Category: Sustainability

In today’s context, where sustainability and decarbonization are positioned as strategic pillars for transforming the meetings industry, food safety takes on a new level of importance. And what is food safety? It’s not just about complying with health regulations, but also understanding our responsibility as food handlers to ensure that food is free from physical, chemical, and biological hazards at levels that cannot harm consumers. It involves integrating this practice as a key component of a quality management system that prioritizes environmental and social responsibility.

Food safety is not just a requirement it’s a commitment to health and the planet.

In sustainable events, every decision from menu planning to food handling can significantly impact both the health of attendees and the event’s ecological footprint. Producing food at large-scale events inevitably involves the use of multiple inputs: detergents, disinfectants, water, energy, packaging materials, and more. While these are necessary to ensure food safety, excessive or unregulated use can result in waste, pollution, and operational overcosts. Therefore, to achieve conscious use, food handling staff must be informed about the positive impacts of responsible practices to foster their adoption.

Other ways to associate food safety with sustainability include the use of effective microorganisms in organic waste treatment, the use of scientifically-backed biodegradable chemicals that minimize harm to flora and fauna, and the conscious use of raw materials to avoid waste and make the most of by products.

Sustainability and food safety are not parallel paths, but one shared road to responsible excellence.

Linking quality and food safety principles with sustainability strategies is not only desirable, but imperative. When approached together, it promotes more rational and conscious use of resources, optimizes processes, reduces waste, and enhances customer perception of a service committed to collective well-being.

This holistic approach aligns fully with the CarbonClear Events by Heroica methodology, implemented at the Costa Rica Convention Center. Its goal is to ensure that 100% of hosted events adopt an active decarbonization approach. Within this methodology, specific mechanisms are in place to control inputs, measure waste, and monitor quality standards, enabling informed and sustainable decision-making throughout all event phases. In the culinary realm, this translates into actions like selecting local and organic products, designing low-impact menus, and implementing strict food handling and disposal protocols without compromising food safety or guest experience.

Every consciously served meal is a step toward safer, more ethical, and sustainable events.

Ultimately, ensuring food safety within a sustainable quality model is not just a responsibility, but an opportunity to raise the standard of events and position the country as a regional leader. The meetings industry should be seen as a driver of change, and its commitment to responsible practices—uniting quality, health, and sustainability—is a tangible expression of that transformative potential. Moving toward a culture of events where every detail matters, from what’s served to how it’s prepared, is part of building a more resilient, efficient, and ethical future.

Glen Bonilla

Coordinator BPM

Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica

Sustainability is not just a strategic commitment of the Costa Rica Convention Center but a philosophy that should permeate every action, from event planning to administrative management in the executive office. In a world where environmental responsibility is a global priority, it is essential that all areas within the organization—including those with a more operational or strategic support focus—integrate sustainable practices into their daily operations. General Management Assistance plays a key role in ensuring that sustainability is not just a corporate goal but a reality in every process, every decision, and every action implemented from the company’s leadership.

Sustainability is not a trend; it is a responsibility.

The impact of the management office on an organization’s sustainability goes beyond strategic decision-making; it lies in the ability to integrate green practices into daily administration. Reducing paper consumption through document and process digitization, optimizing energy resource use in the office, and implementing sustainable management systems in meeting and event planning are just a few ways management assistance can directly contribute to decarbonization. The fact that the Costa Rica Convention Center uses the CarbonClear Events By Heroica methodology is a clear example of how every department, including management assistance, must align with strategies that reduce the carbon footprint across all operations.

From the perspective of management assistance, maintaining and reinforcing the Costa Rica Convention Center’s sustainability essence means not only supporting the organization’s vision but also strengthening an internal culture where every team member actively engages in the transformation toward a greener future. Every digitalized document instead of a printed one, every efficiently managed resource, and every meeting organized with sustainable criteria contribute to the company’s environmental objectives. Likewise, promoting a responsible consumption culture within the team, encouraging the use of reusable materials in the office, and ensuring administrative practices align with sustainability standards are key actions for consolidating a responsible management model.

A greener future starts with the decisions we make today.

The challenge for General Management Assistance is to act as a bridge between corporate strategy and the practical execution of the organization’s sustainable values. This involves not only coordinating processes with an ecological vision but also influencing how daily decisions are managed within the company. As the meetings industry moves toward more sustainable models, it is imperative that every action, no matter how small, contributes to building a business environment that is truly committed to sustainability. In this regard, the entire Costa Rica Convention Center team has the opportunity to become an agent of change, ensuring that management reflects the organization’s environmental values and commitments.

Small actions, when multiplied, create a lasting impact.

In conclusion, sustainability is not just a concept applied on a large scale to events and corporate strategies; it must also be a daily practice in every office, every administrative process, and every operational decision. Through management assistance, it is possible to lead by example—optimizing resources, promoting the use of clean technologies, and ensuring that every aspect of internal management aligns with the vision of a greener future. The key is to maintain a proactive mindset and recognize that every action counts in building a truly sustainable company.

