprofs to uphold their climate action commitments, a senior leader with the initiative told ExpoPlatform. Read more about it below.

Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:

Act now or face removal: Net Zero event signatories warned
Easyfairs, Fiera Milano win UFI awards for sustainability and industry partnership
The Business of Events outlines policy recommendations for incoming government
California’s Honest Pricing Law takes effect – what it means for eventprofs
IAEE makes key leadership changes

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Act now face removal: Net Zero event signatories warned

Signatories to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative will now be required to demonstrate tangible actions towards reducing their carbon footprint or face removal from the program.

This move signifies the initiative’s commitment to holding signatories accountable for their sustainability pledges.

A senior leader of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – which hosts the scheme – confirmed to ExpoPlatform that signatories must submit proof of their emissions reduction efforts every two years.

Alexander Alles, executive director of the JMIC, said: “The names of those who fail to report every two years taking tangible actions to reduce their emissions will be removed from the list of signatories on the website.

“As an initiative we are eager to showcase that the meetings industry is eager to combat climate change and that we do our part.

“At the same time, we fully recognise that the vast majority of the industry stakeholders are small and medium size enterprises. This is very much reflected in among the signatories.

“They do not have dedicated teams of people who deal only with the topic of sustainability.

“Capacity building and support is crucial in order to make sustainability more understandable, which is what we are doing right now after the guidance documents have been developed.”

Launched at COP26 in 2021 with over 100 initial signatories, the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge underscores the events industry’s commitment to combating climate change.

Each signatory has pledged to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s targets to limit warming to 1.5°C and cut global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030.

Easyfairs, Fiera Milano win UFI awards for sustainability and industry partnership

Easyfairs has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability by winning the 2024 UFI Sustainable Development Award. Meanwhile, Fiera Milano was named the winner of the 2024 UFI Industry Partner Award.

The prestigious awards honor:

Outstanding sustainability initiatives and innovations within the events sector.
Initiatives that highlight the power of collaboration among industry partners, leading to successful exhibitions.

This year’s sustainability award by UFI focused on ‘Best example of sustainability integration into business proposals’ – an area where Easyfairs’ comprehensive approach stood out.

The company’s submission highlighted the inherent sustainability of its business model as well as its overarching ESG (environmental, social, and governance) plan that engages stakeholders at all levels.

Two other notable finalists for the award were Jaarbeurs from the Netherlands, with their project ‘Accelerating sustainability at our trade shows and events’, and RX France, with ‘Our sustainability strategy in action’.

On the other hand, the Industry Partner 2024 Award, themed ‘Synergy in Action: Honouring Collaborative Excellence’ recognized Fiera Milano and Montecolino for their innovative green stand design through joint research and development.

The other finalist was ADITUS (Germany) with ‘Building Digital Bridges for Trade Shows: The ADITUS x LinkedIn Community Builder v2.0’.

The Business of Events outlines policy recommendations for incoming government

The Business of Events has outlined seven recommendations in its events policy agenda for the incoming UK government.

The agenda is aimed at boosting the UK’s economy and fostering knowledge exchange through events.

It also serves to act as a guide for the incoming administration and policymakers on the significant opportunities within the UK’s events sector.

Here are the key recommendations:

Updating SIC codes: Ensuring the events industry is accurately represented and receives targeted support.
Simplifying visa processes: Enhancing international collaboration for both inbound and outbound events post-Brexit.
Event tax credit: Offering financial incentives to attract new events and support existing ones.
Promoting international events: Increasing support to establish the UK as a premier global event destination.
Competitive support: Leveraging events to drive growth across various sectors.
Funding convention bureaus: Strengthening national and regional bureaus to boost economic development.
Utilizing events for policy goals: Employing business events as platforms to advance and showcase government policies.

The policy initiatives were developed after a comprehensive UK-wide consultation in 2023.

These recommendations aim to unlock significant growth in the UK events economy, leading to a stronger and more prosperous sector.

Director Martin Fullard said: “Before Parliament was dissolved, we were working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events on stress testing policy concepts.

“We hosted several events, including our flagship policy forum, where these subjects were explored and discussed.

“Everything here is broadly agreed upon as being essential for unlocking the industry’s potential.

He added: “This agenda will be presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events when it is reformed after the election and shared with Ministers and officials in various Departments and will form the basis of the scope of work for the next Parliament.

“These are recommendations we strongly believe the new government should explore and implement.”

California’s Honest Pricing Law takes effect – what it means for eventprofs

California has taken a stand against hidden fees which have been taking their toll on events.

Legislation – also known as the ‘Hidden Fees Statute’ – has significantly impacted the hotel industry – where covert costs such as resort, amenity, destination, urban or facility fees often inflate the final cost of a room.

These fees, typically $25-$60 per night, must now be included in advertised room rates, ensuring clear pricing for meeting professionals and event organizers.

Event hosts have historically struggled with hidden fees, negotiating to reduce or eliminate them, while attendees and exhibitors faced transparency issues.

The new law – SB 478 – ensures all mandatory charges are disclosed upfront.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said: “SB 478 ensures clear and honest communication with consumers, so we can make the financial choices that are best for us and our families.

“As the hidden fee law goes into effect, I want consumers to be aware of their rights and feel confident to advocate for the transparency SB 478 provides.

“We all win when laws are followed. This summer, enjoy California — without the hidden fees.”

Here’s a quick guide to the law’s key points:

Mandatory fees included: Businesses must disclose all mandatory fees in the advertised price, not just the base room rate or menu cost.
Optional fees excluded: Optional charges like snorkeling rentals or restaurant split fees don’t have to be included upfront.
Taxes and tips separate: Taxes and gratuities are not covered under this law.
Delivery fees transparent: Delivery service fees must be clear and upfront, with no hidden charges at checkout.

IAEE makes key leadership changes

The International Association of Exhibition and Events has made major leadership changes to bolster its operations and drive innovative digital strategies.

? Exciting news from #IAEE as Lisa Buchanan is promoted to SVP of Operations and Stephanie Phillips joins as Director of Digital Engagement and Member Experiences! Congratulations Lisa! And welcome to IAEE Stephanie! https://t.co/0b3PBcgKlY pic.twitter.com/TQ9PIFTXJN

— IAEE Headquarters (@IAEE_HQ) July 1, 2024

Lisa Buchanan has been promoted to Senior VP of Operations, and Stephanie Phillips joins as Director of Digital Engagement and Member Experiences.

In her new role, Buchanan will manage IAEE staff, oversee multiple departments, lead initiatives to grow membership and explore new revenue streams.

On the other hand, Stephanie will oversee the association’s digital tech, drive membership growth and retention and supervise daily member and customer engagement.

IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan said: “IAEE is undergoing exciting changes as we expand our membership and digital strategies.

“The knowledge and experience that Lisa and Stephanie bring to these initiatives will allow us to deliver the high quality and value that our members have come to expect and that we are continually committed to growing and improving.”

Buchanan joined IAEE in 2014 and became vice president of engagement and digital strategy in 2022. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in the medical and dental industry, overseeing various operational and business functions.

With over 14 years of experience, Phillips brings valuable expertise from her role as Marketing and Membership Manager at DMEC, excelling in membership, marketing, volunteers, events and programs management.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. Find out how our Meetings Makes Trees initiative can help your organization to offset carbon emissions. Book a meeting for more information now.