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Yeah.

Yeah.

Hello and welcome to Eventful of the podcast for meeting professionals. I'm your host, Lauren Edelstein with Northstar meetings Group. Eventful. The podcast is our way of inviting you to join some of the interesting conversations we have with people in our business about topics that really should be on your radar.

Hello and welcome to Eventful of the podcast for meeting professionals. I'm your host, Lauren Edelstein with Northstar meetings Group. Eventful. The podcast is our way of inviting you to join some of the interesting conversations we have with people in our business about topics that really should be on your radar.

I look forward to hearing what you think and please be sure to subscribe.

I look forward to hearing what you think and please be sure to subscribe.

I'm excited to have Fiona Pelham here with us today. Fiona is the ceo of positive impact events, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and collaboration opportunities and the efforts to create a sustainable events industry.

I'm excited to have Fiona Pelham here with us today. Fiona is the ceo of positive impact events, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education and collaboration opportunities and the efforts to create a sustainable events industry.

And in that

And in that

Effort, this is a very important week um cop 26

Effort, this is a very important week um cop 26

which is the United Nations Climate change conference is happening now in Glasgow Scotland and we're going to talk a little bit about that and what it means to our business.

which is the United Nations Climate change conference is happening now in Glasgow Scotland and we're going to talk a little bit about that and what it means to our business.

Thank you for being with us today. I think you know, it's great to have you here at such an important time for the meetings industry as we need to really understand where we're at and where we're not at in terms of sustainability initiatives and the urgency around that.

Thank you for being with us today. I think you know, it's great to have you here at such an important time for the meetings industry as we need to really understand where we're at and where we're not at in terms of sustainability initiatives and the urgency around that.

We've been talking about that for a couple of years and

We've been talking about that for a couple of years and

I think you can agree we have not seen enough progress by any stretch of the imagination and so now we're leading into cop 26 I would like you to if you could just explain what that is, what cop 26 is and why it should be important to meeting planners,

I think you can agree we have not seen enough progress by any stretch of the imagination and so now we're leading into cop 26 I would like you to if you could just explain what that is, what cop 26 is and why it should be important to meeting planners,

cop 26 is basically the conferences of all conferences where world leaders, businesses and Ngos civil society come together annually

cop 26 is basically the conferences of all conferences where world leaders, businesses and Ngos civil society come together annually

to talk about their targets and their progress towards those targets in relation to emissions, carbon emissions and climate change.

to talk about their targets and their progress towards those targets in relation to emissions, carbon emissions and climate change.

Many people will say this is the most important conference of our lifetime because we need a planet for us to be living on. But I would also say that this conference is the game changer for the event sector because at this conference

Many people will say this is the most important conference of our lifetime because we need a planet for us to be living on. But I would also say that this conference is the game changer for the event sector because at this conference

we are going to hear commitments from governments and from businesses were already starting to hear them in the run up to the conference where they talk about their net zero commitments and their plans and their progress to get there. And this is going to be the time when the event sector changes. It is now out of our hands, there are businesses and governments setting

we are going to hear commitments from governments and from businesses were already starting to hear them in the run up to the conference where they talk about their net zero commitments and their plans and their progress to get there. And this is going to be the time when the event sector changes. It is now out of our hands, there are businesses and governments setting

a strategy which will impact events and I think we're going to talk a bit more about about that together.

a strategy which will impact events and I think we're going to talk a bit more about about that together.

All right today,

All right today,

for somebody who doesn't know the term. Can you explain what Net zero means?

for somebody who doesn't know the term. Can you explain what Net zero means?

Yes, I can. I'm gonna try and steer away from all the technical terms and and staying meeting professional language as much as I can overall, we have got a problem with the amount of emissions in the world, we need to reduce those emissions. Net zero is a goal, a terminology. It is not perfect, it's not the perfect solution but it is a term that businesses and governments have been able to coalesce around. So the goal is that you measure what your impact tres

Yes, I can. I'm gonna try and steer away from all the technical terms and and staying meeting professional language as much as I can overall, we have got a problem with the amount of emissions in the world, we need to reduce those emissions. Net zero is a goal, a terminology. It is not perfect, it's not the perfect solution but it is a term that businesses and governments have been able to coalesce around. So the goal is that you measure what your impact tres

and then you reduce so that your impact is at zero. Again, if I was a scientist I would talk to you much more about the other things that have to happen but let's just keep it with that. So what does that mean for the event sector? We'll just in the last week ernst and Young released a report saying they're very on track towards Net zero and they spoke about some of the actions they've taken

and then you reduce so that your impact is at zero. Again, if I was a scientist I would talk to you much more about the other things that have to happen but let's just keep it with that. So what does that mean for the event sector? We'll just in the last week ernst and Young released a report saying they're very on track towards Net zero and they spoke about some of the actions they've taken

