Legacy in events: Medellín leads the way in the meetings industry
Legacy is one of the biggest trends in the meetings industry today. Beyond measuring success by attendance or economic impact, international events are also evaluated by the social, cultural, and environmental impact they generate in the host communities
In this context, Medellín is positioning itself as a pioneer in Latin America by turning its events into transformation platforms with tangible benefits for the city and its residents.
The Medellín and Antioquia Bureau has developed a Legacy Catalog with nine types of impact, including scholarships, volunteering, donations, hiring socially focused suppliers, environmental initiatives, content democratization, and silletero culture, among others. This tool not only guides organizers but also ensures that the benefits of each event go beyond immediate figures to leave lasting impacts.
The 2025 results speak for themselves: as of July, 42 events have incorporated legacy actions, with 70% compliance compared to the annual goal of 60% of events including this component. In economic terms alone, the actions implemented have represented an estimated $182.6 billion pesos.
Recent initiatives include the partnership with EatCloud, which enabled the recovery and redistribution of surplus food, and the support of Fenalco Solidario, with protocols for sustainable events that strengthen local organizers and suppliers.
In addition, multiple events have left concrete benefits for citizens:
Red Bull Dance Your Style National Final 2025: Around 2,150 people benefited, including 150 VIP guests and the general public. The event also included a silleta donation, supporting 428 silletero families.
STEM Women Congress Latin America: 280 women participated in an educational and empowerment event.
13th ACOMM National Congress: A recreational and educational event benefited 93 seniors from different neighborhoods, in addition to providing 25 free tickets to INDER trainers. The event also contracted the Local Artisans Corporation, which was responsible for the delivery of 300 souvenirs, strengthening the productive network.
In total, in August alone, 3,210 people directly benefited from legacy initiatives at events held in Medellín.
The city's iconic silletero culture has also played a leading role: recent conferences and symposiums have hired silletas, integrating this heritage into the narrative of the events and directly supporting silletero families.
This path of innovation and commitment has led the Bureau and the city to be nominated for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025, in the World's Leading Sustainable Community Empowerment Program category. This nomination confirms the coherence and strength of Medellín's model and establishes the city as a global leader in sustainable and responsible tourism.
More than just events, Medellín builds connections that transform. And at every conference, symposium, or festival, the city demonstrates that legacy isn't just a trend: it's already an essential part of its DNA as a meeting destination.
Source: Medellín Bureau.