FCM Meetings & Events | Ideas Exchange 3.0

Ideas Exchange is a small-format immersive event tackling major topics.

Big ideas. Great minds. Meaningful conversations.

This event is designed to challenge, excite, engage, and inform guests on relevant, significant topics relating to our industry. Featuring passionate speakers and robust discussions, this is a rare opportunity to experience a truly creative and unique event. Attending an Ideas Exchange event means being part of our commitment to ESG and to a more sustainable future.

Ideas Exchange turns 3 and punches above its weight.

For the third instalment of the Ideas Exchange series, FCM Meetings & Events served up a stellar line up of experts to discuss ‘S’ – the Social in ESG. The knowledge-sharing event brought together industry professionals to specifically focus on knowing your supply chain and taking social responsibility at every level.

The robust, small group discussions were guided by thought-leaders including Flight Centre Travel Group’s Head of People and Culture, Allisa O’Connell, Accor Group’s Director of ESG, David Young and Etihad Airways General Manager of Australia & New Zealand, Sarah Built.

Getting social at IDEX

The immersive IDEX 3.0 event took place at the boutique Porter House Hotel Sydney, where guests were divided into three small pods each rotating through three sessions. The collaborative and fun sessions included a ‘make your own cocktail’ activity, before settling into discussions on supply chain in hotels, airlines and with regards to people and culture, all followed by a sustainable meal with Executive Chef, Emrys Jones.

The FCM Meetings & Events event was an informal, highly interactive experience designed to encourage discussion and to inspire collaborative action. Enjoy watching the evening’s highlights here...

One of the hot topics … are you doing your due diligence?

Social issues can carry significant reputational and operational risks in the complex arena of procurement. So this event focussed on the question – what does a ‘good’ supply chain look like, in events and travel? As ‘Social’ is defined as the consideration of humans and our interdependencies, it’s important to have robust processes and controls in relation to supply chain health and safety and human rights. Key guests discussed unique initiatives their companies have put in place to keep them on track to meet their social obligations.

Meet the Ideas Exchange experts

David Young

David Young recently joined Accor Pacific in the newly created role of Director of ESG. David focuses on developing and delivering the Accor Group Sustainability and ESG strategies across it's over 400 properties in the region.

Allisa O'Connell

Allisa is Head of People & Culture at the Flight Centre Travel Group. With 34 years of experience working at FCTG, Allisa is committed to bringing out the potential in others, to allow them to be the best version of themselves and to strengthen the business.

Sarah Built

As General Manager of Australia and New Zealand for Etihad Airways, Sarah is responsible for driving the airline's commercial activities. Sarah's industry experience spans over 30 years, and she continues to build Etihad's world-leading presence in the market.

Emrys Jones

After starting work in kitchens while at school, Emrys has worked in many prominent kitchens. With a focus on sustainability, great produce and treating food with respect, he is now the Executive Chef at The Porter House Hotel Sydney.

People, culture, and the hard conversations

At the recent Ideas Exchange event, hosted by FCM Meeting & Events, FCTG’s Allisa O’Connell explained how a culture of care is a necessity for attracting staff, suppliers and partners.

Winds of change: Why now is a good time to relook your travel policy

Putting ‘S’ into the Air Travel Supply Chain

At the recent Ideas Exchange event hosted by FCM Meetings & Events, Etihad Airways shared their journey of embedding the ‘Social’ element of ESG.

Moving forward collectively

At the recent Ideas Exchange event, FCM Meetings & Events spoke to David Young, Accor’s Director of ESG, to discuss how ESG has been embedded into the business.

Sources of our sustainable gifts

Little Veggie Patch Co

The Little Veggie Patch Co is a business dedicated to helping people grow food and they believe it is something that everyone can do, regardless of your skill set or space at your disposal.

Rocket Book

Rocket Book provide Cloud connected smart, digital notebooks so that you can reuse the product again and again. Notes can be saved to the cloud or emailed from the page.

Social Dot

Removing the need for traditional paper business cards, Social Dot enables you to connect and share your contact details, social media and specific links with a tap, instantly!

Check out some of our favourite snaps!

Taking place in the luxurious Porter House Hotel Sydney, the backdrop for this event was just as spectacular as the content. From a pre-event cocktail, to lively discussions, and a sustainable dining experience, there were so many fantastic moments throughout the evening.