The Sustainable Events Summit is set to take place on September 24, 2024, at the Javits Center in New York City. Organized by MAD Event Management, the summit aims to bring together industry professionals to discuss sustainable practices in event management. This gathering will run alongside the Nest Climate Campus, an initiative focused on addressing climate change challenges.
The key industry professionals include:
Jason Popp, President and CEO, MOSS INC.
Laura Purdy, General Manager, Exhibition Place
Steve Walker, Executive Director, Citywide Events MGM
Martha Donato, President, Mad Event Management
The Sustainable Events Summit was first launched in 2023. It emerged as a response to the increasing need for sustainable approaches to event planning, driven by both environmental concerns and the demands of clients looking for eco-friendly solutions. The goal of the summit is to provide a platform for event professionals to engage in discussions, share knowledge, and explore innovations that promote sustainability in the events industry.
This year’s summit will take place in a think-tank-style format. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a range of topics related to sustainable event management. These discussions will include methods for reducing waste, strategies for using renewable energy, and ways to implement eco-conscious materials in event production. The focus will be on real-world examples and case studies that illustrate how sustainable practices can be integrated into various types of events, from conferences and exhibitions to corporate gatherings and public festivals.
The summit is designed to be an invitation-only event, ensuring that attendees include experienced professionals who are actively involved in the events industry. By limiting attendance, the organizers aim to foster a more in-depth exchange of ideas and practical solutions. Attendees will represent a wide range of sectors, including corporate event planners, venue managers, sustainability experts, and suppliers of event-related services.
Running alongside the summit is the Nest Climate Campus, an annual event that brings together experts and stakeholders to address climate-related issues. The combination of these two events provides a unique opportunity for cross-industry collaboration, where ideas from the climate sector can inform and influence practices in event management, and vice versa.
The venue for the summit, the Javits Center, is notable for its own sustainability initiatives. The center has implemented several green initiatives, including the installation of a 6.75-acre green roof that reduces energy consumption, and efforts to minimize waste and increase recycling. These efforts make the Javits Center a fitting location for an event focused on sustainability.
The summit is part of the broader global trend of industries reevaluating their environmental impact and seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
As event planning continues to evolve, sustainability is becoming an integral part of the conversation. With industry professionals and thought leaders gathering to discuss these issues, the Sustainable Events Summit aims to advance practices that can help mitigate the environmental impact of events, making them more responsible and eco-friendly. The hope is that discussions and innovations from the summit will lead to actionable strategies that can be implemented in future events across the globe.
