Trade Show Executive spoke with Alexandra Failla, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Diversified Communications, to learn how climate change could impact the events industry and get tips for event participants.
ANDREW: How do you anticipate climate change impacting the events industry?
ALEXANDRA: Event organizers need to be in tune with the impacts that climate change will have on both the events industry and the industries we serve.
For example, an increase in severe weather events could cause disruptions in event scheduling, lead to cancellations or limit access to event venues in more vulnerable regions.
Attendees are anticipating and expecting that organizers will be adopting environmentally sustainable practices and this demand will only increase as environmental concerns grow.
Demand for energy efficient travel options and alternatives will grow, as people become increasingly concerned about reliance on fossil fuels.
ANDREW: Based on your answer for #1, how can organizers get ahead of or combat climate change’s potential issues?
ALEXANDRA: Event organizers can address the impacts that climate change will have on both their events and the markets they serve by implementing sustainable business practices at their events.
We are encouraged to see how sustainability is becoming more than just a buzzword in the events industry — it’s a movement that’s reshaping how we plan and experience gatherings. Increasingly, organizers are focusing on reducing waste and energy use, adopting greener practices throughout operations and the planning process such as circular economy practices, and carbon offsetting of attendee and employee travel.
Organizers can also reduce their environmental impact and show a strong commitment to sustainability by partnering with like-minded venues and vendors that have a strong commitment to sustainability.
Related. Exploring Climate Change and Events with Helen Sheppard, RX’s Global Sustainability Director
ANDREW: Why should looking at climate change be a priority for event organizers?
ALEXANDRA: There are a few reasons why event organizers may want to consider climate change when planning their events.
First, as exhibitors and attendees become more aware of environmental issues affecting our planet, more will choose to support businesses and events that align with their values. Second, establishing a reputation for having a commitment to sustainability can help attract employees who want to work at companies that have that kind of commitment.
Finally, sustainability can be a key differentiator in the industry, offering organizers the opportunity to stand out while also reducing costs.
ANDREW: In your view, will climate change impact event planning? If so, how?
ALEXANDRA: The sustainability movement is already impacting the event planning process. Event organizers, general contractors, venues, exhibitors and attendees are working together to make a positive impact on the environment with more sustainable travel, waste management, energy, food and beverage and stand design practices. Constituents realize that they need to collaborate with partners who prioritize sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint.
ANDREW: What advice would you give event organizers who want to optimize their events for sustainability?
ALEXANDRA: Sustainability is an ongoing journey, not a one-time effort. It’s about constantly improving and finding new ways to reduce environmental impact while delivering a successful event. No one company will get to the finish line alone —this is an industry-wide effort that requires collaboration at all levels. Sharing insights with industry partners and colleagues can inspire fresh ideas and help identify opportunities.
ANDREW: Are there any adaptations/enhancements that you’ve seen in events, related to sustainability and/or climate change, that you would like to highlight?
ALEXANDRA: At Diversified, our sustainability strategy focuses on the three key areas: environmental, social and governance efforts.
Our internal research showed there was a high level of interest across the company in addressing sustainability, which has created an opportunity to tap into the ideas and energy that our team has to advance sustainability in our events.
As we cannot manage what we cannot measure, we have increased our efforts and resources on measuring and tracking carbon emissions and waste at select events this year to establish a baseline in 2024. We hope to use this data to set benchmarks, monitor progress and make data-driven goals for the future.
Waste reduction is a big area of focus right now. Organizers are increasing their use of digital signage to reduce paper waste, opting to use sustainable materials for signage and event structures, and minimizing single-use plastics where possible. We’re also beginning to work more closely with our vendor partners to find more sustainable ways to operate. Some of our events are piloting more sustainable stand designs, constructed with reusable and recyclable materials. Circular practices and elimination of single use plastics are much more broadly evident. We offer carbon offset options for our attendees for their travel to and from our events.
ANDREW: How do sustainability enhancements help events?
ALEXANDRA: Sustainable enhancements can make events more cost-efficient, reduce operational risks, increase the overall success and reputation of the event, and align with the values of increasingly eco-conscious audiences. For example, focusing on waste reduction at an event might lead to cost savings, especially when it comes to printing, packaging, transportation and energy consumption.
ANDREW: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
ALEXANDRA: Event organizers are in a unique position because we touch so many industries, we have the opportunity to influence broader change and set the standard for other industries as well. By embracing sustainable practices, we are both ensuring that we can continue to host successful events and serve as a positive influence to industries we serve.
