WASHINGTON, DC – Following the challenges and disruptions created by the pandemic, the events industry has taken steps to address the critical need to transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
“As events began their hesitant return following global vaccination, sustainability took a major hit,” said Heather Farley, SISO Board Representative and Access Intelligence COO said. “In the beginning, everything was pre-packaged and disposable, because the focus was on health and hygiene.” But after last year’s transition period, things are looking more like they used to, which, she adds, could provide future growth opportunities for an industry ready for change.
But doing the right thing also has economic consequences. Today’s businesses are understandably reluctant to associate their brands with unsustainable practices that could spark a Twitter storm, Ben said. Wielgus, Informa, Sustainable Development Manager, during a recent SISO webinar to discuss the fair report published, “Finding the future, together.” The report, a collaboration between 14 united organizations from across the sector, identifies key areas for intervention to support the transition of the B2B trade fair sector to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
“There is also a “There is a huge benefit to doing the right thing,” Wielgus said, insisting that this created the need collaborate together as an industry.
A united industry
The working group, established in 2018, includes event organisers, venues, general service contractors (GSCs) and associations to collectively address sustainability challenges, which can best be addressed through systemic and coordinated group action. While there is an obvious environmental and social aspect, The ultimate goal of the project is to demonstrate that the industry takes sustainability very seriously. “Despite the increasingly visible hidden cracks, we are a formidable force for good,” Wielgus said.
“Like any industry, we have an environmental impact and we need to address it,” the report said, adding that the task force hopes others will join in projects such as the progressive Net Zero Carbon Events initiative. that supports the transition to a responsible, circular economy-focused, net-zero carbon events industry by 2030. With With 400 signatures from around the world, the initiative offers peer support, advice and next steps,” Wielgus said.
Report of the Working Group on the Sustainable Development Framework for the Trade Show Sector
Main conclusions
According to the study, the three most significant environmental impacts of the B2B trade show industry in the United States and Canada are:
Carbon: The most significant environmental impact comes from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from participant travel, venue energy and logistics, with the study focusing on logistics from the warehouse to the event venue. “We are now looking at the carbon footprint of hotels,” Informa said Wielgus plans to help the airline industry achieve its own net-zero emissions targets by 2050. Between SISO and other industry organizations, this could create a big opportunity, he said. “And airlines need to do it.”
Waste:Considered the second largest environmental impact, mShopping is big business, especially at theaters, Wielgus Primary waste includes trade show waste, catering waste and other waste generated at shows and GSC’s warehouses that supply much of the equipment and booths at events. But it’s food that’s most often wasted, although a very large percentage ends up in landfill. “Every time we throw away food, it’s money down the drain,” he admits. “Do we need 17 different types of cups, or can we just use one to make recycling easier?” Wielgus admits that Restaurants recycle food waste better than caterers. “The question is: why?”
Stand construction: Wielgus The U.S. and Canada are both very good at reusing pipes and curtains, he said, and were among the first to phase out build-and-burn booths. “Exhibitors are notorious for bringing more materials than they need to shows,” he said, adding that sustainable practices could include being able to store items on-site between events. “That’s the kind of innovation that can save time and money,” he said, and to that end, Informa has removed carpet from many of its events. “Look for alternatives,” he advised, such as permanent flooring. “A lot of exhibitors don’t know what happens to their booths at the end of their life cycle,” he said.
Maybe it’s time they did.
Contact Julie Franks at jfranks@mdg.agency