11 July 2024
By Annalisa Ponchia, Sustainability Manager, AIM Group International
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), introduced by the European Union, represents a significant shift in how companies report their environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. This ambitious regulatory framework aims to enhance transparency, accountability and comparability of ESG data across companies operating within the EU.
On January 2023 the Directive entered into force, from 2025 the CSRD will apply to a broader range of entities, including all large companies that meet at least two of the following criteria: more than 250 employees, €40 million in net turnover or €20 million in assets.
Beyond its mandatory nature and (geographical) area of adoption, the CSRD model becomes central for any company in the meeting industry. It mandates that operations be conducted transparently and accountably, assessing their societal and environmental impacts. Clearly, this influences reputation and business conduct among organisations and affects clients’ perceptions.
AIM Group’s Proactive Approach
At AIM Group, we anticipated the CSRD requirements by two years, by already publishing our Sustainability Report in 2024. This proactive approach has proved valuable, as the data collection and reporting process has made a significant contribution to our organisation’s sustainability journey. Through the Sustainability Report, we have increased our awareness of key business areas such as:
- Environmental Data: Collect data on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, water usage and biodiversity impact.
- Social Data: Gather information on labour practices, human rights, diversity and inclusion, community engagement and customer satisfaction.
- Governance Data: Document corporate governance structures, business ethics, anti-corruption measures and compliance with laws and regulations.
This experience underscores that the CSRD framework can be beneficial for all companies, not just as a compliance measure but as a driver of sustainable practices.
The Intersection of CSRD and Net Zero Carbon Events: A Unified Approach to Sustainability
Connecting the CSRD and Net Zero Carbon Events explains why a European directive will influence the industry globally. Both share a common goal of enhancing sustainability and position companies as pioneers in the global sustainability movement.
Although they approach sustainability from different angles – with CSRD mandating comprehensive reporting on a broad spectrum of metrics and Net Zero Carbon Events focusing specifically on carbon emission reduction – these two initiatives align in several key areas:
- Reporting and Transparency: Both initiatives emphasise transparent reporting. CSRD requires detailed ESG reporting, including environmental impacts such as carbon emissions. Net Zero Carbon Events also stress the need for transparent reporting on carbon reduction efforts, aligning with CSRD’s broader sustainability requirements.
- Standardisation and Comparability: CSRD’s use of standardised reporting through ESRS ensures consistency and comparability of data. Similarly, Net Zero Carbon Events promote the use of science-based targets and standardised metrics for measuring carbon reductions, facilitating industry-wide comparisons.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging stakeholders is crucial for both frameworks. CSRD mandates engagement with key stakeholders to understand and report on their sustainability expectations. Net Zero Carbon Events rely on collaboration among industry stakeholders to achieve carbon reduction goals.
Practical Implications for Meeting Professionals
Meeting professionals can leverage the synergies between CSRD and Net Zero Carbon Events to enhance their sustainability strategies:
- Integrated Reporting: Use the comprehensive ESG data collected for CSRD to inform and support the carbon reduction reporting required by Net Zero Carbon Events.
- Holistic Approach: Adopt a holistic sustainability approach by addressing the broad ESG criteria of CSRD while focusing on specific carbon reduction targets set by Net Zero Carbon Events.
- Stakeholder Communication: Strengthen stakeholder engagement by demonstrating commitment to both regulatory compliance (CSRD) and voluntary sustainability goals (Net Zero Carbon Events).
Aligning with both frameworks and driving significant environmental progress is crucial for meeting professionals.
Conclusion
As the CSRD continues to shape the future of corporate sustainability, staying informed and proactive is essential for meeting professionals. By embracing these changes, we can play a vital role in driving sustainable business practices and fostering a more responsible and transparent corporate environment. The journey towards sustainability is not just about compliance – it’s about contributing to the greater good.
NEWS
AIM Group’s 2023 Annual Report Announces Record Economic and Business Results
AIM Group International published its Corporate Annual Report for 2023, announcing exceptional business and economic results, surpassing pre-pandemic volumes and achieving unprecedented growth.
‘The events industry continues to evolve and AIM Group International has not only kept pace but led the way in innovation and resilience,’ states Gianluca Buongiorno, President of AIM Group International. ‘Our commitment to strong partnerships with clients and stakeholders has been key to our success. By staying attuned to the changing needs of our clients and participants and by adapting to change with dynamism and flexibility, we have been able to face challenges with creativity and agility.’
The 2023 Consolidated Balance is highly positive, with an overall turnover of 96 million euros, an increase of 22 per cent compared to the previous year, and an EBITDA of over 3 million euros.
