EVENT GREENING FORUM
A new year and a new start
Now that we have all had a chance to catch our breath and hopefully gather ourselves for the coming year, perhaps we need to take a fresh look at our businesses and how we could ensure less disruption from future events by becoming more sustainable. By Greg McManus, chairperson of Event Greening Forum.
T
he past two years has shown that no business is ‘fireproof’ against a global pandemic. But it has also shown that by becoming more sustainable and supplying services that ensure the sustainability of others, we can get through the fire and back on our feet quicker than most. Sustainability has taken on a vastly different focus post-Covid, and now is the time to reposition yourself to provide the services and assurances to current and future clients. Most businesses are now hyper-tuned to the impacts of any external event and almost all are now looking to future-proof their activities and services to remain relevant. In respect of meetings, exhibitions and gatherings, they are very aware of the risks and the limitations that have been placed on this sector, so by addressing these needs and providing sustainable health, safety, operational and logistic solutions to corporates, clients and individuals alike, you can reinvent yourself. But there is a caveat to this. Becoming a sustainability solution provider means that you need to ensure that everything you do as a business illustrates your commitment fully. You need to walk-the-talk and ensure
that you understand and appreciate the limitations that currently exist in the marketplace. You need to align yourself with like-minded service providers and begin expecting the same levels of commitment from your suppliers and business associates. By ensuring that your business is future-proofed, you would be demonstrating to your clients a sense of awareness and the ability to look after their interests at every chance. The Event Greening Forum offers every event organiser; supplier and venue in this country a valuable opportunity to align with and share the latest thinking in sustainable events and meetings. Our network gives access to a pool of invaluable experience and knowledge for a small annual subscription, and it identifies you as a professional in an industry that has become flooded with individuals that believe the greening of events has passed its prime. The time to fully commit to sustainable events and meetings is now and your opportunity to truly add value to your business offering couldn’t be better. Visit our website today and become part of the sustainability solutions that your clients will demand in the coming years.
30 Business Events Africa February 2022
About the EGF The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability within the business events sector. It does this by hosting educational sessions for industry and lobbying government in an effort to implement sustainability principles into the daily operations of the events industry. The EGF was established through dedication and support of eight industry associations who are recognised as founding members. The founding members are key industry associations working together to promote South Africa as a destination for various types of events.
Want to know more?
If you would like to know more about event greening, visit wwweventgreening.co.za where you can browse the free resources, sign up to the monthly newsletter, or contact them directly with any queries. Contact: Lynn Mcleod T: 082 891 5883 E: lynn@eventgreening.co.za
www.businesseventsafrica.com
