News and Insight

On November 4th, 2025, the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the second TOKYO Sustainable MICE Showcase at the TAKANAWA GATEWAY Convention Center, a cutting-edge facility that opened in March 2025. The goal of the event was to present practical examples of sustainable practices that could be adopted by organizers and businesses, paving the way for more sustainable business events. This year's theme was "Procurement Meets Circularity🌱Tips for Sustainable Events." Sustainability was integrated throughout the planning of the showcase, so that every aspect of event delivery was as environmentally friendly as possible.

Keynote Presentation
The CEO of Global Destinations Sustainability Movement, Guy Bigwood, was invited to deliver a keynote on regenerative event design, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond sustainability to regeneration. During his engaging talk, he shared engaging real-world examples of sustainable event planning and highlighted practical actions planners can take to create events with a lasting positive impact.

Showcased Sustainable Solutions
Various booths presented sustainable solutions that could readily be incorporated into event planning, with in-depth demonstrations of each initiative.

During the networking portion of the event, attendees socialized while enjoying entertainment provided by the Tokai University Wind Orchestra. Their performance featured unique instruments crafted from repurposed materials, embodying resource recycling as art, showcasing creative collaboration across generations.

There were also refreshments designed with sustainability in mind. The menu featured dishes prepared with locally produced Tokyo ingredients and beverages, along with a generous selection of plant-based options.

Sustainable Practices Presented by TCVB
For sustainable initiatives that organizers of business events can immediately adopt, the formulation of a clear sustainability policy is the key. Hosting events in accordance with this policy and actively sharing measurable sustainability outcomes not only demonstrates consideration for sustainability and the environment but also serves to enhance the overall value and credibility of the events themselves.

At the TOKYO Sustainable MICE Showcase, five major categories were established as guiding principles: "Procurement and Circularity," "Waste Reduction," "Carbon Neutrality," "Diversity," and "Community." Within each category, targeted initiatives were introduced and implemented to provide practical models for organizers.

Furthermore, to encourage proactive participation not only from the organizers but also from attendees, a declaration of commitment to sustainable practices, "My Pledge", was incorporated into event registration, inviting every participant to take ownership of sustainability.

Stamp Rally Event: Collecting Stamps at Initiative Panels to Receive Organic Ice Cream
To encourage attendees to actively participate and go home with practical ideas for sustainable choices, we introduced a stamp rally.
Across the venue, ten panels made from fully recyclable Reco Boards showcased different sustainability initiatives, each highlighting a key theme. Participants who explored the panels and collected three or more keywords were rewarded with the chance to try 100% organic, vegan ice cream.
This showcase transformed learning into an engaging and enjoyable experience -- inviting participants to discover, interact, and savor. It was a standout program that was not only informative but visually inspiring and deliciously rewarding.

Measurement and Publication of CO₂ Emissions
We utilized the Carbon Footprint Calculator for Business Events in Tokyo and showcased the results on panels to transparently share the CO₂ emissions generated by the event.
Compared to baseline event without any CO₂ reduction initiatives, we achieved a 95% reduction in venue energy emissions and an 83% reduction in CO₂ from waste by ensuring all materials were managed through recycling-oriented procurement.
To address the remaining unavoidable emissions, we purchased credits from a certified carbon offset provider, thereby completing a full carbon offset for our showcase.

The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau will continue to provide comprehensive support for organizers planning business events in Tokyo, helping them integrate initiatives that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility. We will actively share pioneering case studies to inspire further action and innovation across the industry.

Through the Sustainable Event Support Desk, organizers can access tailored information and expert advice to advance their initiatives. By making full use of these resources, organizers can confidently design and deliver sustainable business events that contribute to Tokyo's vision of a greener future. Please see our sustainable initiatives available for event planners here.