Destination Canada Launches Business Events’ Sustainability Storybook

Destination Canada’s Business Events team has launched the latest resource to come from its Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan, Canada’s Sustainability Storybook.

This sustainability storybook shares initiatives from communities which actively host business events and presents turnkey solutions to inspire and challenge business events decision makers, planners, sustainability professionals and host destinations, globally.

It was presented at the recent American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) annual meeting and expo, where Destination Canada was ASAE’s sustainability partner. Life sized displays of the many sustainable initiatives were shared within the Sustainability Story Pavilion, open to over 5,000 global delegates.

“I am so proud of our Team Canada partners who are acting as stewards of sustainability in the business events industry and for providing these unique, imaginative as well as practical solutions for others to emulate,” says Virginie De Visscher, Executive Director, Business Events at Destination Canada. “Our goal is to constantly keep Canada’s Business Events Sustainability Plan relevant by sharing tools and resources to our industry partners and clients.”  

When Destination Canada’s award-winning Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan was launched in 2022, it was a first-of-its-kind program aimed at improving the economic, socio-cultural and environmental sustainability practices of business events. The plan, which focuses on international association conferences, trade exhibitions, workshops, seminars, corporate meetings, and incentive group events, caught international attention and won awards due to Destination Canada’s openness for sharing best practices and learnings. It was also created by Destination Canada to be shared as an important best practice to help the global business industry achieve its goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming.  

Canada’s Business Events Sustainability Plan and the storybook are also inspired by Destination Canada’s 2030 strategy – A World of Opportunity – which aims to transform Canada’s tourism industry with a regenerative approach that creates sustainable, meaningful experiences for travellers and tangible economic, sociocultural and environmental benefits for all.

“Each sustainability solution in our book is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as the internationally recognised shared framework for achieving a better and more sustainable future,” says De Visscher.” It is a common language that unites us all.”

Examples of the initiatives shared within the storybook which is available on the official Destination Canada website, Sustainability Commitment | Destination Canada, include:

UPCYCLED EVENT FURNITURE, Ottawa, Ontario

Transform your event with stylish sustainability your attendees can feel

Upcycled furniture rentals, like those from LouLou Lounge, can elevate the experience of conference attendees and showcase the sustainability of event organisers. This chic furniture made from locally sourced reclaimed maple wood includes bars, cruiser tables, communal tables, coffee tables and end tables, with integrated LED lighting, designed to support responsible consumption, climate action — and a unique event ambience.

INDIGENOUS FASHION SHOWCASE, Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta

Celebrate rich cultures and create a captivating conference experience

Created in collaboration with Indigenous designers such as Stephanie Crowchild, founder and owner of Stephanie Eagletail Designs, along with artisans, and community leaders, the vibrant cutting-edge fashions celebrate Indigenous culture and leave a lasting impact on event attendees. Whether featured as an art installation at a cocktail reception or as the highlight of the conference agenda, these authentic designs are rooted in the unique cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. They offer a striking way to support decent work, reduce inequalities, build partnerships—and illuminate events with a deeper cultural understanding.

LOCAL POP-UP MARKETS, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Immerse attendees in a neighbourhood atmosphere to support local artisans

Showcasing local makers, producers and artisans, the bespoke pop-up markets at Winnipeg’s RBC Convention Centre provide a place for conference attendees to shop local, without even leaving the venue. The selection of vendors represents the city’s kaleidoscope of communities and includes Indigenous- and Black-owned small businesses. Offering new connections and unique gifts, these markets are a memorable way to support local economic growth and responsible consumption—and empowers attendees to share in that experience.