In the last blog post, I took a closer look at the first and perhaps most exciting trend in our Event & Brand Experience Trend Report 2024: The AI Revolution. A development that is revolutionizing our industry and opening up new possibilities for events and brand experiences.
Today I would like to present another key trend that is becoming increasingly important in the event industry and which we cover in detail in the eighth edition of our trend report, in which we have integrated the area of brand experience for the first time: Sustainability at events is the focus topic for 2024. I am particularly keen to shed light on why sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessity for the future of event planning and implementation.
Sustainability, sustainability, sustainability
While coronavirus has taken a back seat, sustainability will be a key topic in event planning in 2024.
Imagine experiencing an event that not only delights your senses, but also actively contributes to the protection of our planet. Every detail, from the decoration to the catering, is carefully selected to leave a positive ecological footprint. Welcome to the world of events in 2024, where sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, but a living reality.
Anyone who knows me knows that we have been working on the topic of green events for a long time. We have organized well over 100 green events in recent years. However, I am not a big fan of certifications, as they are time-consuming and expensive. However, what I find extremely good is the sustainable way of thinking and acting – even without getting a label for it. And I don’t think I’m alone in that.
What trends will influence the topic of sustainability at events in 2024?
1. sustainability trends for events in 2024
- Local and seasonal products are the norm: A study by Green Event Report 2023 shows that 78% of event organizers prefer local and seasonal products in order to reduce transport routes and the associated emissions.
- Digital solutions instead of paper production: According to Event Tech Landscape 2024, 85% of events will use digital invitations and interactive apps to avoid paper waste.
- Energy efficiency: According to the Sustainable Event Solutions Report 2024, innovative energy solutions such as solar energy and LED lighting at event locations are standard at 65% of events. Yes, our event locations are getting better and better.
2. CO2 neutrality for events
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- CO2 compensation: A study by the Carbon Neutral Event Institute (2024) found that over 50% of event organizers invest in CO2 compensation projects.
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How can you do this for your project? In Austria, there are already several providers that help agencies and companies to calculate their carbon footprint and offset it.
– Jochen Praschl, for example, is one of the climate partners in Austria who can help you with this: https://www.climatepartner.com/de
– Gerhard Polak from Blue-Life https://blue-life.at is also a good contact person for companies and agencies.
What can you do specifically in 2024 to make events more sustainable?
- Choose your venue consciously: Give preference to locations that support sustainable practices and are easily accessible by public transport.
- Cooperate with sustainable suppliers: Look for caterers who offer regional and seasonal products.
- Offer digital interaction options: Replace printed material with digital alternatives.
- Implement efficient waste management: focus on recycling and composting to reduce your waste.
- Promote sustainable mobility: Encourage participants to use environmentally friendly means of transportation.
Conclusion
Integrating sustainability into your event is not only a contribution to environmental protection, but also enriches the experience of your participants. By applying these trends and practices, you can make your event a role model for a greener future.