ne of the roadblocks to true sustainability in events is tracking the numbers . Following up on the data is no easy task , but it ’ s critical to our understanding of how we can be a more sustainable industry . It can impact the pace of change , as well as what focus areas businesses within the sector look into .

I spoke to Gemma Bassett , director of client services , HeadBox , to delve deep into the company ’ s recent 2022 Event Trends Report , which details a state of play for sustainable events .

Lagging behind The report itself was fairly damning in that it highlighted the hospitality and events sector as the third least sustainable , behind property and construction and public services and admin . Only 26 % of respondents in the industry said their company was running sustainable events .

Approximately 44 % of those aged 18-24 say the reduction of carbon emissions from travelling to an event is their top reason for preferring certain meetings and events to be held virtually – justifying a move to the digital

Gemma Bassett

world for eventprofs .

Bassett said : “ The events industry has had a slow uptake on digital transformation compared to other industries , which has had an impact on our sustainability progress . We have made great strides , especially over the past couple of years , but certainly have a long way to go .

Events generate an enormous amount of waste – therefore , proper planning is key , from seeking alternatives to single-use plastic to ordering food for the

“ As well as reducing travel emissions by choosing somewhere local , our research shows that travel convenience is a top priority for attendees today , so this means more can attend in person .”

number of guests you ’ re expecting .

“ Traditionally , the industry has leant towards using bigger venue chains and missed out on amazing unique , local spaces . I think today , people want events to be a place of authentic connection , and bigger events can miss that sometimes . As well as reducing travel emissions by choosing somewhere local , our research shows that travel convenience is a top priority for attendees today , so this means more can attend in person .”

On the up and up The report details what the industry can do to replicate the success of more sustainable industries , the top of which include : accounting , banking and finance ; environment and agriculture ; and creative arts and design .

Its top line states that looking at the supply chain used to put on an event is critical to the end-product ’ s green chops . Looking at sustainable venues and catering were top of the list , with nearly 20 % of Millennials and 37 % of Gen Z keen to see locally sourced food at events .

Bassett added : “ We have seen a rise in venues thinking about local and seasonal products first . If you