How can subventions drive sustainability and impact in events? Explore 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

IMEX People and Planet Theatre, Stand 9007

Subventions for good: leveraging funding to drive sustainability and impact

Impact

Education session

A comprehensive analysis of the current and up-coming changes in the global business events world, offering valuable insights for industry leaders, meeting planners and association representatives. The BestCities Global Alliance discusses the latest and most significant environmental, economic, political, legal, social and technological factors affecting global business events.Learning outcomes:Gain a deeper understanding of the factors that are affecting business events on a macro level in EMEA, the Americas and APACLearn strategies to navigate these complexities successfullyGain a deeper understanding of the power of working with an allianceThis session is approved for the following certifications. * ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 1: Understanding the Market, 0.75 Credits * CMP/CEU Approved: 0.75 CE hour * CSEP Approved

Going global? What factors are affecting international meetings around the world

Trends and Research

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is paramount. Explore the essential role of sustainable destination thinking in shaping the future. Discover the framework for achieving triple impact—environmental, social and economic. Be inspired by real-world case studies that showcase tangible results, setting the stage for a thought-provoking panel discussion. Hear from destination representatives as they share their ESG-focused sustainability initiatives and explore key questions around balancing business objectives with environmental and social responsibility.Learning outcomes:Balance sustainability with business objectivesEmpower your clients, team and partners to drive positive changeGain practical strategies to deliver more measurable, sustainable eventsThis session is approved for the following certifications. * ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 5: Business and Market Planning,0.75 credits * CMP/CEU Approved: 0.75 * CSEP Approved

Research Pod, Stand 9008

Elevating event sustainability with ESG-driven agency, brand and destination thinking

Be the first to hear findings from the Global Association Research Initiative, launching at IMEX. Discover key trends shaping associations and what they mean for destinations, venues and suppliers. Gain insights into how the sector is evolving&mdash;and how the events industry can respond.

Learning outcomes:

Discover key trends shaping the future of associations and their events

Understand how these trends will impact associations and their event partners

Gain practical insights you can immediately apply to generate more impactful outcomes

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 1: Understanding the Market, 0.75 credits

* CMP/CEU Approved: 0.75

* CSEP Approved

Global Association Research Initiative: Key findings and what they mean for you

It is a time of rapid change and as an industry we need to respond. What if the global events industry could stimulate an even bigger, more positive impact next year as we hit the psychologically powerful midpoint of the decade? We invite you to join these industry leaders in delving into the challenges we face today as we prove the value of events to stakeholders and the next generation of talent. Where are we failing? What are the areas we need to focus our energy on as we plan to meet aggressive 2030 targets? 
 
From AI to carbon, talent recruitment and retention in our industry, we must focus and move forward with intention and impact. What are the key opportunities in our sights that didn&rsquo;t exist last year? How can we engage our industry and incite action to positive outcomes?

Learning outcomes:

Identify our industry&rsquo;s most immediate and pressing challenges

Generate ideas for moving with intention to incite actions that address these

Demonstrate the power of live events in creating momentum for change

IMEX Canyon, Stand 9002

2025 State of the industry: Intention to Action

Leadership and Culture

Legacy, education, connection, community: these are the aspirational goals for associations hosting events. Revenue generation, membership retention and growth, industry representation: these are the practical goals. Growth goals can be fast-tracked through the events you host. Selecting destinations that understand how to marry local intellectual capital, host support, 3-P sustainable thinking (the balance between people, planet and profit) and your need to leave your mark, can elevate the experience, please both stakeholders and participants and leave a legacy. Come away with practical suggestions and share your ideas for growing forward.

Learning outcomes:

Explore multiple opportunities where destinations can support associations

Know the questions to ask that go beyond rates-dates-space

Formulate ideas for legacy and growth

This session is approved for the following certifications.

* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 7: Building the Value and Impact of the Convention Industry, 0.75 Credits

* CSEP Approved