EVENT GREENING FORUM

Driving change: embracing sustainability in events

In today’s dynamic business landscape, sustainability has emerged as a defining factor in the success and longevity of enterprises across industries. As event professionals, we find ourselves at the forefront of this transformative shift, tasked with delivering exceptional experiences and ensuring that they align with sustainable principles.

Recent research by Display Wizard underscores this evolution, revealing that an overwhelming 92 per cent of businesses exhibiting at trade shows prioritise sustainability in their planning processes. This statistic highlights the growing awareness of environmental concerns and underscores the strategic imperative for event organisers to integrate sustainability into their operations.

One prominent initiative driving this change is the Journey to Net Carbon Zero. This initiative challenges event planners to offset their carbon footprint, aiming for net carbon neutrality. While ambitious, this goal presents many benefits for businesses and the environment. By embracing sustainability, event planners can enhance their brand reputation, attract environmentally-conscious clients, and contribute positively to the global effort to combat climate change.

However, it’s essential to tread carefully to avoid the trap of greenwashing — the deceptive practice of exaggerating or misrepresenting a company’s environmental efforts. Instead, event planners should focus on implementing tangible, measurable sustainability practices that reduce their ecological impact.

So, how can event professionals navigate this transition towards sustainability effectively? It begins with a comprehensive strategy that encompasses every aspect of event planning and execution. Every decision should be made with sustainability in mind, from venue selection and waste management to transportation and energy consumption.

The journey towards sustainability in event management is a moral imperative and a strategic business opportunity. By embracing sustainability practices, event professionals can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, enhance their brand value, and contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future.

Moreover, collaboration, knowledge and innovation are key drivers of success in this endeavour. By partnering with sustainable suppliers, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among stakeholders, event planners can overcome challenges and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.

This is where the Event Greening Forum (EGF) and the Green Database (greendatabase.co.za) become valuable resources for event professionals. As a collective of like-minded individuals with a shared commitment to sustainability, the EGF serves as a platform for education, inspiration, and transformation within the industry.

Whether you’re a novice seeking guidance or a seasoned sustainability expert looking to connect with peers, the EGF welcomes all who are passionate about driving positive change in the event sector. By engaging with the EGF, event professionals can access a wealth of resources, including best practices, case studies, and networking opportunities, to amplify their sustainability efforts and contribute to the broader mission of transforming the industry for the better.

If you’re eager to be part of this movement, why not visit the Event Greening website to explore how you can learn more and get involved?

About us

The Event Greening Forum is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability within the business events sector. To find out more, please visit www.eventgreening.co.za

Lynn Mcleod

Tel: 082 891 5883

Email: lynn@eventgreening.co.za