Meetings, congresses, and international events are no longer just spaces for professional or academic exchange, but key platforms to advance sustainability agendas, diplomacy, and inclusive economic development.
One of the major current challenges is the need to integrate sustainability standards and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks in a structured and coherent way into event planning, operations, and legacy. Achieving this requires coordinated efforts among industry associations, government actors, and venue operators. Global initiatives led by organizations such as ICCA, EIC, and JMIC aim to generate strategic alignment that facilitates the adoption of best practices, promotes the measurement of real impacts, and accelerates industry transformation.
Sustainability Must Be at the Core of Every Strategy in the Meetings Industry
Sustainability is no longer optional or cosmetic; it is a fundamental condition for the future viability of destinations and the MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). This involves rethinking everything from carbon footprint and resource consumption to social inclusion, cultural respect, and the long-term legacy events leave on host communities.
In this context, Latin America holds unique competitive advantages. Its biodiversity, cultural heritage, and strong community networks provide a solid foundation to build a distinctive and powerful value proposition. However, there are still gaps in how the region communicates, articulates, and projects these strengths internationally. Countries like Costa Rica have successfully led the implementation of sustainable practices in meetings tourism, proving that profitability can be combined with environmental and social responsibility. The challenge now is to scale this model and consolidate a cohesive regional narrative positioning Latin America as a sustainability benchmark in events.
Latin America Has the Potential to Lead with Its Biodiversity and Cultural Wealth
This also requires greater government involvement. Public policies, strategic investments, and regulations are essential pieces to drive structural transformations. Dialogue between the meetings industry and policymakers must be strengthened, moving beyond traditional spaces into the political and economic spheres of countries. It is vital for authorities to understand the cross-cutting value of this sector: its capacity to boost local economies, attract knowledge, foster innovation, and generate international relationships.
The coming years will demand concrete results. It is imperative to move from speeches to action plans, with clear roadmaps, measurable objectives, and monitoring mechanisms. In this regard, initiatives such as “Vision 2030” for Latin America are emerging, seeking to establish a strategic framework with specific indicators guiding the development of a more sustainable, resilient, and integrated meetings industry.
Events Not Only Connect People, They Also Drive Global Agendas
Sustainability must stop being seen as a long-term goal and become an immediate competitive tool. Destinations that embrace this vision today will gain advantages not only in reputation but also economically. Clients, organizers, and participants increasingly value ethical coherence, positive impact, and genuine commitment to the environment.
Ultimately, the meetings industry faces a historic opportunity. By becoming a driving force behind environmental, social, and diplomatic agendas, it can establish itself as a true engine of global change. The key lies in recognizing this role, embracing it responsibly, and building partnerships to make it possible. Latin America has much to contribute, and the time to raise its voice and lead is now.
Commercial Manager, Costa Rica Convention Center
CEO, ICCA
Regional Director, ICCA Latin America and the Caribbean
Founder and CEO of Factum
