Across industries, sustainability has become a core value that drives business decisions—especially when it comes to planning and hosting business events. Today’s executives and event organizers face a growing need to choose destinations that align with their organizations’ commitment to more sustainable events. Hosting business events that provide environmental, sociocultural and economic benefits that reflect this commitment is an increasingly important factor in the decision-making process, not only to create a responsible event program, but also to offer a real, meaningful impact to host communities. 

Canada’s sustainable practices, showcased in Destination Canada’s Sustainability Storybook, offer a holistic approach to sustainable business events. The storybook provides a practical roadmap for integrating low-impact practices and inclusive design into event planning, making it easier than ever for business events decision makers to create powerful, values-driven experiences for their delegates.

The Value of Sustainability in Business Events

Sustainability is no longer an optional consideration in business events planning—it is a decisive factor that reflects an organization’s values and commitment to social responsibility. Destination Canada’s Sustainability Storybook highlights best practices and turnkey solutions from across the country, helping decision makers envision how sustainable principles can be integrated into their own events. From renewable energy and zero waste programs to Indigenous partnerships and social procurement, Canada offers a compelling model for how business events can align with sustainability objectives and create positive impacts for host communities and delegates alike.

Environmental Responsibility

As global leaders in environmental sustainability, Canadian destinations and venues are committed to low-impact event hosting. By investing in low-carbon transportation options, waste reduction programs and renewable energy, Canada is setting a global standard for sustainable business events that appeal to organizations and associations seeking eco-conscious options.
 

• Green Transportation: In Québec City, event organizers can provide attendees with the Event Pass, an affordable, unlimited public transportation option during the event. This initiative promotes eco-friendly travel, reduces emissions and enables attendees to explore the city sustainably.
   
• Green Tech Innovations: Toronto’s Exhibition Place has incorporated cutting-edge technology into its sustainability practices, including an urban wind turbine and a geothermal energy system. With these innovations, Exhibition Place produces substantial renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and helping event organizers achieve their sustainability goals. By hosting events here, decision makers can demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility that resonates with eco-conscious attendees.
   
• Low-Impact Venues: Venues across Canada are leading the way in zero waste and energy efficient practices. The Edmonton EXPO Centre and Calgary TELUS Convention Centre both feature zero-waste programs and renewable energy options to help reduce the carbon footprint of events. These venues make sustainable choices easy, providing infrastructure that minimizes waste and conserves energy without compromising on quality.

Social Responsibility and Inclusive Event Design

Beyond environmental practices, Canada also leads in sociocultural sustainability, offering event organizers the opportunity to leave a positive social legacy in host communities. By focusing on inclusivity and community engagement, events held in Canada support local economies, promote social equity and foster an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates diverse perspectives.
 

• Volunteer-Based Community Programs: Tourism Winnipeg’s Voluntourism initiative connects event organizers with local volunteer opportunities for their delegates, creating meaningful, hands-on experiences that contribute directly to the community. Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Winnipeg Harvest and Take Pride Winnipeg, event attendees can participate in activities such as building homes, distributing food to families in need and engaging in city beautification projects. This initiative strengthens community ties and provides a unique way for delegates to leave a lasting, positive impact on Winnipeg, aligning with values-based event goals and social sustainability.
   
• Charitable Impact: In Ottawa, the Leave a Legacy program at the Shaw Centre repurposes event materials—such as food, equipment and supplies—that would otherwise be wasted, donating them to local shelters, schools and nonprofits. This program allows event planners to transform potential waste into valuable resources, showcasing a commitment to social responsibility that resonates with attendees and strengthens relationships with local community organizations.
   
• Social Procurement: Destination Vancouver’s Guide to Social Procurement is a resource that helps event planners make purchasing decisions that benefit local and Indigenous businesses. By sourcing supplies from local enterprises, organizers contribute to economic equity and support sustainable procurement practices. This approach is highly effective in creating meaningful partnerships with the local community, amplifying the positive social impact of business events in Vancouver.

Cultural Responsibility through Indigenous Partnerships

Canada’s commitment to sustainability extends to cultural inclusivity, particularly through partnerships with Indigenous communities. These initiatives not only enhance the event experience but also foster understanding and respect for Canada’s diverse cultural heritage, promoting reconciliation and inclusion in business event planning.
 

• Cultural Experience Guidebook: Québec City’s Cultural Experience Guidebook provides a framework for integrating Indigenous history and culture into event programs. Through guided tours, storytelling sessions and immersive activities, delegates can gain a deeper appreciation of Indigenous heritage, including Iroquois and Huron-Wendat cultures. This guide offers event organizers a practical way to create meaningful cultural exchanges that foster respect and understanding.
   
• Indigenous Fashion Show: In Banff and Lake Louise, the Indigenous Fashion Show serves as a powerful example of Indigenous inclusion. This initiative celebrates Indigenous designers and artisans, empowering them to share their work with delegates and bring Indigenous perspectives to the event stage. These partnerships foster economic empowerment and cultural appreciation, creating a memorable and meaningful experience for attendees.

Practical Steps to Create Sustainable Impact 

To leave a lasting positive legacy, here are five essential steps for building sustainability into your event planning process:
 

• Set Clear, Measurable Goals: Define what sustainability means for your event and set measurable goals. Consider aligning these with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and create a clear, actionable framework that will guide decision making and measure success.
   
• Choose Aligned Partners: Select partners and suppliers who share your sustainability values and can support your objectives, ensuring that every part of the event aligns with your goals.
   
• Engage Attendees in Sustainability: Create a shared commitment by encouraging attendees to adopt sustainable practices, such as using apps rather than printed materials and learning about your sustainability efforts.
   
• Embed Sustainability in Contracts: Include measurable sustainability commitments in contracts with suppliers and venues to ensure accountability and transparency.
   
• Measure and Reflect on Impact: Track key metrics during the event, such as carbon emissions per attendee or waste reduction, and report on these afterwards. These insights will help improve future events and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

Canada stands out as a leading destination for sustainable, inclusive business events, with practices that reflect the values of responsible event hosting. The initiatives highlighted in Destination Canada’s Sustainability Storybook make it easier than ever for decision makers to plan events that prioritize environmental stewardship, social responsibility and cultural inclusivity. For executives looking to make a positive impact, Canada provides the perfect backdrop for hosting events that resonate deeply with attendees and leave a lasting legacy of sustainability.

 

Explore our Sustainability Storybook for inspiration and guidance on making your next business event in Canada a model of responsible, values-driven event planning. Learn more here.