The official convention bureau for Cambridge and the surrounding area, Meet Cambridge, hosted a half-day symposium ‘Shaping Sustainable Events’, at West Court, Jesus College on 24 April. The symposium presented some options for organisers and their delegates to give back to local communities at their events.
The agenda addressed ways to embed environmental and social sustainability into events, how to communicate to stakeholders that this is now an essential component and where to find the resources and support to help.
Delegates heard from two keynote speakers, Marina Bradford, co-founder of TerraVerde and founder of impact consultancy Bemari, followed by Anji Miller, co-founder of Global Equality, Diversity and Equality in Technology Transfer (GEDITT).
Speakers then joined a panel session of industry players who shared key challenges and solutions to cultivate change and progress the sustainability agenda, as well as practical tips to get started.
The panel consisted of Stuart Websdale, fellow and domestic bursar, Jesus College; Madalina Marincas, director, Opening Doors & Venues; and Benjamin Buttery, head of commercial, Downing College.
The programme concluded with the launch of a new positive impact campaign from Meet Cambridge entitled ‘Meet Up & Make A Difference’ designed to encourage venues in its portfolio and client event organisers to take an action at future events.
Meet Cambridge presented four options to encourage organisers and delegates to give back to local communities. The campaign is supporting the Cambridge City Foodbank and Cambridge Sustainable Food CIC.
Judith Sloane, head of Meet Cambridge said: “Sustainability has never been more important and as part of the business events industry, we all have a responsibility to do everything we can to mitigate the negative impacts on our environment that events can have.”
