Messe Frankfurt Locations hosted their latest online event, “Deep Dive: Sustainability at Events,” on February 1st, offering valuable insights for event organisers.
Key questions addressed:
- Integrating a sustainability strategy within your company.
- The added value of sustainable events.
- Future goals beyond climate neutrality.
The panel consisted of
- Michael Biwer: Head of Guest Events, Messe Frankfurt (Host)
- Vivien Altmann-Morelli: Sustainability Management, Messe Frankfurt
- Ben Wielgus: Head of Sustainability, Informa
Key learnings from the talk
- We got to know two highly advanced qualification processes: EMAS – Environmental Management and Audit System to define environmental performance in the first year and continually improve it via a concrete target architecture. Better Stands – as a new industry initiative not only offering better customer experience, commercial opportunities and environmental impact but also debunking common pushbacks.
- Sustainability at events does not necessarily cause more costs but brings added value for the organiser, the location, the host city and mainly for the participants.
- In the context of sustainability, organisers expect from venues/providers a clear commitment to net zero carbon and to waste avoidance as well as the consistent collaboration of all partners.
- Sustainability must be structurally anchored in a company, but it needs the contribution of everyone, it starts with turning off the light and switching down the heating – it should become part of the DNA and the mindset.
- The world and our industry can’t wait. Soon, sustainability will become a standard component of event planning. Important future topics will be the circular economy, local sourcing, green venue policy, high-impact event culture, avoiding greenwashing, and educating people.
For all those who were unable to attend live, here is the recording and a Q&A of the 45-minute talk.
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