In the last 10 years. Companies have looked at their energy use of their office, their paper usage, the products that they've been making what carbon emissions that causes

In the last 10 years. Companies have looked at their energy use of their office, their paper usage, the products that they've been making what carbon emissions that causes

now more and more people are looking at their business travel. So again, I'll just go a bit scientific, there is scope one scope two and scope three emissions the last few years it's been focused on scope one scope to those you can directly control and now the focus is on scope three. So ERnst and Young released their report saying one track the Net zero, here's how we've achieved it. One of those ways is by reducing business travel which is a scope three emissions. So what we're going to see is more businesses and governments around the world looking at their scope three emissions, which is where events, business travel is and saying we need to reduce those to reach this net zero goal. Okay,

now more and more people are looking at their business travel. So again, I'll just go a bit scientific, there is scope one scope two and scope three emissions the last few years it's been focused on scope one scope to those you can directly control and now the focus is on scope three. So ERnst and Young released their report saying one track the Net zero, here's how we've achieved it. One of those ways is by reducing business travel which is a scope three emissions. So what we're going to see is more businesses and governments around the world looking at their scope three emissions, which is where events, business travel is and saying we need to reduce those to reach this net zero goal. Okay,

So my question about Net zero is if you're

So my question about Net zero is if you're

doing any kind of travel meetings using products using electricity, flushing the toilet, how can you be net zero because you're you are using some resources,

doing any kind of travel meetings using products using electricity, flushing the toilet, how can you be net zero because you're you are using some resources,

You absolutely are and this is where the innovation and the change has to come in. So your question is where most businesses have been at for the last 10 years and it's still where the event sector is. So most of those businesses in the last 10 years have said, let's look at where our emissions are coming from, let's get clear on that, let's innovate, let's reduce, let's change our procedures. The event sector hasn't done that. So

You absolutely are and this is where the innovation and the change has to come in. So your question is where most businesses have been at for the last 10 years and it's still where the event sector is. So most of those businesses in the last 10 years have said, let's look at where our emissions are coming from, let's get clear on that, let's innovate, let's reduce, let's change our procedures. The event sector hasn't done that. So

that is the gap for the sector.

that is the gap for the sector.

Okay. And I think a lot of people in the event sector

Okay. And I think a lot of people in the event sector

just might think that

just might think that

this is the initiative that will kill their business. I mean,

this is the initiative that will kill their business. I mean,

exactly counter that the reality is in or out, it will kill your business in. You stand some chance of surviving out, you won't be here in 5 to 10 years

exactly counter that the reality is in or out, it will kill your business in. You stand some chance of surviving out, you won't be here in 5 to 10 years

in the last six months we have launched what's called the race to zero. So this is a U N. F triple C initiative.

in the last six months we have launched what's called the race to zero. So this is a U N. F triple C initiative.

It's being led by the UK government and there are many, many carbon pledges around the world and the U. K. Government steered the race to zero to bring all of those pledges under one umbrella, so they could all be understood um and all be transparent and reliable.

It's being led by the UK government and there are many, many carbon pledges around the world and the U. K. Government steered the race to zero to bring all of those pledges under one umbrella, so they could all be understood um and all be transparent and reliable.

So the race to zero for the event sector gives small to medium businesses within the event industry, the ability to sign up, make a net zero commitments. So say I will be net zero by 2030, 2040 or 2050 and then receive free resources to help them on their journey.

So the race to zero for the event sector gives small to medium businesses within the event industry, the ability to sign up, make a net zero commitments. So say I will be net zero by 2030, 2040 or 2050 and then receive free resources to help them on their journey.