‘The strategic initiatives we have implemented have ensured sustainable growth and fortified the Group’s financial stability,’ explains Gianluca Scavo, CEO of AIM Group International. ‘Our 2023 results are historic, with significant growth across all our offices, both in Italy and internationally. The continued expansion and solid recovery from the pandemic’s impacts highlight a strong path for ongoing growth into 2024 and beyond.’
2023 Highlights:
- Overall Consolidated Balance: Turnover of 96 million euros, a 22 per cent increase compared to 2022, with an EBITDA of 3,18 million euros.
- Events and Campaigns: Our +300 talented people have successfully managed over 2,000 live, digital and hybrid events and communication campaigns for over 400 clients, winning five international awards for excellence.
- Major Events Secured: In 2023 we secured more than 120 new events, including globally significant projects such as the FIATA World Congress 2026, the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS), which anticipates 5,000 attendees, and the collaboration with European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) for 2025, 2026 and 2027 congress editions.
- Sustainability: See the 2023 Sustainability Report.
- New Headquarters: The forward-thinking approach is reflected in our significant investment in the company’s development, including the relocation of our headquarters in Milan to a new, larger and more modern office with appropriate spaces and formats that better reflect the image of an innovative company.
‘Our mission to foster human connections is at the heart of everything we do, and our enhanced brand identity reflects our commitment to providing our clients comprehensive support through innovative design, communication, and consultancy services,’ adds Gianluca Buongiorno. ‘The expanding synergy between our specialist areas – events, communications and consultancy – has been crucial to our structural reorganisation and has set a solid foundation for future success.’
The full Annual Report, detailing AIM Group’s results, achievements, and activities, is available online.
AIM Group International Publishes its First Sustainability Report
AIM Group International has published its first Sustainability Report for 2023. The publication of this report has enabled AIM Group to conduct a comprehensive analysis, identifying the key stakeholder categories and the most relevant sustainability issues affecting the Group. This process has allowed the organisation to create sustainable and shared value with all its stakeholders, both internal and external, and to achieve excellence throughout its entire value chain.
‘We recognise that the path to sustainability is an ongoing journey,’ outlines Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, Vice President of AIM Group International. ‘This report serves as a reference tool for our future goals: to continue to seek synergies and opportunities to improve sustainability throughout the supply chain, working closely with our clients and involving them in this commitment.’
Key Achievements:
- Obtained ISO 20121 Certification for Sustainable Event Management: Aligning with best business practice and gaining a reputational advantage while respecting the fundamental principles of sustainable development.
- Implemented the 4Rs Principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover): Embedding these principles into AIM Group’s daily activities and business relationships, shaping office practices and guiding event management.
- Integrated Sustainability into Corporate Strategy: Making sustainability a cornerstone in the Group’s business decisions, investments and partnerships.
- Managed Events with Integrity and Transparency: Ensuring maximum involvement of all stakeholders and participants.
Future Goals:
- Seek Synergies and Opportunities: Continue to improve sustainability throughout the supply chain by working closely with clients and involving them in this journey.
- Maintain ISO 20121 Certification: Plan and conduct monitoring activities with a focus on continuous improvement in event management.
- Raise Awareness: Educate event participants about environmental, economic and social sustainability.
Out of the Blue – Shedding Light on Epilepsy Through Film
In a groundbreaking initiative, the LICE Foundation and the Italian League Against Epilepsy (LICE), together with AIM Communication, launched the ‘Out of the Blue’ project on International Epilepsy Day 2023. The campaign aims to change the public perception of epilepsy. At the heart of the project was a short, poignant film, Out of the Blue (Fuori dall’Acqua), which gave voice to the personal experiences of people with epilepsy. The project unfolded in four key phases: gathering testimonies, creating compelling narratives, producing the film and disseminating it widely.
The film, which explores themes of bullying and resilience, sparked a widespread conversation reaching 96 million people through 480 media articles and conversations on social media, engaging over 1,200 students from twenty schools, amplifying the voices of patients and caregivers, dispelling myths about epilepsy and strengthening community partnerships.
Strategic alliances with the Giffoni Innovation Hub and the National Association of Cinema Exhibitors (ANEC) helped the film reach a diverse audience, particularly young people. The launch events – which included a press event with a special project of a famous film about epilepsy, a presentation at the LICE National Congress to an audience of thousands of neurologists, a premiere at the Giffoni Film Festival, dedicated to teenagers and young people, and the prestigious Venice Film Festival – attracted significant attention, highlighting the power of film to address and de-stigmatise health issues, making ‘Out of the Blue’ a landmark effort in epilepsy awareness.