Geneva Tourism & Convention published the first edition of a series of educational resources for event and conference organisers. The Responsible Events Guide aims to serve as a valuable resource, facilitating the adoption of sustainable practices among industry professionals by giving them clear, actionable advice to make sustainable event management accessible and approachable. Its objective is to provide localised, destination-specific information to support sustainable event planning. The core focus is on facilitating connections between the right people and consolidating relevant resources in one accessible place.
Over the years, Geneva hosted many international events, conferences and conventions. Organisers increasingly expressed the need for sustainable solutions for their event. Geneva is home to numerous local stakeholders and sustainability initiatives, yet event organisers often struggle to identify the appropriate solutions and connect with the right people to support their sustainability goals.
“Our aim is to serve as a bridge, connecting planners with the local sustainability ecosystem,” said Adrien Genier, director of the Geneva Tourism & Convention Foundation. “By facilitating these relationships, we empower industry professionals to collaborate with the right partners and implement impactful, environmentally conscious practices throughout their events.”
The Responsible Events Guide consolidates relevant local resources, and contact information, streamlining access to Geneva’s sustainability ecosystem. Divided into 9 chapters, the guide provides clear, actionable advice on topics such as destination, food, waste management, venues and hotels, transport, diversity and inclusion, impact and legacy, governance, and communication.
“Sustainability often falls lower on the priority list when planning a conference, as event organisers must navigate a multitude of variables depending on the destination,” explained Laura Alonso Huarte, sustainability manager at Geneva Tourism. “With this resource, our objective is to make sustainable event management accessible and approachable, empowering organisers to easily integrate eco-conscious practices into their conferences.”
The guide is not intended as a rigid checklist, but rather as a source of inspiration for industry professionals to explore sustainable solutions tailored to their unique needs and preferences. By equipping event organisers with the knowledge and confidence to incorporate sustainability, the Geneva Tourism & Convention Foundation aims to facilitate the adoption of responsible practices in the events industry.
Most of the thematic chapters follow a consistent format, including an introduction to the topic, “Did you know?” sections highlighting sustainability initiatives in Geneva, lists of relevant service providers updated annually, detailed recommendations for concrete actions and a checklist to facilitate the monitoring of implemented measures. This streamlined approach ensures the guide is user-friendly and enables event planners to easily identify the information and resources they need to enhance the sustainability of their events in Geneva.
Download the Sustainable Events Guide here.
