At IMEX Frankfurt 2024, our new impact education track sparked lively discussions around sustainability, EDI and technology and calls for action with a few key themes emerging.
Here are our IMEX Frankfurt impact takeaways:
Embracing sustainability: a collective call to action in the events industry
The urgency of addressing sustainability echoed throughout Messe Frankfurt. A pragmatic approach came to the fore with a call to concentrate on the practical, the cost-efficient and what might not be the largest impact, but the fastest.
From creative tactics to minimizing food waste to leveraging digital tools and optimizing venue selection, event professionals shared actionable strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. Exhibitors shared how destinations can leverage sustainability initiatives to attract events, investing in future-oriented projects and promoting sustainable tourism.
The need for better data collection and establishing a global industry baseline for carbon emissions was clear.
Equity, diversity and inclusion: embracing the richness of humanity
Our global events industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of creating inclusive and welcoming environments for all attendees, highlighting the need for advocacy and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to implement effective EDI measures.
Venue accessibility was discussed, including initiatives such as implementing city-wide signage and providing accessible online information. The need to analyze demographic data and address disparities in speaker selection and compensation is also crucial.
Catalyzing social impact: events as agents of change
As the world grapples with pressing societal challenges, event professionals are recognizing their role as catalysts for positive change.
We were urged to harness the power of our events for refugee relief, leveraging our reach and influence to champion human rights and aid resettlement. Case studies such as Dubai’s Expo 2020 gave insight into legacy thinking and sustainable infrastructure utilization to support economic and social development. And the importance of creating safe spaces and experiences that foster authentic human connections, shaping attendees' perspectives and inspiring positive action, was emphasized.
Innovation and technology: enhancing the event experience
In an era of rapid technological advancement, the events industry is embracing innovation and cutting-edge solutions to enhance attendee experiences and streamline event planning processes. The potential of AI as a creative companion was clear, augmenting human creativity and storytelling capabilities.
The need for ethical data practices when leveraging attendee data to enhance event experiences, was highlighted, emphasizing the importance of transparency and consent.
A case study on using carbon emissions calculators, event meeting checklists and venue scorecards to organize sustainable internal supplier meetings was shared. And sessions also explored the challenges and opportunities of virtual and hybrid events, with collaboration and knowledge sharing essential in driving innovation in this space.
The value of active reflection and ongoing engagement strategies to foster continuous learning and collaboration beyond the event itself was also raised.
The events industry is at a pivotal moment, poised to shape a future that is sustainable, inclusive and impactful. By embracing innovation, championing diversity, and harnessing the power of events for social good, event professionals are paving the way for a more connected, conscious and transformative industry.
