Early Adopter Program GSTC has designed the Early Adopter Program for the MICE Criteria to support the development of the applicable implementation of the GSTC MICE Criteria.

Along with the recent new set of criteria, applications are now open for the Early Adopter Program. This two-year program is a valuable opportunity for industry stakeholders to actively engage and become the first to implement the criteria in real-world settings. 

Who can join the Early Adopter Program?

GSTC members. We encourage Venues and Event Organizers from the Public and Private sectors. A maximum of 10 organizations per scope will be selected, with the goal of covering different continents and sectors.

Why join the Early Adopter Program?

Joining the Early Adopter Program offers a myriad of benefits that can significantly enhance your visibility, network, and understanding of sustainable practices within the MICE industry. As a participant, you’ll be afforded a unique promotional opportunity through featured posts on the GSTC website and across its various social media platforms, effectively broadening your reach to a global audience. The program also provides a platform for you to share your insights and experiences through webinar presentations, allowing you to position yourself as a thought leader in the field. Furthermore, being part of the Early Adopter Program allows you to present your work at our future Global Conferences.

Your participation grants you the privilege of having your case studies potentially used as global training material, offering an exceptional chance to contribute to the educational resources within the sustainable tourism community. 

This collaborative environment encourages the exchange of knowledge and experiences, which is pivotal for personal and professional growth. Engaging in this program will also facilitate a deeper understanding of your own operations, helping you identify strengths and weaknesses, thereby increasing your readiness and comprehension of the GSTC MICE Criteria.

Moreover, sharing challenges and solutions with fellow applicants fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This collaborative approach not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also strengthens the industry’s collective proficiency in sustainable practices. By participating in the Early Adopter Program, you’re not just advancing your own goals; you’re contributing to a larger movement toward sustainability in the MICE sector.

Fees

Fee for Venues: USD5,000-10,000 based on the business size

Fee Event organizers: USD2,000-5,000 based on the business size

The fee covers online/offline meeting facilitation, reporting of early adopter activities, promotional activities via the GSTC network, and other administrative process management fees by the GSTC Secretariat. The fee does not cover membership fees, individual self-assessments, 2nd party assessments, travel expenses, conference registration, other paid promotional activities, or any activities not specified in the Early Adopter agreement document.

How to apply?

The deadline to submit your application for this exciting opportunity is set for April 30, 2024. To apply, please ensure you complete the Application form with all the required documents and submit them via email to criteria[at]gstcouncil.org. Following your submission, we will carefully review all applications, and you can expect to receive a notification regarding your application status prior to the Kick-off meeting, which is scheduled for late May or early June 2024. This meeting will mark the beginning of the program and is an essential step for all applicants, providing valuable insights and further instructions on the next steps. Ensure your application is thorough and submitted on time to be considered for this unique opportunity.

Candidates will be featured on this page once our technical team reviews the applications submitted to join the program.

For further information, click here.