Sustainability Another observation from my two days at International Confex was the focus on sustainability .
Pre-pandemic , sustainability was a fringe subject , it was a bit of an eye-roller . I understand that now : even two years ago very few of us had the knowledge and awareness of what it meant that we do now . It ’ s not just about plastic straws , but societal development .
I chaired a session on the subject with Shaun Hinds , CEO of Manchester Central , which is partnering with Conference News on a sustainability research white paper at the moment .
Titled ‘ Sustainable events : Play your part in shaping the future ’, we are seeking opinions on the evolving role of sustainability in an events strategy , uncovering what has already made a real impact and where we can collectively make a difference moving forward .
Results will be presented back to the sector , providing tangible insight and guidance , to support our shared sustainability journey .
Most impressively , though , the theatre was packed , with some having to stand . I ’ ve chaired more on-stage sessions than I could ever remember , so I have a pretty good idea of when a session is landing with the audience , and this one did .
That ’ s based on one reason : it ’ s no longer a tutting or finger-wagging exercise . In fact , we all seem quite content to identify our flaws . Even my colleague Liz Agostini , the show director , put herself in the stocks on stage and asked the audience to grill her on Confex ’ s sustainability credentials .
We have had the chance to rethink the purpose of events – even the normal ones – and there is a genuine enthusiasm to be leading the way . I won ’ t labour the point as I ’ ve just passed 1,000 words , but corporates are going to find themselves under increasing pressure to demonstrate their
carbon footprints , and events and business travel are easy ticket items to snip . But since we all know in-person events are important so long as they have a purpose , the events industry is almost being driven by necessity to get on the front foot now .
Everyone needs to be able to demonstrate their carbon impact , and that ’ s why it ’ s no surprise that a number of agencies are looking at becoming B Corps – which I ’ ll write about another day .
Ukraine My last point will be that around Ukraine . What is unfolding is detestable , a clear invasion which has brought nothing but death and terror to the country . There was a palpable sadness , encapsulated elegantly by Ukrainian-born Tanya Pinchuk of Expoplatform on stage . A number of event industry businesses have started charitable campaigns to get aid over to Ukraine , and we ’ ll share more details of how you can help soon .
From a far less important economic perspective , the reality of the war is that it has expedited an energy crisis , and that will not only mean a cost-of-living increase in our personal lives , but businesses – and events – will suffer , too .
It was explained to me that a large hotel which was paying £ 10,000 a month for its energy will now be paying somewhere in the region of £ 44,000 per month . That money will need to be raised , so the cost gets passed down . Room rates and event fees will simply increase .
Then there ’ s the unfathomable knock-on for every element , from suppliers to road miles .
There are also murmurs that US-based organisers are now getting cold feet about going over to Europe for their events . That is only anecdotal , but something to keep an eye on .
If the last two years has taught the industry anything , then pivoting back to virtual may be one option if necessary , I just hope that the tech platform marketplace has matured enough . But , above all else , let us pray that this wretched war is over soon enough and that the people of Ukraine can return to their lives .
To wrap , it was heart-warming to see so many of you at International Confex and the Event Production Show this week . I hope you found what you were looking for , be it a service , product or a connection . Thank you for supporting your show .
On to the next one . CN www . conference-news . co . uk