Social inclusion in the congress industry

As Lugano Convention & Exhibition, we are very committed to sustainability and we do so across the board. In addition to the ‘Handbook for sustainable organization of events’, where our organisers find valuable and practical advice, we are pleased to be able to bring the testimony of a success story for all aspects of sustainability.

Medacta International, an innovative company in the field of orthopaedics based in Castel San Pietro, organised this year's 10th M.O.R.E International Symposium at the Palazzo dei Congressi. It was a scientific event involving surgeons from all over the world, with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients through the development and implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions.

It was also an opportunity to celebrate the company's 25th anniversary. On this occasion, they involved the Fondazione Diamante, a social enterprise for inclusion, with an innovative idea. During coffee breaks in the morning and afternoon, the more than 1,000 participants had the opportunity to sample sweet and savoury food delicacies, created and packaged by the disabled employees of the Fondazione Diamante.

Not only were these biscuits, puff pastries and savoury snacks prepared by people with disabilities active in social-work workshops, but they were also served by them during the five-day conference. Thanks to nice mobile stations, it was possible to reach all participants and provide a snack only to those who wanted it and to foster a social dialogue.

With this distribution concept, food waste was avoided and it was possible to target the needs of the participants (some sweet, some savoury). Thanks to this choice, Medacta International was able to convey its focus on sustainable initiatives in a subtle but effective way. Success was achieved precisely through the interaction between the congress participants and the employees of Fondazione Diamante. Matilde, one of the staff members of, confirmed that ‘It was very nice. I didn't understand people's language, but with gestures and smiles I was able to distribute the small packets of biscuits.’

For the Director of the Fondazione Diamante, Maria-Luisa Polli, ‘the active participation in the international symposium organised by Medacta International is an important testimony of the virtuous synergies that can be developed with companies in the Ticino region: an inclusive union supported by concrete actions.

From our point of view, this is a virtuous example of sustainability where all its areas are taken into account:

• Social: inclusion of people with disabilities and interaction vis a vis with the participants of the event, which gave satisfaction to the company, the participants and the employees of the Fondazione Diamante.
• Economic: collaboration with local partners who are committed to using local products with a positive impact on the entire region; no food was wasted
• Environmental: the Fondazione Diamante is committed to using seasonal and local products, and given its presence in the area, transport and CO2 emissions were also minimised: instead of handing out useless gadgets by the carpet, delicious snacks and souvenirs were donated only to those who were really interested.

In short, in our role as intermediary between all partners, it is a great satisfaction when networking allows win-win collaborations for all actors as well as sustainability!