The official convention bureau for Cambridge and the surrounding area, Meet Cambridge, recently held an industry event to mark its 25th anniversary.
‘Events: Matters Arising’ took place at King’s College and welcomed 99 event professionals, including both organisers and venues.
At the event, panel discussions focused on sustainability, impact and legacy. Industry professionals discussed and responded to audience questions on how each saw these goals affecting the meetings industry and those working in it.
Recommendations included: the importance of starting to track event sustainability with plans and goals, possibly using a carbon calculator; the need for greater awareness of career opportunities in the sector among young people to solve the skills gap; and how event organisers should review programme content to ensure greater diversity and inclusion, involving local speakers where possible.
Panelists included: Nick Milne, domestic bursar, Robinson College; Chris Skeith, OBE, CEO Association of Event Organisers; Madalina Marincas, director, Opening Doors and Venues; Martin Fullard, associate director, The Business of Events; Sandra Eyre, director of business development, The Meetings Industry Association; and Emma Cutting, community manager, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Commenting on the event, Judith Sloane, head of Meet Cambridge, said: “Our role as the convention bureau is constantly evolving and we can’t rest on our laurels. Sustainability is pivotal.
“As part of the business events industry, we have a responsibility to do all we can to mitigate the negative impacts on our environment that events held in Cambridge can have by encouraging all those involved to create opportunities at their events to deliver a positive impact.”’
