Mike Szczesny is the owner and vice president of EDCO Awards & Specialties, a dedicated supplier of employee recognition products such as crystal awards, branded merchandise and athletic awards. Szczesny takes pride in EDCO’s ability to help companies go the extra mile in expressing gratitude and appreciation to their employees.
As we all navigate the shifting scientific studies, expectations and regulations around business and sustainability, environmentally-focused events stand out as lighthouses of innovation and green practices.
What are environmentally-focused events? These are trade shows, exhibitions and conferences that aren’t just events. They’re opportunities. They’re your chance to dive into the world of sustainable events to learn, connect and come away inspired. Let’s walk through the highlights of these events and discover how you can bring their insights into your work.
Known for its musical acts as much as its commitment to sustainability, Glastonbury Festival has utilized solar panels, wind turbines and biofuels to power its performances, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. Imagine walking through a showcase filled with the latest in clean energy technologies. These are innovations that can power our future, and they’re here, right now, for you to explore.
What You Can Do: Next time you’re planning an event, seek out venues that utilize alternative, renewable energy sources.
At these events, the focus is on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable world, from reducing waste to optimizing energy use. These forums offer a broad perspective on what sustainability really means. Green conferences like the Greenbuild International Conference are ideal to help you stay abreast of the latest in sustainable development.
What You Can Do: Pick one sustainable practice you’ve learned from these forums and apply it to your next project. Even small changes, like reducing waste or improving energy efficiency, can make a big difference.
Innovation is at the heart of environmentally-focused events. It’s not just about what’s new, it’s about what’s next and how these emerging technologies can help us live and work more sustainably.
What You Can Do: Keep an open mind about new technologies. Can any of the innovations you’ve seen be adapted to your business or your next event to help it run more cleanly and efficiently?
The conversations around energy policies at these events can arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate the complex world of sustainability regulation and advocacy.
What You Can Do: Leverage the knowledge gained from these discussions to ensure your events are not only sustainable but also in compliance with current energy policies and regulations. This can also inform your advocacy for more sustainable industry standards.
The connections you can make at these events are invaluable. You’ll meet people who are as passionate about sustainability as you are, and who knows? You might just find your next business partner or collaborator.
What You Can Do: Don’t be shy! Reach out, share your ideas and see how you can work together with others to make your sustainability visions a reality.
The workshops and seminars on offer can be a goldmine of practical knowledge. They can teach you how to implement sustainable solutions in ways that are both effective and innovative.
What You Can Do: Try to bring at least one new idea you’ve learned back to your team. Whether it’s a novel way to save energy or a strategy to engage your community in sustainability, every bit of knowledge helps.
Above all, these events remind us that striving for sustainability can spark creativity and drive innovation in our businesses and events.
What You Can Do: Let the stories of success and innovation you hear inspire you. Think about how you can integrate sustainability into your work, not just as a checklist item, but as a core part of your approach to business and event planning.
Environmentally-focused events are more than just gatherings – they’re a catalyst for change in our industries and in the way we think about business. By taking part and applying what we learn, we can all contribute to a more sustainable, innovative future. Let’s get inspired and make sustainability a cornerstone of our work!
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