Bangkok (Thailand) – October 1, 2019 (travelindex.com) – The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is the first company in the Thai MICE industry to launch its “Meet Sustainable” support program, aiming to position Thailand as a leader in sustainable practices in the region and beyond. Groups hosting meetings and incentives with at least 50 international participants will receive financial support of up to 200,000 baht. A minimum stay of three nights in Thailand is required, and participation in the event must meet at least two of the TCEB’s criteria for sustainable practices.

Ms. Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President – ​​Business at TCEB, said: “By demonstrating its continued strong commitment to sustainability, Thailand is fostering synergies in its key support sectors while leveraging TCEB’s leadership and network of expertise as part of its ‘Thailand Redefine your Business Events’ strategy.

“TCEB has transformed its role as a thought leader in promoting sustainability to become a partner in delivering sustainable business events – all under the new brand name to make business events in Thailand a completely new experience,” she added.

The “Meet Sustainable” campaign builds on TCEB’s long-standing experience in introducing and promoting sustainable practices among Thai MICE providers. Key TCEB programs and initiatives promoting sustainability include the implementation of seven ISO sustainability initiatives, which have been successfully completed by 33 Thai MICE venues.

These include ISO 22000 – Food safety management systems at seven locations, ISO 50001 – Energy management at four locations, ISO 20121 – Sustainability and events management systems at 15 locations, ISO 22301 – Business continuity management systems at one location, ISO 9001 – Quality management systems at 15 locations, ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems at six locations, and ISO 22300 – Safety management systems for MICE events at six locations.

The other two are the Food Waste Prevention Programme, which involves eight venues, and Farm to Functions with 20 venues.

“Programs aimed at preventing food waste have helped reduce food waste by 155,000 kilograms between 2018 and June 2019, while the ‘Farm to Function’ program can secure 300 tons of organic rice directly from farmers, generating 12 million baht for 500 farming households,” explained Ms. Nichapa.

TCEB is highlighting its seven ongoing sustainability practices in its “Meet Sustainable” campaign, emphasizing that the event must implement at least two of these practices to be eligible for funding. These practices are designed to ensure that participants, partners, and service providers can actively prepare for and participate in the process – before, during, and after the event.

In the run-up to the event, planners or organizers must publicize the event via digital media or online platforms and simultaneously promote sustainable events so that participants and partners can prepare and participate.

During the event, organizers must provide drinking water in bottles, jugs, or large glasses, offer participants reusable cups, prohibit plastic straws, and donate leftover food to charitable organizations. Venues must be certified environmentally and energy-efficient. Materials for decoration and furnishings must be reused or repurposed; fresh flowers and polystyrene are not permitted. Souvenirs must be made by the local community or from environmentally friendly materials. An electronic registration system and reusable name badges must also be used.

After the event, the organizers must communicate best practices, successes, and benefits of organizing sustainable events to stakeholders and the public.

About TCEB: The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has been the official government agency of Thailand since 2004, supporting, promoting, and developing global and regional business events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions – MICE) in Thailand. As a strategic partner and authorized contact, TCEB works with companies and organizations to develop successful solutions for realizing MICE events of all sizes and types.