M&IT EXPERT
to infrastructure improvements that continue benefiting the cities into the future. For example, Rio constructed 15,000 new hotel rooms to accommodate tourists. Sochi invested approximately $42.5 billion in constructing non-sports infrastructure for the 2014 Olympics. Beijing spent over $22.5 billion constructing roads, airports, and rails, as well as almost $11.25 billion on environmental cleanup. Additionally, thousands of sponsors, media, athletes, and spectators typically visit ahost city for six months before and six months after the Olympics, which brings in additional revenue”. Of course, this is a big international sporting event, and can be hard to relate to a small conference or meeting. However there are a number of things that even the smallest of event can do and have an impact on. Events are ultimately about people Events bring people together, make connections and create experiences. However, they also have the power to create change, to leave a lasting legacy, and to benefit not only the attendees but also the community and local businesses where they happen. So how can we ensure that this is considered when planning an event? Just as we would consider traffic and noise disruption when planning an event, consider also how the event could benefit the community. Volunteering/employment In the case of the Olympics,
52 MAY 2021 mitmagazine.co.uk
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