EVENT GREENING FORUM
Reflecting on lessons from Covid-19 Amongst the industries hardest hit by Covid-19 has been the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector. Twenty-four months ago, this was an industry on the up; exhibitions every week, South Africa attracting some big events like Meetings Africa 2020 – held in February just before lockdown.
By Gavin Heron, Earth Probiotic.
W
hile taking conferences onto Zoom has helped recently, the companies that manufacture stands, produce food, transport delegates, accommodate attendees, provide security, provide cleaning services, source gifts, print brochures, etc. are, to all intents and purposes, struggling to survive. Covid-19 was beneficial for couriers, home improvement suppliers, online shopping and services, but for the events industry, there has been no upside from 28 Business Events Africa July 2021
Covid-19, only lost income and jobs. Even during normal times, the event industry operates on very tight timelines and deadlines. One is either pitching for business; transporting material for an event; building an event or striking the event. Seven days a week. 24/7. For anyone in the events industry, time is a luxury. So, what are we to do when time is no longer a luxury but an unwanted surplus? The Event Greening Forum’s (EGF) objective is to promote sustainable,
environmentally positive events. Now that there is time to reflect, we may take lessons from Covid-19, which may be positively applied when – vaccinations permitting –the industry may get back to some sense of normalcy. Putting sustainability at the centre of your future strategy is not only about “Yo! Check out how Green I am!” It’s a strategy which may reduce supply chain vulnerability, minimise regulatory risks, save costs, and raise your business to ‘preferred vendor’ status. www.businesseventsafrica.com
