Convention Bureaus have become key players in advancing more sustainable meetings tourism, with real impact and lasting legacy. Through indicators, governance, and certifications such as Biosphere Certified, cities like Bilbao, Sitges, A Coruña, and Zaragoza are redefining how MICE events in Europe are conceived, organized, and experienced.

How Convention Bureaus are transforming conferences into responsible experiences with measurable sustainable impact?

The future of MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) is built on three pillars that are becoming the norm in the most advanced destinations.

1. Data and traceability.

Sustainable events are measured, not described. And this can be done with indicators such as:

• Water and energy consumption per attendee.
• CO₂ emissions.
• Universal accessibility.
• Equality and quality employment.
• Local procurement.
• Recycling and waste-recovery rates.

With them, sustainability is expressed in verifiable data and not in words.

2. Shared governance.

This involves real collaboration between public administrations, companies, and the local community. It enables decentralized venues, prevents overcrowding, supports more efficient calendars, and creates a healthy relationship between the event and the city.

3. Legacy.

Legacy is the positive impact that remains once the event ends. We’re talking about knowledge transfer, volunteering, training, support for local projects, neighborhood activation, and infrastructure improvements.

The Biosphere Certified label implemented in MICE destinations allows these pillars to become verifiable commitments aligned with the the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Four Convention Bureaus that are making a difference and leading sustainability in MICE tourism.

Below, we analyze how Bilbao, Sitges, A Coruña, and Zaragoza are applying ESG, SDGs, and the Biosphere sustainability management tool to transform the MICE model.

Bilbao Convention Bureau · Biosphere Certified.

The Bilbao Convention Bureau works with an advanced and cross-cutting sustainability plan. Its Biosphere Certified designation confirms that its sustainable practices are not merely declarative, but have been evaluated, measured, and effectively implemented.

What the Bilbao Convention Bureau is doing.

• Continuously evaluates and improves organizer and attendee satisfaction.
• Controls, monitors, and reports on waste and event-related impacts.
• Promotes activities that respect natural heritage and local wildlife.
• Integrates intersectoral governance so each event contributes to the city.
• Advances accessibility, responsible mobility, and local procurement.

With actions like these, Bilbao has become a European benchmark for integrating sustainability, creativity, and cultural identity into the MICE experience—a destination where events become part of urban transformation.

Sitges Convention Bureau · Biosphere Certified.

Sitges is a Mediterranean destination that is a pioneer in responsible tourism and sustainable MICE. The Sitges Convention Bureau, which holds the Biosphere Certified designation, demonstrates rigorous work on environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

What the Sitges Convention Bureau promotes.

• Systematic integration of the SDGs in climate, culture, and local development strategies.
• Promotion of “Green Events” with soft mobility, waste reduction, and local providers.
• Universal accessibility as a standard.
• Post-event experiences connecting visitors with cultural and creative identity.

Sitges fosters a sustainable model based on proximity, local gastronomy, unique venues, and Mediterranean culture, enabling more authentic meetings with a lower footprint.

A Coruña Convention and Visitors Bureau · Biosphere Committed.

A Coruña is moving toward a more responsible MICE model. A Coruña Convention and Visitors Bureau and its Biosphere Committed designation, highlights its current commitment and sustainable roadmap for the coming years.

Its strategic lines.

• Alignment with the SDGs to integrate sustainability in climate, society, and culture.
• Atlantic and cosmopolitan identity as a narrative core.
• Support for the local economy, creativity, and regional gastronomy.
• Development of tools to measure impact and progress in continuous improvement.

A Coruña is strengthening its position as a knowledge destination that promotes innovation, culture, and proximity.

Zaragoza Congresos · Biosphere Committed.

Zaragoza is a strategic crossroads and a dynamic business ecosystem. Zaragoza Congresos, as a Biosphere Committed member, is moving toward a measurable and participatory model.

What Zaragoza is focusing on.

• Promoting recycling and circularity.
• Supporting positive local impact at every event.
• Training actions aimed at the business community to integrate sustainability criteria.
• Activating a solid partner network that enables sustainability throughout the value chain.

Zaragoza aims to translate its exceptional logistics into more sustainable events and stronger communities.

But what truly makes an event sustainable?

Responsible events are designed through details. Key factors include:

• Mobility: venues connected by public transportation, walkability, electric shuttles, staggered schedules.
• Responsible venues: renewable energy, water monitoring, proper waste management, universal accessibility.
• Circular catering: local, seasonal products, less animal protein, zero waste, reusable tableware.
• Measurement and communication: carbon footprint, reduction plan, clear indicators, transparent communication.
• Legacy: educational programs, volunteering, local project support, knowledge transfer.

Micro-guide for organizers and attendees.

To move from theory to practice and take the first step toward sustainability, it is enough to apply a few simple but highly impactful guidelines.

For organizers:

• Include SDGs and ESG criteria from the first briefing.
• Map walkable venues.
• Prioritize providers with Biosphere certification.
• Design circular catering.
• Transform merchandise into services with local value.
• Design a specific legacy for the city.
• Measure and publish all results.

For attendees:

• Walk, bike, or use public transportation.
• Reduce waste and bring a reusable bottle.
• Respect signage and heritage.
• Support local businesses.
• Ask organizers about their sustainability plan.

Convention Bureaus as curators of the urban future.

Just as museums protect collections, Convention Bureaus protect cities. They enable knowledge to flow, opportunities to expand, and events to become catalysts for sustainability.

Bilbao, Sitges, A Coruña, and Zaragoza show that an event can have a smaller footprint and a greater legacy when approached with method, measurement, and shared vision.

SDGs and MICE tourism. How they connect.

Meetings tourism impacts many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy through efficient venues.
• SDG 8 Decent Work through quality employment across the MICE chain.
• SDG 11 Sustainable Cities with ordered flows and responsible mobility.
• SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production through local procurement and circularity.
• SDG 13 Climate Action with measurement and emissions reduction.
• SDG 17 Partnerships as the essence of a Convention Bureau.

The Biosphere sustainability management model and the Biosphere Certified designation help translate these SDGs into concrete and verifiable actions.