I attended the Events Sustainability Live (ESL) exhibition last week, held alongside Event Tech Live at ExCeL London on the 20th and 21st of November 2024. While I approached the event with skepticism due to my prior experience with Reset Connect, I was pleasantly surprised by the uplifting and practical conversations around sustainability in the events industry.
What set ESL apart was its focus on realistic solutions and impactful actions over buzzwords and overpromises. The speakers unanimously acknowledged that the journey towards sustainable events is still in its infancy, emphasising the need for patience, kindness, and collaboration to inspire change.
Here are some of the most valuable insights I gathered:
Sustainability Is a Work in Progress: Matt Grey, CEO of event:decision, pointed out that there is no definitive benchmark for sustainable events—just a shared commitment to improve. He highlighted the industry's common struggle: being "too busy" to implement sustainable practices.
Transportation Is a Major Challenge: Travel remains the most unsustainable aspect of events. While we await global access to reusable, sustainable fuel, we can focus on what’s within our control.
Venue Selection Matters: Camilla Marcus-Dew, Co-Founder of Amplify Goods and CEO of Connection Crew, stressed the importance of choosing venues that:
Are accessible via public transport or cycling.
Manage waste sustainably.
Partner with social enterprises or impact suppliers.
"Less Is More" Sparks Creativity: Dr. Fran Harris, founder of 4GOOD, encouraged viewing “less” as an opportunity for more innovative experiences. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean higher costs—it’s about thoughtful effort and care.
Collaboration Is Key: Across all discussions, one word echoed repeatedly: collaboration. Whether you're a large corporation or a small business, working together is vital for driving sustainable change. Sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences can create a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
I left the exhibition feeling inspired and confident in the direction we’re heading. The event reaffirmed my belief in the power of collaboration and reinforced the importance of communities like Grow Together, which I’m building through Smart Potato.
If you're a small sustainable brand or individual passionate about creating impactful change, come be part of our Grow Together Community. Let’s collaborate, share, and thrive together.
watch the summery of my whole two days experience from here.
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