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Event Management's Future: Adopting Sustainability

  • Writer: Towhid Rahman
    Towhid Rahman
  • Oct 29, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Nov 3, 2024

Sustainability is a concept that is becoming more and more important and undeniable in today's event management environment. The events sector is being forced to shift as the globe struggles with issues including waste management, resource shortages, and climate change. Adopting sustainability is now a need for event managers and organizers, not just a fad that will shape the sector's future. Sustainable business practices provide a route to ethical and unforgettable experiences, giving the sector a chance to set an example while reaping the rewards of improved productivity and customer attractiveness.


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Why Sustainability Matters in Events?

Historically, events have had a big impact on the environment, causing everything from carbon emissions and food waste to energy usage and single-use items. Studies show that the typical participant generates over 1.9 kg of waste every day, with a large portion of the waste being single-use plastic. For those in charge of multi-day events with thousands of attendees, this is a stunning statistic. Younger generations in particular are becoming more environmentally conscious, and they expect the brands they interact with to share their beliefs. Event managers may match these expectations, foster loyalty, and draw in a larger, eco-aware audience by using sustainable practices.


Green Solutions with Real Impact

Adopting sustainable techniques does not entail sacrificing an event's quality. Instead, it makes good, enduring impressions that improve the experience. Some effective tactics are as follows:


Eco-Friendly Materials: Small changes, such as making badges, flatware, and decorations out of biodegradable or compostable materials, significantly cut down on waste. For example, reducing the amount of printed documents and using digital tickets simplifies logistics and conserves resources.


Renewable Energy: Using renewable energy sources, such as LED lighting and solar panels, is another effective strategy. In addition to lessening the impact on the environment, these can help save operating expenses.


Food Waste Reduction: Remaining food can be donated to local food banks or charities, which reduces waste and helps communities. It also reduces transportation emissions and supports the "local-first" philosophy when food is sourced from sustainable, local suppliers.


Beyond Trend—Creating Lasting Change

Sustainable practices provide advantages beyond the environment. Positive publicity, sponsorships from businesses want to support environmentally conscious projects, and increased stakeholder engagement are all benefits of sustainable events. For customers, being aware that their event is environmentally friendly improves the reputation of their business and identifies them with progressive ideals.



Promoting sustainability by event managers not only encourages environmental responsibility but also improves their brand and, consequently, the standing of the sector. Sustainable practices are gaining traction, and those leading the way will not only help the environment but also secure their company's survival and expansion in a changing marketplace.


In addition to being the future, sustainable events are already here. As we adjust to new standards and develop environmentally friendly solutions, the event management sector has a rare opportunity to spearhead a movement that puts the environment first while still producing amazing experiences.





References

Jones, M. (2017). Sustainable Event Management: A Practical Guide (3rd ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315439723

Gössling, Stefan & Peeters, Paul. (2007). ‘It Does Not Harm the Environment!’ An Analysis of Industry Discourses on Tourism, Air Travel and the Environment. Journal of Sustainable Tourism - J SUSTAIN TOUR. 15. 402-417. 10.2167/jost672.0.

Ashwin, Karen. 2023. “The Importance of Sustainability in Event Planning.” Www.theeventcompany.com. 2023. https://www.theeventcompany.com/news/the-importance-of-sustainability-in-event-planning.

‌“EIC Insights > Sustainability > Sustainability Events Standards.” n.d. Insights.eventscouncil.org. https://insights.eventscouncil.org/Sustainability/Sustainability-Events-Standards.

‌“Programme-Wide Sustainability Strategy Sustainability 05007-STG-P990000-SU-000001 Revision 4.” n.d. https://www.expo2020dubai.com/-/media/expo2020/sustainability/expo2020-sustainability-strategy.pdf.

Andersson, Tommy & Getz, Donald. (2008). Stakeholder Management Strategies of Festivals. Journal of Convention and Event Tourism. 9. 10.1080/15470140802323801.

“The Global Destination Sustainability Index.” n.d. GDS-Movement. https://www.gds.earth/index/.

‌Khandai, Sujata & Mathew, Jones & Yadav, Renu & Kataria, Sonia & Kohli, Harpuneet. (2022). Ensuring brand loyalty for firms practising sustainable marketing: a roadmap. Society and Business Review. 18. 10.1108/SBR-10-2021-0189.

‌“WRI’s Sustainability Data.” n.d. World Resources Institute. https://www.wri.org/sustainability-wri/dashboard.

“Waste Management in the Exhibitions Industry.” 2020. https://www.ufi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/UFI_Waste-Management_Sept2020_v2.pdf.

 
 
 

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Contacts

Towhidur Rahman 
Event Manager 
Phone: +971562302466
Email: towhidrahman222@gmail.com

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Towhidur Rahman 
Event Manager 
Phone: +971562302466
Email: towhidrahman222@gmail.com

WhatsApp Image 2024-04-30 at 5.09.19 PM (1).jpeg
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