Conference Matters 142

GOVERNANCE

A conference with Legacy

is a gift

give to the destination and its residents. In other words, it is what you leave behind. A lasting legacy is a benefit for people, society and the destination, since organising a confe rence requires much effort and investment. And how relevant is it for the people living in the area who might be wondering what’s in it for them? A legacy should be a serious item on the confe rence agenda. In the long run, it has a beneficial effect. You could say that hosting a conference with a legacy entails initiating a change process, not only for you as an organiser but for everything around it. Denmark MeetDenmark, the Danish business events association, conducted extensive research

Nowadays, organising a conference is more than simply putting on a good event. If you really want to have an impact, you have to consider a sustainable way to ensure that there is a legacy that lives on. But how? Imagine a conference that not only brings people together but also has a positive impact on the local community, the regional industry and the knowledge economy. Today, it is an important part of the ultimate conference. The question is: how do you develop a conference with such a legacy? First of all, it is more than just the sum of its parts. It’s a mindset, a commitment to creating something that will endure long after the confe rence is over. Some would say it is the gift you By Judith Munster & Evelien Baks

Photo: Shutterstock

on conference legacy. They published a report containing insights collected over six years. Their researchers spent years systematically resear ching, developing, and testing legacy models, processes and tools. Robust collaboration seems to be the most important factor for event legacy success. “Legacy programmes should be a natural exten sion of the association’s mission, serving their members while at the same time addressing real needs at the host destination. Ultimately, legacy initiatives can serve to connect association membership more closely to their long-term goals while raising awareness for them. In large part, it’s about creating dynamic engagement with local organisations, governments and businesses who share a common purpose,” explains Peter Dyhr, head of the secretariat for MeetDenmark.

EXAMPLES OF A LEGACY

Sustainable Initiatives: take action for a greener future by reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and promoting eco-friendly transportation options during conferences. Knowledge sharing and education: organise workshops, seminars and training sessions to empower local communities and help develop local industries and the knowledge economy in the long term. Cultural exchange: promote cultural diversity and tourism by organising art exhibitions, music performances and gastronomic events during conferences. Socio-economic development: boost the local economy by using and promoting local products and services. Support local entrepreneurs. Infrastructure improvement: invest in infrastructure projects such as conference centre renovations and transportation improvements to enhance the quality of life in the region and strengthen the competitive position for future events. Green initiatives: contribute to biodiversity in the conference’s surroundings by planting trees, creating green spaces, or supporting local green initiatives.

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