Value of CSR to be assessed

CSR for meeting and event industry- 3 year study for MPI launched

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has commissioned my team to manage a three year study into the importance and value of corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the meeting and event industry. Writes Xavier Font

This study, the most comprehensive of its kind ever undertaken, intends to bring new insights into how the meeting and event industry can build a sustainable future through best practices. As part of this study, we will be surveying 37,000 meetings, conference and congress organisers, promoters, buyers and clients- the largest CSR survey of its kind.  The overall goal is to produce a detailed report against three core areas defined as external environment, industry engagement and consumer demand.

For a long time I have been saying that we place to much emphasis on leisure tourism, and we ought to focus on business travel- the conference, conventions, meetings and more broadly events industry are well placed to test whether sustainability certification and requirements for corporate disclosure on CSR are now a well established requirement to trade, and how this trend is evolving globally- studying all of MPI’s membership base, over three years, provides a wealth of data never compiled under one study before.

MPI intends to release results in three phases at major global industry events in the United States, Asia and across Europe mid-2012 through 2013. The launch of this research initiative is just one element of a major focus on CSR by MPI, made possible thanks to a US$500,000 investment in the MPI Foundation from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). More information about MPI’s comprehensive efforts in sustainability and social responsibility can be found through the CSR portal at mpiweb.org.

For Leeds Metropolitan University, this is an excellent opportunity for three departments to work together: 8 staff from the UK Centre for Events Management, International Centre for Responsible Tourism and the Centre for Hospitality will work on this project. This project aims to produce results for our Research Excellence Framework submission as it requires both academic publications and industry impact- the aim is to support MPI in developing its CSR policies and influence evidence based industry change.

Xavier Font

The Sustainable Tourism Report Suite 2011 Special Offers HERE