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Impact & Sustainability Track – Where Global Voices Inspire Local Action

Moderators Virginie De Visscher (Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada) and Efi Koudeli (Regional Director Europe, ICCA), will guide you on an inspiring journey into impact and sustainability-helpi7ng you gain deeper insights and discover innovative solutions.

Venue: Porto Leixões Cruise Terminal

This track is designed to spark real conversation and drive action around sustainability in the meetings industry. Set against the powerful backdrop of the ocean at the Porto Cruise Terminal, the Impact & Sustainability track unfolds in three immersive parts to challenge your thinking and equip you with tools for change.

Part 1: Multi-Voicing Panel: Big Picture, Big Questions

A diverse panel featuring Professor Danielle Shanahan (Chief Executive at Zealandia), CEO Jeremy Sampson (Travel Foundation), Hugo Lopes (Director of Innovation and Sustainability at the Cruise Terminal) and Melissa Hamilton (EarthCheck) will explore the global landscape of sustainability and impact from now to 2025–2030. Expect visionary perspectives rooted in science, business, and community.

Part 2: TED Talk-Style Inspiration: Stories That Spark Change

In a fast-paced round of short talks, international experts bring real-world examples and bold ideas:

• Arrut Navaraj (APAC): Farm-to-chef supply chain innovation
• Adeline Larroque (Europe): Sustainability at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics
• Eng. Said Al Shanfari (ME): Innovations at Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre
• International Alliance for Impact: Collective strategies for global outcomes
• Legacy Project Porto

Part 3: Choose Your Deep Dive – Hands-On Workshops

Get practical. Break into small groups for focused, action-driven sessions led by experienced facilitators. Topics include:

• Selling Sustainability: Communicating value effectively
• Impact Measurement: Tools to assess sustainability—positive and negative
• Business Advantage: Making sustainability a competitive edge
• Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement: Building empowered, diverse teams
• Skills & Insight Workshops: Sharpen your ability to drive change

These sessions are guided by

• Marloes van den Berg, Utrecht Jaarbeurs
• Jelena Milovic & Ludivine Simon, KIT Group
• Alana Bicknell, New Zealand International Convention Centre
• Natalie O’Brien, Victorian Convention and Event Trust
• Peter Savoff, Darwin Convention Centre
• Caroline Cardona, IUCN
• Zenab Gharib Ahmed, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau
• Alexis Kereluk, ConnectSeven Group
• Miranda Ji, Destination Greater Victoria
• Danielle Shanahan, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
• Adeline Laroque
• Rashmi Shetty, PCC
• Kathleen Lihanda, ICF
• Benjamin Lephilibert, Lightblue
• Legacy Project Porto
• Arrut Navaraj, Thailand Organic Consumers Association
• Loren Christie, Nigel Brown, Best Impact Award – Best Cities Alliance

Learning Outcomes for Delegates

You’ll walk away with real strategies, new connections, and a deeper understanding of how to embed sustainability and impact into your events and destinations.

Join us to turn ideas into action - and shape the future we all want to be part of.

We will also be discussing The Social Impact Project of Porto, which empowers local communities by creating meaningful connections between delegates and impactful initiatives. Experience firsthand how meetings can drive positive change beyond the conference walls.

Venue: Where Innovation Meets the Ocean: The Porto Cruise Terminal

The Porto Cruise Terminal is not just a venue - it’s a statement.

A striking, purpose-built space with a bold, modern design, it sits right on the Atlantic coast, offering panoramic views of the ocean that spark both reflection and forward-thinking.

This architectural gem blends cutting-edge functionality with symbolic meaning: it’s a gateway to the world, perfectly suited for conversations about global perspectives, innovation, and future-focused strategies.

Whether you're inside its sleek halls or gazing out at the open sea, this venue will elevate your thinking and expand your horizon.

The Porto Cruise Terminal, located in Matosinhos at the Port of Leixões, was designed by Luís Pedro Silva. He led the architectural concept and execution of this striking structure. This modern venue artfully combines form and function:

• Its spiral, tentaclelike design is covered in white tiles and integrates seamlessly with the breakwater and cityscape
• With a capacity for large cruise ships and multipurpose event spaces, the terminal was selected as ArchDaily’s Building of the Year 2017 in the Public Architecture category.