Throughout the last decade, there has been a stark difference in the sustainability pressures placed on the glamorous, public-facing side of the events industry and the more private, business side.
Large-scale, public events, like festivals, entertainment and sporting events, have faced much more pressure to make significant sustainability changes fast. The scale and visibility of these events, paired with the increased press, put them under a spotlight for public scrutiny. With the increased interest from the public, these events made dramatic changes to their sustainability initiatives, and ultimately, it was initiated by the organisers.
What’s interesting is that, despite being in the same industry, because of the reduced public scrutiny, exhibitions and business events have been more or less flying under the radar. Should corporate events not face the same scrutiny as those enjoyed by the public?
What Progression have Exhibitions Made so Far?
Visit any event organiser’s page, and it’s clear that sustainability is a focus. Sustainability initiatives and improvements are plastered over each webpage, usually a key part of, or second to, the landing page.
Most organisers began by tracking current emissions to set a benchmark. After outlining the current impact, event organisers started making plans for future improvements, most beginning with offsetting, reducing energy-related CO2 emissions, and waste.
Though this is great progress, there still seems to be significant sustainability blind spots in the industry.
Sustainability Blind Spots
While it’s clear that effort is being taken to reduce emissions, the most obvious offenders, disposable exhibition stands, seem to be slipping under the radar. And yet, according to Better Stands, these are the stands which generate over 80% of the waste in exhibition halls.
In other areas of the event industry, one-use plastics are out. Festivals and catwalks no longer use confetti, disposable cups, straws or cutlery. Yet, disposable exhibition stands, which are much larger and generate more waste per unit, are still commonplace in exhibition halls.
Progress has been made in this area, particularly with increased awareness from Better Stands, an organisation that ranks stands based on their eco-credentials and impact. Since the Better Stands movement, some organisers have introduced regulations around recyclable stands, but few have taken the leap to reusable-only stands.
Why are Exhibitions Falling Behind?
It’s undeniable that exhibitions are slacking compared to their more public counterparts, but what is slowing down their progress?
Public scrutiny always plays a significant role in propelling sustainability changes. Exhibitions are attended more by private companies than by consumers, which means that the public is less aware of the practices at the event, and they face less scrutiny in general.
Banning disposable exhibition stands would strain relationships between organisers, contractors, and exhibiting companies. Therefore, it is easier to continue permitting their use than to deal with the fallout.
Ultimately, organisers are catering to the requirements of businesses, and businesses often want custom-built stands. Since these are the individuals paying to exhibit, organisers are wary of deterring their business.
What Should be Changed?
Controversy aside, exhibition organisers should face the same level of pressure as public event organisers to shift toward sustainable practices. It might be uncomfortable, and it might cause temporary tensions, but it is not right that only one branch of the industry is exempt from making progress. Industry standards are evolving, and it’s time that regulators, associations and organisers increase the pressure. The gap between public and corporate events won’t close on its own.
