Events

12:00 - 12:30 local time - Jennifer explores  "Redefining Events In 2025: Impactful And Regenerative MICE Strategies" on stage two.

16:00 CET PM Session: A wave of powerful new EU regulations is reshaping the tourism landscape - and it’s not just about compliance.

It’s about opportunity.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGTD), and Green Claims Directive (GCD) will set bold new standards - and forward-thinking DMOs have a chance to step up as sustainability leaders. Join experts from the GDS-Movement and the European Travel Commission (ETC) for a high-impact webinar that breaks down what these directives mean for destinations, and how you can turn regulation into regeneration.

In this session, you’ll learn how to: Understand and prepare for the key EU sustainability directives affecting tourism Take practical steps to ensure compliance and reduce risk Guide your local tourism ecosystem through regulatory changes Unlock new opportunities for funding, trust, and leadership

Expert Speakers:

• Antonia Alomar, EU Projects Lead, and Public Policy, GDS-Movement
• Guy Bigwood, CEO and Chief Changemaker, GDS-Movement
• Teodora Marinska, COO and Head of Public Affairs, ETC

10:00 CET AM Session: A wave of powerful new EU regulations is reshaping the tourism landscape - and it’s not just about compliance.

It’s about opportunity.

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive (ECGTD), and Green Claims Directive (GCD) will set bold new standards - and forward-thinking DMOs have a chance to step up as sustainability leaders. Join experts from the GDS-Movement and the European Travel Commission (ETC) for a high-impact webinar that breaks down what these directives mean for destinations, and how you can turn regulation into regeneration.

In this session, you’ll learn how to: Understand and prepare for the key EU sustainability directives affecting tourism Take practical steps to ensure compliance and reduce risk Guide your local tourism ecosystem through regulatory changes Unlock new opportunities for funding, trust, and leadership

Expert Speakers:

• Antonia Alomar, EU Projects Lead, and Public Policy, GDS-Movement
• Guy Bigwood, CEO and Chief Changemaker, GDS-Movement
• Teodora Marinska, COO and Head of Public Affairs, ETC

14:05 - 14:50 CET - Milda will be exploring "Sustainable event solutions: Strategies for success" in a dedicated Education Session.  Find her at the Inspiration Hub, Hall 9 | IMEX Campfire.  

Dive into the real-world application of sustainability and regenerative practices in event design and delivery. Drawing from real examples, explore what it takes to move beyond basics to impactful, measurable strategies at every stage of event planning. From reduction strategies, logistics and carbon tracking to innovative material sourcing and responsible supplier partnerships, discover how to create events that leave a lasting positive impact and minimized footprint.  

Learning outcomes: - Hear pioneering examples of sustainability in action
- Unlock regenerative strategies to create events that restore rather than deplete resources
- Gain practical tools to elevate your event planning with cutting-edge sustainability solutions  

This session is approved for the following certifications. * ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 5: Business and Market Planning, 0.75 Credits * CSEP Approved

13:45 - 14:30 CET - Guy and Bella will be "Exploring global trends and data insights in regenerative events and destinations" in a dedicated Education Session.  Find them at the IMEX People and Planet Theatre.  

Dive into the latest global trends, regenerative initiatives and data-driven insights shaping event destinations worldwide. Learn how to leverage sustainability, navigate inclusion efforts and craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Gain invaluable insights into the growing significance of third-party certification of venues and hotels, and its impact on event planning and destination management. Equip yourself with strategies for driving positive change and creating transformative event experiences.  

Learning outcomes: - Acquire insights into the current global trends, influencing event destinations and their sustainability efforts
- Learn from case studies highlighting regenerative practices in events and destinations
- Explore techniques for crafting captivating narratives, and storytelling skills

  This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 5: Business and Market Planning, 0.75 Credits
* CSEP Approved

14:30 - 14:55 CET - "Subventions for good: leveraging funding to drive sustainability and impact" (initial results). Presented by Conferli - The Conference Matchmaker in partnership with #MEET4IMPACT and GDS-Movement, and introduced by GDS-Movement's Guy Bigwood, this research asks, "how can subventions drive sustainability and impact in events?" Find Conferli's session at the Inspiration Hub, Hall 9 | IMEX People and Planet Theatre. Full report coming soon.

It explores new research from Conferli, #Meet4Impact and GDS-Movement on how destinations use subventions to foster positive change.  

Hear key findings, best practices and actionable insights to help associations and destinations align funding with sustainability and societal goals.  

Learning outcomes:
- Explore how subventions can be leveraged to drive sustainability and impact in events
- Identify best practices from destinations and associations using subventions to create positive change
- Apply research insights to optimize subvention strategies for maximum impact

This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 5: Business and Market Planning, 0.5 Credits
* CSEP Approved

11:00 CET - Guy explores the GDS-Movement perspective on "Pragmatic Optimism in Times of Uncertainty". Tourism can be more than an economic driver - it can be a catalyst for resilience, inclusion, and renewal. This keynote explores how cities like Luxembourg are embracing regenerative tourism to create lasting value. Grounded in pragmatic optimism, Guy shares how tourism can restore ecosystems, elevate communities, and build cities that thrive - socially, culturally, and environmentally.

8 May, 14:00 - 15:00 local time - Alejandra H. Zita presents "Sustainability in Latin American Events with a Case Study on the Intermoda Guadalajara Event" at 54º Congreso Latinoamericano de la Industria de Ferias y Convenciones (AFIDA) in Spanish. This session will deliver a practical approach and a pertinent case study from Latin America on the path toward sustainable event management.

AFIDA-active members can attend free; all others pay the relevant event fee:

• Companions of active AFIDA members $200 USD
• AFIDA partners $250 USD
• Non-AFIDA members $300 USD