The First Tokyo Sustainable MICE Showcase
On December 17, 2024, the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau held the first Tokyo Sustainable MICE Showcase at Akasaka Intercity Conference Center. Business event professionals were invited to listen to various sustainable case studies and see sustainable solutions in action at the exhibition.
The first part of the showcase was a presentation from Jacob Kjeldgaard of Copenhagen Legacy Lab titled "Broad Value Tourism". He presented sustainable initiatives in Copenhagen and the efforts of Legacy Lab to promote the positive impact of events while introducing examples including international conferences and sports events.
Afterward, there was a panel discussion on carbon neutrality and the circular economy in Japan as well as the significance of measures taken by event organizers. 4 guests provided the perspective of venues, vendors and organizers during a lively discussion.
Proposed Sustainable Initiatives
At the second part of the showcase, participants observed several sustainable solutions at the exhibition booths and enjoyed networking among themselves. The food options included ASC-certified*1 seafood as well as vegan options. Efforts were also made to source food and drink locally from the Tokyo area. Lastly, the showcase event concluded with an exciting calligraphy performance from Teikyo University's calligraphy club showcasing the preservation of an ancient art by the next generation.
Sustainable Solutions Exhibition: Biofood Waste Disposer and My Bottle Cleaner (reusable bottle)
Environmentally-friendly catering Sustainable solutions exhibition explanation
（*1）ASC Certification: Internationally recognized certification for seafood produced responsibly
Organizer Initiatives to Advanced Sustainability
Realization of the Circular Economy in Event Management
At the Showcase 3 main points for sustainable business events were introduced, policy formation, implementation and information disclosure. As an example of policy formation, ACTION14 was introduced and measures in line with ACTION14 were implemented as detailed in the list below.
Circular Economy Initiatives
(1) There was a pre-event survey to estimate food requirements and out-of-spec vegetables were used to reduce food loss (2) Construction materials were recycled, my bottle was promoted and paper name cards were used to reduce waste (3) International certified foods were used in catering, vegan options were available and ingredients were locally sourced (4)Recycle stations were installed and staff correctly separated garbage (5) Event materials were distributed electronically to save paper
Carbon Neutral Initiatives
(6) Akasaka Intercity Conference Center, a carbon-neutral venue, was selected for the event
(7) Attendees were asked to come to the venue on foot or by public transport
(8) A carbon footprint calculator was used to calculate the event emissions which were offset by purchasing carbon credits
Diversity Initiatives
(9) Universal icons and guidance in Japanese and English were displayed at the venue
(10) Gender diversity was considered when selecting speakers and other personnel
(11) Attendees were surveyed regarding dietary requirements in advance
Community initiatives
(12) Sustainability initiatives and event sustainability data were displayed on panels at the venue
(13)There was a comprehensive orientation about sustainability for staff
(14)There was a calligraphy performance from a university in Tokyo to showcase a local community preserving an old art for future generations
Additionally, the data gathered from the carbon footprint calculator emissions was presented to participants and displayed on panels during the showcase event.
Carbon footprint calculator: https://sustainable-event.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/en
Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau will continue to support event organizers who want to host more sustainable events while continuing to publish sustainable case studies.
To learn more about all the support available for hosting sustainable events in Tokyo, visit the link below.
https://businesseventstokyo.org/sustainable_business_events_in_tokyo/