Angie Valeria Gutiérrez Alfaro

General Management Assistant

Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica

In a constantly changing world,where technology and sustainability have become fundamental pillars of business development, innovation emerges as a key tool for tackling the challenges of climate change.

To explore this topic, we have the presence of Carla Fernández Corrales, Senior Director of Executive Education and INCAE Online, as well as an Assistant Professor at INCAE Business School. With a PhD in Business Administration and extensive experience in innovation and digital transformation, Carla shares her vision on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and the economy.

Innovation is the bridge between the present and a sustainable future; crossing it requires courage and vision.

According to Michael Porter and Mark Cramer in their article Creating Value, published in Harvard Business Review in 2011, companies that integrate sustainability into their strategy gain a competitive advantage by generating both economic and social value. Carla Fernández highlights that we live in an era of rapid change, where the pandemic and the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence have radically transformed the way we operate. “We cannot continue doing things the same way we always have. We need to adapt what we’ve learned to the new demands of our environment,” she emphasizes.

Technological acceleration is evident in how we interact with artificial intelligence, data science, and digital process automation. The speed at which AI has advanced—from winning chess tournaments to diagnosing diseases—demonstrates that innovation is the path to addressing the climate crisis. The application of these technologies in early environmental problem detection, resource optimization, and the creation of sustainable solutions is essential for a resilient future.

There is no progress without change, nor change without the willingness to challenge the status quo.

Female leadership also plays a crucial role at the intersection of innovation and sustainability. According to a 2023 UN Women report, women tend to lead with a collaborative and impact-driven approach, making them key agents in building a more sustainable future. Carla Fernández points out that, while individual differences exist, studies show that women tend to lead in a more inclusive and people-centered way—an essential characteristic in times of uncertainty.

In an environment where experimentation and adaptability are vital, diverse thinking allows us to better tackle challenges. “A homogeneous group is unlikely to find innovative solutions to complex problems. Diversity and the ability to listen to different perspectives are key to driving meaningful change,” Fernández notes.

Technology is the tool, but human awareness is the true solution to climate change.

Addressing climate change requires a combination of innovation, diverse leadership, and adaptability. Technology offers powerful tools to develop sustainable solutions, but it is the human factor that will determine the real impact of these initiatives. The key lies in fostering collaboration, learning, and the willingness to embrace change to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

Max Chacón

Marketing and Sales Manager

Carla Fernandez Corrales

Senior Director of Executive Education at INCAE

Costa Rica Convention Center

In the world of events and exhibitions, exhibitors are essential for creating memorable experiences and generating business opportunities. However, their participation also has a significant environmental impact, mainly due to the use of materials, packaging, energy consumption, and waste generation. Therefore, to make these events more sustainable, it is essential that the planning of exhibitor participation includes measures to minimize this impact without compromising the effectiveness of the exhibitions.

Sustainability is not an obstacle to innovation but its best ally.

From the Exhibitor Assistance Office (EAO), several strategies can be implemented to optimize resources, improve logistics, and promote more sustainable management. A key aspect is early resource planning. If exhibitors book services and materials within the convention center in advance, unforeseen issues that could generate unnecessary expenses in transportation and packaging are avoided. Additionally, choosing the venue’s internal services, which are already designed with sustainability criteria, helps reduce waste by eliminating external packaging and optimizing the distribution of supplies. In this way, not only is operational flow improved, but the carbon footprint of material and structure transportation is also reduced.

Another major challenge is the amount of waste generated in exhibition spaces, ranging from plastics and packaging materials to cardboard and brochures. To counteract this, organizers and the Exhibitor Assistance Office can promote the use of reusable and recyclable materials. It is also useful to offer sustainable alternatives that allow exhibitors to reduce waste without compromising the quality of their presentations. Implementing an efficient waste management system with well-placed recycling stations and clear signage is essential to ensure that waste is properly managed.

A well-planned event not only leaves a mark in memory but avoids leaving one on the planet.

In addition to environmental sustainability, accessibility is an essential component of any responsible event. All attendees, regardless of their physical or cognitive conditions, should be able to enjoy an inclusive experience. To achieve this, it is important that exhibitors also collaborate in creating suitable spaces for people with reduced mobility, providing interaction options for individuals with visual or hearing disabilities. This commitment goes hand in hand with social sustainability and enhances the overall experience for all participants.

Among sustainability strategies, it is relevant to mention methodologies such as CarbonClear Events By Heroica, which seeks to reduce event emissions through resource optimization, efficient energy use, and the implementation of sustainable solutions in every area of the event. This also includes exhibitor management, allowing for a reduced environmental impact of each activity and encouraging exhibitors to adopt responsible practices.

Reducing waste does not decrease quality; it adds awareness.

