I’m excited, are you? You should be… this recognition by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) confirms what we’ve known for a long time, that events are one of the most active sectors in the tourism industry and of great value for communities around the world.
“No one would deny that conferences, concerts, sports competitions and festivals have clear and unique social, economic and environmental benefits. At the same time, the organization of these events can generate considerable waste and have other negative impacts. To harmonize the event industry’s global efforts to tackle this challenge, ISO will develop an International Standard promoting the sustainable management of events.”
In one way it’s a shame that the ISO didn’t see the need for this standard sooner, especially after the inspiring mechanisms put in place for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games and other creative events around the world. But not to dwell in the past, this means for an exciting and creative future for events. At least now we have significant back up which will enable positive lobbying.
The standard will be produced by a new ISO project committee, ISO/PC 250, Sustainability in event management. Fiona Pelham, Chair of the committee, explains, “The future standard will provide a framework which event planners, venues and other members of the event supply chain can use to implement, maintain and improve sustainability within their way of working. About 30 countries are already involved as participants or observers.” she said.
Bring it on Fiona! Here on the Gold Coast of Queensland, Australia with near perfect weather and locations this news will be a boon for the economy, and is inline with governments’ push to attract green business.
At the moment to use an Australian expression “you could throw a stick and still not hit anyone” involved in sustainable events in South East Queensland/Northern NSW, so having a standard with which to measure can only raise the industry profile in the greater community.
Working for the planet
Greg Howell
