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30th June 2009
From environmental experts and public festival organisers, to government leaders and event academics, the world’s event professionals will come together in Surfer’s
Paradise
next week for the 5th Biannual International Event Management Summit, from 6-8th July.
Hosted by The Australian Centre for Event Management (ACEM), the summit will present three days of discussion and debate about the future of the events industry in meeting its greatest challenge – the challenge of sustainable development.
“Whilst the events industry is commonly criticised for being a major contributor to the earth’s environmental problems, there is an incredible range of innovative eco-friendly products and services that event organisers could be offering clients and aren’t aware of,” said Rob Harris, Director of The Australian Centre for Event Management.
“The International Event Management Summit provides a unique opportunity for event professionals to network with the worlds leading environmental thinkers and learn about how the latest eco-friendly strategies and products can improve their specific event.”
“As a conference, we have also addressed our environmental impact upon the Surfer’s
Paradise
region, with all food being sourced locally from within 100KM of the venue.”
Ian Kiernan, Chairman of Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World campaigns, will reveal how sustainably focused events like this can drive environmental thinking and change the mindsets of businesses and the community.
“Corporate
Australia
is feeling the pinch, financially and through the scrutiny of those who clearly want to reduce the environmental footprint of their event. The lure of travel has lost some of its punch, as have the lavish receptions and dinners to match,” said Mr Kiernan.
“A number of recent events have attempted to offset travel by delegates, have claimed to offer more strategic venue arrangements, localised catering, and reduced the use of yesterday’s products such as bottled water,” Mr Kiernan said.
“The low hanging fruit has been picked and now is the time for more creative solutions that will bring a new dimension to conference and event organisation.”
Mr Kiernan will be joined by local and international experts including Andrew Sedger, Director of Communications for Earth Hour Global, Bill Hauritz, Founder and Director of The Woodford Folk Festival and Paul Gudgin, Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
At the summit delegates can also expect a sneak preview of the latest technology in measuring environmental impacts, as ACEM will launch a new free carbon calculator specifically for the events industry.
“From regional and community events, to organisers of multimillion dollar conferences and festivals, anyone involved in the production, management and supply of events is encouraged to attend.” Mr Harris said.
The 2009 International Event Management Summit is a carbon neutral event. ACEM is working with the Carbon Reduction Institute to measure, reduce and offset the carbon emissions associated with the conference.
The International Event Management
Summit
- Where: Holiday Inn, Surfers
Paradise
- When: Monday 6 July – Wednesday 8 July 2009
- Cocktail Reception Sunday 5 July
Register Online
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