EVENTS THROUGH INNOVATION

Event planners at all levels need to consider the overarching consequences of their events and look to adopt achievable strategies to minimise environmental impact, and focus on a shift towards a brighter, more responsible future across the sector.

Inspiring

As our world grapples with the consequences of climate change, minimising the carbon footprint of events is a primary concern. Sustainable practices, such as energyefficient technologies, waste reduction, and eco-friendly transport options, not only mitigate environmental harm, but also set an inspiring example for attendees and the industry.

Innovative approach

Achieving sustainable events necessitates an innovative approach. Organisers must prioritise eco-friendly venues and consider the event’s wider ecological impact right from the initial planning stage. Choosing sustainable catering options with minimal reliance on single use packaging can have a significant positive effect on the sustainability of an event. Adopting the use of hybrid and virtual technologies to languages in real-time, transcending language barriers and redefining travel. Looking further into the future, say 50 years from now, we might envision a world like the film ‘iRobot,’ where AI-powered machines coexist with humans in our daily lives. However, with such technological advancements come ethical and governance challenges that demand our attention now.

As we embrace AI’s transformative potential, we must prioritise ethical considerations and governance. The responsible development and deployment of AI requires interdisciplinary collaboration, thoughtful policy development, ongoing research, and active public engagement.

In an era marked by growing environmental consciousness, the need to make events more sustainable continues to become paramount.

help reduce transport, whilst maintaining audience reach and content accessibility, are realistic options that deliver major green benefits.

We must ensure that AI technologies benefit humanity while minimising risks and potential harms.

The ethical dimension of AI includes addressing issues like algorithmic bias, data privacy, and the impact of automation on jobs. It also encompasses the responsibility of AI developers and organisations to create transparent, fair, and accountable AI systems.

Artificial Intelligence is not just a buzzword; it is a profound technological shift reshaping industries and our daily lives. AI’s potential is vast and exciting and as we journey into this AI-powered future, we must navigate it cautiously but ethically.

James Smethurst, Managing Director, The Social Desk