Of course, no one knows when you make the commitment how to get there, nobody knows that. But the first step is making that commitment. Now, what's also really important about this initiative is governments are looking at the different sectors that are making these commitments and there is the opportunity for the event sector to be recognized as an accelerating sector right now,

Of course, no one knows when you make the commitment how to get there, nobody knows that. But the first step is making that commitment. Now, what's also really important about this initiative is governments are looking at the different sectors that are making these commitments and there is the opportunity for the event sector to be recognized as an accelerating sector right now,

2% of the business commitments have been made have come from the event sector. If we increase that, we'll get noticed more, which will mean more government support for business support, more understanding

2% of the business commitments have been made have come from the event sector. If we increase that, we'll get noticed more, which will mean more government support for business support, more understanding

for all sectors. Okay,

for all sectors. Okay,

so in other words, if I'm a meeting planner and I have no idea or a little idea of how to reduce my carbon emissions, but I don't know how I'm going to get to net zero and I take the pledge,

so in other words, if I'm a meeting planner and I have no idea or a little idea of how to reduce my carbon emissions, but I don't know how I'm going to get to net zero and I take the pledge,

then this program will guide me through the steps to get

then this program will guide me through the steps to get

there. Exactly. So the first step is making the commitment. The third step is measurements. So implementing different types of measurements exploring with measurement.

there. Exactly. So the first step is making the commitment. The third step is measurements. So implementing different types of measurements exploring with measurement.

Another step is engaging with your supply chain. Another step is telling the story about your emissions. These resources have been tailored for the event sector, but they come from UK government body sme climate hub U N. F. C. So these are the same resources that the global governments and

Another step is engaging with your supply chain. Another step is telling the story about your emissions. These resources have been tailored for the event sector, but they come from UK government body sme climate hub U N. F. C. So these are the same resources that the global governments and

big businesses are using on their own carbon journey. Okay.

big businesses are using on their own carbon journey. Okay.

And so

And so

meetings industry associations, where do they stand on this? I mean, are they champion championing this class?

meetings industry associations, where do they stand on this? I mean, are they champion championing this class?

Well, this is where I'm going to speak very honestly and very bluntly, the events sector is letting itself down in its behavior.

Well, this is where I'm going to speak very honestly and very bluntly, the events sector is letting itself down in its behavior.

Pretty much every association will have some sort of sustainability

Pretty much every association will have some sort of sustainability

badge or credential. We've got exhibitions that have sustainability pledges for while you're at the exhibition,

badge or credential. We've got exhibitions that have sustainability pledges for while you're at the exhibition,

none of these matter because they're not recognized outside of the event sector. Now for many years, positive impact has been working with you and we'll see so that we could launch a sector target

none of these matter because they're not recognized outside of the event sector. Now for many years, positive impact has been working with you and we'll see so that we could launch a sector target

At cop and a reduction plan. So in other words, say the event sector commits to be net zero by 2030, And here is our plan.

At cop and a reduction plan. So in other words, say the event sector commits to be net zero by 2030, And here is our plan.

There hasn't been the support from the associations for that. What has happened is the joint meeting Industry Council, one of the two umbrella associations for the event sector has picked up that piece of work and is putting in a very weak initiative with U. N. F triple City, which is asking people to pledge to working towards Net zero by 2050. So it's the weakest possible commitment that could be made and because it's 2050 years a long way away. And yes, and it's also very much working towards now the race to zero pledge that I spoke about where we have over 100 commitments, which is over 70% of those people who have made commitments have made a commitment for 2040. So we know the people making the commitments in the sector are willing to go for 2040. So it is weak. It's nothing that other businesses or governments will look at and go, wow, the event sectors going for this. We should

There hasn't been the support from the associations for that. What has happened is the joint meeting Industry Council, one of the two umbrella associations for the event sector has picked up that piece of work and is putting in a very weak initiative with U. N. F triple City, which is asking people to pledge to working towards Net zero by 2050. So it's the weakest possible commitment that could be made and because it's 2050 years a long way away. And yes, and it's also very much working towards now the race to zero pledge that I spoke about where we have over 100 commitments, which is over 70% of those people who have made commitments have made a commitment for 2040. So we know the people making the commitments in the sector are willing to go for 2040. So it is weak. It's nothing that other businesses or governments will look at and go, wow, the event sectors going for this. We should

we should collaborate with them. We should understand the importance of events. It just looks like, oh, the sectors moving because it has two. And also it's the dynamics of our industry. We've got one umbrella association going for it and the other isn't and won't because of the

we should collaborate with them. We should understand the importance of events. It just looks like, oh, the sectors moving because it has two. And also it's the dynamics of our industry. We've got one umbrella association going for it and the other isn't and won't because of the

competition between them. So it's disappointing.

competition between them. So it's disappointing.

