Swedish meetings industry takes action for sustainability issues with creation of trade association chapter A group of leading Swedish meeting industry organizations has formed the Swedish chapter of the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC), a global organization that focuses on environmental and sustainability issues in the meetings industry.

GMIC, a not for profit organization with members in over 20 countries, has a mission to advance meetings industry innovation through knowledge sharing, education, and research.

GMIC Sweden is founded with the generous support of some of Sweden’s leading actors in sustainable business practices: Arenabolaget in Linköping, Gothenburg Convention Bureau, Kistamässan, Luleå Convention Bureau, MCI Sweden, Stockholm Visitors Board, Stockholmsmässan, Svenskamässan, Visit Sweden and Visit East Sweden DMC.

Jan Peter Bergkvist, owner of the sustainability advisory Sleepwell AB and an initiator of GMIC Sweden, explains "Through my involvement with the International Board of GMIC, I have realized the importance of a strong industry representation in terms of raising awareness and building capacity for change related to environmental and sustainability issues. We saw it as natural that Swedish companies and organizations, which in many respects lead the world in these areas, create a Swedish chapter of GMIC. We want to create a platform for meeting buyers, suppliers and other stakeholders in the meetings industry in which we can work together for sustainable development while consolidating Sweden's leadership as sustainable a meeting destination".

Michael Luehrs, Sustainability Services Manager at meetings and events agency MCI Group, was elected Chairman GMIC Sweden. "This is an exciting development for the industry and I am of course, proud to have the opportunity to lead the Swedish Chamber of GMIC. The mission of the member organization is an important one and we will work hard to communicate the value of membership in GMIC Sweden. In 2011, our focus will be to exceed 30 new members. Interest is already high and because several of the founding companies are leading players in the Swedish meetings industry whose generous contribution will allow us to provide meaningful educational content, conditions for growth are ideal”.

For more information contact: Michael Luehrs, MCI, Sweden, +46701909830 michael.Luehrs @ mci-group.com Jan Peter Bergkvist, Sleep Well AB, +46766336868 janpeter.bergkvist @ sleepwell.nu

Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) was founded in the United States and currently has over 20 departments in the world. GMIC working to promote sustainable development within the global meetings industry through education, research and impact. Read more at www.greenmeetings.info.