Nearly 77 pc of destinations currently offer subvention solutions, but most continue to focus on traditional economic metrics
New preliminary findings from a global survey by Conferli, a conference matchmaking platform, in partnership with two NGOs, Meet4Impact and Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement), reveal a striking disconnect between ambition and action by destinations in promoting sustainability in the meetings industry.
The report says that while 91 pc of the 115 surveyed destinations across five continents express a desire to use subvention as a driver for positive change, only 6 pc have fully embedded legacy and impact criteria into their funding programmes.
According to the report, nearly 77 pc of destinations currently offer subvention solutions, but most continue to focus on traditional economic metrics such as room nights, delegate spend and event type.
Nienke van der Malen
“We launched this survey to surface the truth behind the subvention discourse. Destinations often talk about change, but the data does not lie, most are still funding events the same way they did five or 10 years ago. If we want to support a more sustainable and inclusive events sector, how we fund and incentivise events must evolve too,” says Nienke van der Malen, CEO & Founder of Conferli.
The report adds that these indicators, while important, overshadow the growing need to measure broader environmental and social outcomes. Only 17 pc of current subvention schemes require events to deliver tangible social or environmental benefits and budget constraints remain the main barrier for 66 pc of destinations.
Conferli says that despite these challenges, change is on the horizon. Around 40 pc of destinations expect to introduce formal sustainability requirements within the next two years.
Guy Bigwood
“Destinations have a unique opportunity to catalyse change through innovative funding models. Subvention should be more than a transactional incentive; it can be a powerful tool to accelerate sustainability, drive regeneration, and foster meaningful local impact. Yet, with only 6 pc of programmes fully embedding impact criteria, too many Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) are still investing in short-term wins over long-term legacy. Having said this, the seed of change is germinating,” says Guy Bigwood, CEO, GDS-Movement.
The report adds that among those leading the way, 20 pc offer fully integrated support packages, including sustainability roadmaps and legacy plans, while 29 pc facilitate partnerships between event organisers and local stakeholders.
Additionally, 32 pc provides practical tools such as checklists and best-practice guides to encourage responsible event planning.
Geneviève Leclerc
“We work closely with CVBs and associations, and we see growing demand for more purposeful event funding. Indeed, subvention can be so much more than a financial incentive. Using it wisely becomes a lever to drive better behaviours, more responsible procurement, smarter mobility choices, and stronger local partnerships. Right now, too many programmes still reward volume over values. But if we truly want events to leave a lasting legacy, then how we fund them has to reflect the impact we hope they will create,” says Geneviève Leclerc, Co-founder, Meet4Impact.
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