Sustainable Development Goals: A path to legacy/ impact building in a Conference destination

Sustainable tourism: SDG 12 aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, and tourism is a significant contributor to this goal. Conferences can reduce their environmental footprint by minimizing waste and implementing sustainable practices in areas such as transportation, food (catering), and energy use.

Local engagement: Conferences can align with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Conferences can engage with local communities and organizations to co-create solutions and leave a positive legacy in the host destination.

Economic impact: Conferences can align with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Conferences can ensure that the local economy benefits from the event by sourcing supplies and services locally and providing job opportunities.

Inclusion: Conferences can align with SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequality and ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Conferences can ensure that marginalized groups, such as women, youth, and indigenous communities, are included and benefit from the event.

Knowledge sharing: Conferences can align with SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Conferences can provide opportunities for attendees to learn about and engage with the host destination and its culture, as well as share knowledge with the local community.

So, this shows how the SDGs can provide a comprehensive framework for conference organizers to consider when planning and executing events. By aligning with the SDGs, conferences can contribute to a sustainable legacy and positive impact in their host destinations.

However, we see that currently this is mostly driven by a destination and still very much focuses on short term solutions. For many associations it is still not common practice to integrate this into their RFP process. It is a very siloed approach and not integrated in the organizational goals. As we see the pressure continuing we love to take it a step further.
We see that more and more associations are choosing specific SDG’s to incorporate into their organizations strategy. And that brings us to the following:

What will the impact be if an association that focusses on a specific SDG, aligns with a destination that also focuses on the same SDG? This will deliver:

• Shared focus: If both the association and the destination focus on the same SDG, they can collaborate and leverage each other's strengths to achieve their shared goals. For example, if both the association and the destination are focused on SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), they can work together to reduce waste and implement sustainable practices during the conference.

• Mutual benefits: By aligning with a destination on this topic, the association can have a positive impact on the local community and environment while also achieving its own sustainability goals.

• Increased impact: When the association and the destination collaborate, they can pool their resources and expertise to achieve a greater impact than they could individually.

• Positive reputation: By demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the association and the destination can enhance their reputation and build credibility with stakeholders, attendees, and the wider public.

• Increased engagement: Aligning with a destination that shares the same SDG focus can increase engagement and participation from attendees, when communicated effectively, who are likely to be motivated by the shared goals and values.

In conclusion, aligning with a destination that shares the same SDG focus can lead to a range of benefits for both the association and the destination, including increased impact, positive reputation, and increased engagement.

But that is a nice thought, but how are you going to find a destination that matches the SDG’s of your association? At Conferli we have created a very easy-to-use a filter for this specific topic. Signing up is free of charge and you can just select a specific Sustainable development goal and only get matched to the destinations that also do focus on this/these SDG’s. However (hard to admit of course) there are other ways an association can find each other to determine the best location for a conference:

Online research: Both the destination and the association can research each other online to see if they share similar goals and values, including a focus on sustainability and the SDGs.

Networking: The association can reach out to relevant professional networks, such as industry associations and trade groups, to identify destinations that are well-suited for their conference. Meanwhile, destinations can attend industry events and conferences to connect with potential conference organizers.

Referrals: Both the association and the destination can ask for recommendations and referrals from colleagues, partners, and friends. This can provide valuable insight into the compatibility of the two organizations and the potential for a successful collaboration.

RFP process: The association can issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to a select number of destinations, outlining their requirements and goals for the conference. Destinations can respond to the RFP and showcase their capabilities, facilities, and commitment to sustainability.

Site visits: Both the association and the destination can visit each other to get a better understanding of their respective capabilities and compatibility. This can help to build trust and establish a relationship that can lead to a successful collaboration.

So there are several ways for a destination and an association to find each other and determine the best location for a conference. By taking a proactive approach and considering factors such as compatibility, sustainability, and mutual benefits, both organizations can ensure a successful and impactful collaboration.

However sustainability is often not included in the RFP process, and that will be a must in order to drive more focus towards the SDG’s. This will require a new approach and strategy. We need to realize that it is not a quick fix and that it should be part of a long-term strategy. In our next blog, we will elaborate more on why it is not part of the RFP process yet and what needs to be changed in order to do so.

Do you have specific thoughts or input on that, we would love to hear it so please reach out to us.