A new group of event professionals - #Eventprofs for Change - has launched with a mission to help accelerate the rate of change towards a more sustainable events industry.
With the current pandemic highlighting everything from pollution levels to our love of being in Nature, #Eventprofs for Change aims to empower individual event professionals to take action - particularly on climate change - through inspiration, collaboration and transformation.
The campaign’s focus is to help people at all levels in the industry move from feeling powerless to powerful in the face of sometimes complex issues and competing priorities.
Ken Kelling, of Sense of Purpose Coaching, said: “Events can play a big part in helping to drive solutions for climate change. There’s some great examples out there and real passion for the issue. But we can - and need - to do more to empower ourselves as individuals, break down barriers and connect across boundaries. It’s about the beliefs and feelings we hold as much as the practical steps we can take.”
The campaign will provide a forum for event professionals to explore, learn, share and talk about what positive action they are taking but also look at what might be holding them back or getting in the way - from working with colleagues who are unwilling to make changes to how to cope with eco-anxiety.
Rory Archibald, head of associations and sectors at VisitScotland, said: “It’s not always easy to reconcile profit with the planet or the views of purpose-led millennials versus older generations, for example. We need to have difficult conversations as the pressure to take action is now. The urgency of our climate emergency is only going to increase so the more we communicate and collaborate with each other, the more we remove any blocks in the way.”
Felicity Cator, head of EventLab at Hire Space, added: "We’re living in a really crucial time for climate action and recognising this can be overwhelming. Event organisers are frequently faced with intimidating facts and figures and the paradox of conflicting information and greenwashing, can feel like walking a tightrope. But as a community we can tackle those contradictions together and hopefully feel more knowledgeable and inspired to take positive action."
The group has set up Facebook group - #eventprofs for change – which will feature interviews, virtual meet ups and shared resources highlighting people’s individual responses to climate change. Members of the group will also be available for workshops, meetings and talks for event-based organisations who would like to discuss the issues involved.
#Eventprofs for Change is keen to hear directly from individual event professionals who are interested in getting positive support and sharing experiences in speeding up the rate of sustainable change in the events industry.
For more information and to get involved, join the Facebook group or contact [email protected] or on 07941 218915.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
