Organised by the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB) and Lausanne Montreux Congress (LMC), the three-day journey brought together international association and corporate leaders to explore how sustainability can redefine events. One of the highlights of this experience was a thought-provoking round table discussion led by Panos Tzivanidis, Director of Events and Institutional Services at the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
A Round Table on a Mission
Held at the Olympic Museum, the round table centered on the IOC’s sustainability initiatives beyond the Olympic Games. Under the leadership of IOC President Thomas Bach, the organization has pioneered sustainability measures, implementing “carbon budgets” alongside financial planning and setting a goal to halve CO₂ emissions by 2030. This reflects a broader shift in the events industry, where ecological considerations are no longer optional but essential.
“The industry’s attitude towards sustainability has changed profoundly over the last ten years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has further reinforced this trend,” noted Panos Tzivanidis. He emphasized the growing challenge of attracting participants to events that lack a focus on sustainability: “It’s now much harder to attract participants to events that don’t take sustainability into account.”
The discussion also touched on pragmatic solutions to reduce the environmental impact of events. For example, optimizing travel by limiting the geographic scope and size of conferences was highlighted as a key measure. “This method reduces the number of trips and the distances traveled by plane,” explained Tzivanidis. Additionally, the IOC’s partnership with Toyota has introduced a fleet of hybrid and hydrogen vehicles for VIP transportation, further reducing emissions.
Food sourcing and waste management also featured prominently. The IOC prioritizes organic and local produce, ensuring healthy meals for participants while minimizing the environmental footprint. Partnerships such as the collaboration with the Too Good To Go platform to redistribute leftover food were cited as successful initiatives. “We’ve seen how effective this method can be,” said Vincent Saint-Dizier, Head of Events and Hospitality at the Olympic Museum, referencing the service’s success in selling 30–40 baskets of surplus food every weekend.
One standout example of the IOC’s innovative approach to offsetting emissions is the “Olympic Forest,” a project planting nearly 600,000 trees in Senegal and Mali. “This project complements our efforts to reduce emissions. Rather than going through external programmes, the IOC was keen to set up its own carbon offsetting structure, so that it could retain control at all times,” explained Tzivanidis.
Acknowledging the challenges of higher costs associated with sustainability measures, Tzivanidis encouraged open dialogue with stakeholders. He suggested presenting clients with two organizational options: one incorporating sustainability measures and one without. “This method appeals to the customer’s responsibility and allows common ground to be found,” he said, often leading to intermediate solutions that balance ecological and financial considerations.
Despite these efforts, Tzivanidis emphasized the IOC’s understated approach to promoting its sustainability efforts, especially for non-Olympic events. “The subject is a sensitive one and easily provokes strong reactions, including negative ones,” he noted. Instead, the IOC ensures transparency by making all sustainability information available upon request.
A Study Trip Rooted in Purpose
The round table discussion was just one highlight of the broader study trip designed to immerse participants in Switzerland’s “Swisstainable” philosophy. From visits to venues like the SwissTech Convention Center,celebrated for its eco-conscious design and sustainability practices that influence its clients, to walking through the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, the trip showcased how Lausanne and Montreux marry natural beauty with innovation in sustainable tourism.
The trip also included additional stops that underscored the region’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. Participants toured the Beaulieu Congress Center in Lausanne, a multifunctional venue committed to sustainability through effective waste management and the promotion of eco-friendly mobility solutions. Another popular visit was the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, renowned for its leadership in sustainable hospitality through active collaboration with employees and local communities to implement eco-friendly initiatives.
The itinerary also included Chaplin’s World, a cultural heritage site that exemplifies how historic venues can host meaningful and responsible events, blending tradition with modern sustainability practices.
Participants, ranging from sustainability managers to communication leaders, gained hands-on exposure to initiatives like carbon-conscious transportation, sustainable dining, and even gamified wine tastings that highlighted the region’s rich agricultural roots.
A Model for the Future?
The study trip to Lausanne and Montreux, crowned by the IOC’s insights, serves as a model for destinations seeking to elevate their sustainability credentials. It demonstrated that sustainability is not just an add-on but a vital component of event strategy—one that ensures relevance, resilience, and responsibility.
As the industry grapples with mounting ecological and socio-economic pressures, the lessons from this Swiss experience offer a roadmap for meaningful change, proving that sustainability and success can indeed go hand in hand.