2Heads review the latest in eco-event trends discussed during Event Sustainability Live and The Sustainable Events Show.

November had a distinctly eco-conscious theme in 2023, with a series of thought-leading conferences around London and the rest of the world. With an eye on creating sustainability strategies for 2024, conversations at both the The Sustainable Events Show and Event Sustainability Live varied from how to improve carbon reporting to how sustainability creates growth opportunities.

Our Global CGO took to the stage at Event Sustainability Live to discuss the solutions that are changing the face of event sustainability. The insightful session covered everything from energy options at live events to how partnerships influence internal stakeholders into embracing change. The live session is available below:

On the other side of London, our Design Director Lisa Hill took part in the ‘Material Girl’ masterclass, a female-led discussion that closed The Sustainable Events show. Evolving what is already known on eco-conscious material choice, the team talked about where to go next as designers, from being creative with repurposing furniture to exploring the positives of biophilia and living walls in event spaces. Our top ten takeaways from the shows are:

• The C-suite commitment to the 1.5° global warming target – Brands are placing the CSR policies at the heart of their live events & exhibitions, and we expect in 2024 to see content and activations that educate audiences on those commitments.
• The desire to reach net zero carbon – The push to net zero carbon events is going to ratchet in the next few years with accreditation and certifcation on the rise, along with the requirement for streamlined post-event reporting.
• The effect of political factors – Up and coming elections are going to have an effect on sustainable events with a disconnect between politics and science creating challenges for many brands and suppliers.
• The need for effective measurement – We predict a rise in innovative event technologies that track ROI and carbon data on attendees, and will include a level of automation.
• The pluses of biophilic design – Not only do living spaces increase occupant connectivity to the natural environment and increase oxgen levels, they are 100% renewable and look absolutely lovely.
• The rise of innovation – Every year new solutions arise that tackle problems with energy, storage and hospitality within events. Building a network of suppliers who are pushing boundaries has never been more important.
• The key is in the creative – Like all good events, eco-conscious activations are only as good as the creative design that sits behind them. If the budget moves away from ‘build’ to audience journey, we can get creative with the experiences we design.
• The ‘matters’ in materials – Recyclable and reusable materials are commonly known now but there is so much more they can do. Interior designers are expected to really push the limits in 2024, creating environments that are as much art as event.
• The power of knowledge – There are still a lot of unknowns around sustainability in events, and technology is shifting all the time. Conversation, discussion and sharing of ideas will be the engines that move the whole industry forward.
• The requirement to do more – Possibly the most heart-warming principle we took away from this last month of sustainability discussion is that the industry knows it can do better. There is a collective energy and desire to keep reducing, reusing and reviewing our event footprints, at the same as making them the best, most engaging and note-worthy brand experiences yet. Optimism is up and it feels like 2024 is the year for real change.

If you would like to join a complimentary SOS Lab or find out more about our work producing sustainable events and exhibitions, drop us a line: hello@2Heads.com