In summary, well-thought-out planning and the adoption of sustainable practices are fundamental to reducing the environmental impact of events. From the Exhibitor Assistance Office, the use of responsible materials can be promoted, waste can be minimized, and logistics can be optimized to lower the carbon footprint. At the same time, ensuring accessibility not only enriches the experience of all attendees but also reinforces the commitment of all stakeholders to social sustainability. With the implementation of methodologies such as CarbonClear Events By Heroica, we can continue advancing towards more sustainable and responsible events, benefiting both the environment and the community.

Alejandra Salazar Padilla

Coordinator of the Exhibitor Service Office

Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica

Nowadays, market intelligence has ceased to be a differentiating element and has become an essential tool in the meetings industry. With the rise of sustainability as a key factor in decision-making, market analysis not only helps understand emerging trends but also drives the transformation of events toward more responsible models aligned with decarbonization. The collection and analysis of data have taken on a fundamental role in identifying customer expectations, optimizing resources, and measuring the environmental impact of events. This enables convention centers and organizers to make strategic decisions based on precise and up-to-date information.

Data does not just explain trends; it also builds the future.

The events market has evolved significantly, driven by the growth of strategic sectors such as medical devices, technology, renewable energy, and biotechnology, where sustainability is a fundamental requirement. Companies in these industries seek venues and experiences aligned with their environmental commitments, making sustainability not just an added value but a market demand. Market intelligence allows anticipation of these needs by identifying consumption patterns, sustainability preferences, and new regulations affecting the industry. Tools such as trend analysis, data mining, and consumer behavior studies help organizers design experiences aligned with sustainability and decarbonization principles. Additionally, the use of key metrics facilitates the implementation of more effective strategies in areas such as carbon emission reduction, renewable energy resource utilization, and logistics optimization in events.

An example of how market intelligence is transforming the industry is the way convention centers have begun to adapt their offerings to new sustainable trends. Through data analysis, key factors in venue selection for events have been identified, such as environmental certification of spaces, implementation of circular economy practices, and energy efficiency in facilities. This has led to more venues investing in sustainable infrastructure and event organizers integrating sustainability criteria into their business strategies.

Market intelligence is the beacon that guides the industry’s evolution.

The future of sustainability in the meetings industry will largely depend on the ability of industry players to integrate market intelligence into their strategies. It is no longer enough to implement isolated sustainability initiatives; it is necessary to measure their impact, adapt to new market demands, and demonstrate with concrete data how these actions generate real value. Those who manage to use data analysis as a driver for sustainable transformation will be better positioned to lead the industry in the coming years, ensuring that events are not only memorable experiences but also environmentally responsible.

Jhervis Andrey Vargas Morera

Marketing Analyst

Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica

In a world where competition in the meetings industry is increasing, sustainability has ceased to be a simple aspirational concept to become a key factor of differentiation. The Costa Rica Convention Center has positioned itself as a benchmark in this field, demonstrating that integrating sustainable strategies not only benefits the environment, but also generates economic and reputational value.

Recently, in an episode of our podcast, we had the opportunity to talk with Andrés Escandón, ICCA regional director for Latin America, who shared his vision on the impact of sustainability on the competitiveness of event venues. Recent data shows that 60% of event organizers consider sustainability criteria when selecting a venue, which reaffirms the importance of adopting responsible practices.

Success stories in sustainability

Examples around the world show that investing in sustainability generates positive returns. The Transamérica Expo Center in Brazil has reduced its water consumption by 40% thanks to reuse systems. For its part, the City Banamex Center in Mexico has implemented solar energy and energy efficiency strategies, achieving a 20% saving on its electricity bill. These cases show that sustainability is not an expense, but a smart investment.

At the Costa Rica Convention Center, we have opted to integrate sustainability into our processes and operations. From efficient waste management to optimizing energy and water consumption, our commitment is clear: to be a benchmark in the sustainable meetings industry.

Trends and the future of the industry

Technology and sustainability are converging to create more efficient venues. Artificial intelligence, for example, allows for the optimization of resource use and the reduction of the carbon footprint of events. Additionally, studies reveal that 75% of attendees prefer venues with sustainable practices, which reinforces the demand for spaces that prioritize positive environmental impact.

This year, the Costa Rica Convention Center will host FIEXPO, the most important fair for the meetings industry in the region. This event provides us with an ideal platform to demonstrate that sustainability is not a passing fad, but a real competitive advantage that contributes to operational efficiency and the positioning of venues in the global market.

In conclusion, sustainability in the meetings industry is a strategy that generates value on multiple levels. It is not only an environmental obligation, but a key tool to improve profitability, attract clients and strengthen the reputation of venues. From the Costa Rica Convention Center, we reaffirm our commitment to a more sustainable and competitive future.

Max Chacón

Marketing and Sales Manager

Andrés Escandón

ICCA General Manager

Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica