IJBEL unveils groundbreaking insights on business events and sustainability in latest issue

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Miri, Sarawak – 5 November 2024 – The International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL) has achieved another milestone with the release of Volume 3, Issue 1, featuring a compelling lineup of articles that explore how business events serve as catalysts for sustainable development and lasting legacies.

The latest issue shines a spotlight on critical themes, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), offering groundbreaking perspectives on how these principles are reshaping the global business events landscape. This focus underscores the journal’s commitment to advancing inclusivity and innovation within the industry.

Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, and patron of IJBEL, highlighted DEI as a key driver in business and society. “Destinations and partners that prioritise DEI principles not only attract planners and delegates but also inspire meaningful conversations that drive positive change,” he said.

Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and chairman of IJBEL, called this a transformative moment for the industry. “Our responsibility extends beyond hosting impactful events to creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of background,” he emphasised.

Volume 3, Issue 1 is packed with pioneering research and inspiring narratives, including:

  • “Creating Lasting Legacies and Strategising Development through a Cultural Festival in Bario, the Historical ‘World Within’” by Datuk Gerawat Gala, Doris Lian, and Lilla Raja. A deep dive into the Bario Food and Cultural Festival, this article explores how a remote settlement celebration has become a cornerstone for regional development, blending cultural preservation, tourism, and conservation.

 

  • “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for Women in the Event Industry” by Amelia Roziman. A two-part series unpacking the challenges and triumphs of women in the business events sector, offering invaluable advice for young professionals aiming to make their mark.

 

  • “Women in the Global Business Events Industry: An Accidental Journey to the Top” by Jane Vong Holmes. A personal narrative on breaking barriers in gender leadership, this article celebrates mentorship, inclusivity, and the power of gratitude.

 

  • “Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Destination DC’s DEI Business Fellowship” by Zoe Roberts, Shelby Luzzi, and Susan O’Keefe. This white paper showcases a groundbreaking programme supporting underrepresented small business owners, highlighting how targeted DEI initiatives can empower communities.

 

  • Shifting Conventional Tourism Training to A Sustainable Approach by Edward Mansel and Doris Lian explores the evolution of tourism training in Malaysia through the geopark CTRE model. This model incorporates environmental and cultural awareness into tourist guide training, demonstrating how educational reforms can enhance the sustainability of the tourism sector.

 

  • “Sustainable Rural Festivals Guidelines” by Liau and Chieng. A practical framework for organising environmentally and socially sustainable rural festivals, merging cultural celebration with environmental stewardship.

 

  • “Digital Sustainability Practices of Event Organisers in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry” by Samuel Adeyinka-Ojo. A visionary analysis of how digital tools are driving sustainable event management, urging a collaborative approach to address industry challenges.

Associate Professor Goi Chai Lee, Editor-in-Chief of IJBEL, emphasised the journal’s role in shaping the future of business events. “These articles reflect our contributors’ dedication to advancing sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. We are deeply grateful to them and to our readers for their continued support,” he said.

The International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL) is a leading open access international journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in the field of business events and their lasting impacts. Through rigorous research and insightful articles, IJBEL aims to foster sustainable development and inclusive practices within the global business events industry.

Launched in 2022, it is the world’s first online journal to merge business events and legacy topics and is jointly published by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Performing Art, Sarawak, Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), The Iceberg, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak, and other partners.

From empowering women in leadership to fostering digital and sustainable practices, Volume 3, Issue 1 reflects the journal’s commitment to driving progress in the global meetings and events industry. For more information and to access the full articles, visit the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies at ijbelegacy.com/publication/volume-3-issue-1/.

Volume 3, Issue 1 – the latest issue of the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL)