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Becky Davison , project manager , First Event , explains how agencies can support clients on their sustainability journey
ustainability is a hot topic within the events industry , and rightly so . This new focus not only highlights a heightened awareness of sustainability as a whole , but also how the events industry in particular is guilty of wasteful and unsustainable practices . This has led to a rise in the demand for sustainable options at events , or better yet , entirely ‘ green ’ events . In today ’ s climate , making sure sustainability is the most important factor at every decision-making point is a business necessity .
Working as part of an agency , teams like First Event have the gift of perspective . Collaborating as an external organisation with our clients , our objectivity makes it easier for us to spot areas for improvement .
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SETTING NEW STANDARDS |
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It is vital that we make the most of this perspective , not only to facilitate these sustainable options , but to educate our clients on their benefits in the first place .
At First Event , we offer our clients a pre- and post-sustainability report once an event has been delivered , allowing us to determine the environmental impact of the event . By prioritising this from the outset of the planning process , we efficiently discuss and incorporate alternative ‘ green ’ options , or put measures in place to offset the carbon emissions post-event .
Our role and responsibility
Event professionals must think outside the box when it comes to sustainable practices . It is our responsibility to find new , innovative , and creative ways to reduce the carbon footprint each and every time we produce an event . As an industry , we need to not only educate clients on the impact events create upon the environment , but also equip them with the tools to do something about it . We cannot be afraid to challenge clients ,
“ As an industry , we need to not only educate clients on the impact events create upon the environment , but also equip them with the tools to do something about it .”
Becky Davison
suppliers and venues on their decisions and practices . Collectively , as an industry , we should be supporting one another to make change . We should be doing more .
But , in order to move forward , sustainability must be at the forefront of everyone ’ s minds . This is why at First Event we ensure our supply chain meets our social responsibility and sustainable standards . Ask yourself , what are you doing externally to make sure you are sustainable in your practice ?
Here ’ s a thought , could offering digital solutions be the answer to some of our environmental concerns ? Most definitely . As well as being hugely convenient for both our clients and their delegates , avoiding the use of one-time-only branding , and countless amounts of paper and plastic-coated badges means that we are helping to protect our planet .
As an events agency , you can never do too much analysing of what you do and , more importantly , why you do it . CN www . conference-news . co . uk