Well, how would how would the competition between industry associations affect their pledge to sustainability or their effort or their realization about how important it is to their members? And, well,

Well, how would how would the competition between industry associations affect their pledge to sustainability or their effort or their realization about how important it is to their members? And, well,

I think there's probably a whole podcast series that could be done on the association politics, but any of us that have seen the background to that.

I think there's probably a whole podcast series that could be done on the association politics, but any of us that have seen the background to that.

Yeah,

Yeah,

what is missing is the industry coming together with a commitment that would have governments and businesses look at us and go, wow, that's a serious sector. I want to engage with that sector instead, we've got a very weak commitment supported by some associations

what is missing is the industry coming together with a commitment that would have governments and businesses look at us and go, wow, that's a serious sector. I want to engage with that sector instead, we've got a very weak commitment supported by some associations

and we have got some commitments that have been made. But I would have hoped for more commitments to be made. And I guess that's the, you know, we're not at cop yet, there is still the opportunity if everyone listening made a commitment through

and we have got some commitments that have been made. But I would have hoped for more commitments to be made. And I guess that's the, you know, we're not at cop yet, there is still the opportunity if everyone listening made a commitment through

The race to zero initiative,

The race to zero initiative,

there's a few benefits one, they would actually be recognized during cop because everyone that makes this commitment will be recognized too. They'll be doing something that most corporate businesses or their government clients will also be doing three. They'll be raising the profile of the event sector and

there's a few benefits one, they would actually be recognized during cop because everyone that makes this commitment will be recognized too. They'll be doing something that most corporate businesses or their government clients will also be doing three. They'll be raising the profile of the event sector and

I would have hoped that that's what

I would have hoped that that's what

our industry media and our industry associations would want. But we also have to realize that many business models within our sector are not set up for addressing climate change. So this isn't a conversation that everybody wants to further right?

our industry media and our industry associations would want. But we also have to realize that many business models within our sector are not set up for addressing climate change. So this isn't a conversation that everybody wants to further right?

Because, you know, we have big problems to solve in terms of transportation and the other things that are critical to our business that are damaging to the environment.

Because, you know, we have big problems to solve in terms of transportation and the other things that are critical to our business that are damaging to the environment.

And they're really

And they're really

the sad thing about this is we also have amazing narrative about the importance of events and what we do and that narrative aligns with the sustainable development goals. There is a goal around participation and inclusion in decision making, that's what we do.

the sad thing about this is we also have amazing narrative about the importance of events and what we do and that narrative aligns with the sustainable development goals. There is a goal around participation and inclusion in decision making, that's what we do.

However, we can't start that narrative until we've dealt with the most pressing thing that the rest of the world is interested in, which is carbon. So if we're going to provide a weak solution to the carbon challenge, we're going to be recognized as an industry that isn't innovative, leading problem solving, we're going to be seen as part of the problem a Lagarde sector. Really. Right.

However, we can't start that narrative until we've dealt with the most pressing thing that the rest of the world is interested in, which is carbon. So if we're going to provide a weak solution to the carbon challenge, we're going to be recognized as an industry that isn't innovative, leading problem solving, we're going to be seen as part of the problem a Lagarde sector. Really. Right.

So

So

really, it's how does somebody, and is it an individual that signs up to make this pledge? Or is it a corporation or any of the above?

really, it's how does somebody, and is it an individual that signs up to make this pledge? Or is it a corporation or any of the above?

It's a corporation or if you're an individual, individual business owner, um, it's small to medium businesses. So one employee up to 800 employees, if they just head to the positive impact events, website, positive impact events.com.

It's a corporation or if you're an individual, individual business owner, um, it's small to medium businesses. So one employee up to 800 employees, if they just head to the positive impact events, website, positive impact events.com.

The reason that you have to come through our website is because we're tracking how many of the event sector sign up, because we've tracked, we can say 2% of the business commitments are coming from the event sector.

The reason that you have to come through our website is because we're tracking how many of the event sector sign up, because we've tracked, we can say 2% of the business commitments are coming from the event sector.

There's three stages in the sign up. The final stage of the sign up is with the sme climate hub. They lays with U N F triple C, and they are responsible for capturing how many businesses around the whole world are making this commitment.

There's three stages in the sign up. The final stage of the sign up is with the sme climate hub. They lays with U N F triple C, and they are responsible for capturing how many businesses around the whole world are making this commitment.

So, this isn't a pledge that just stays with positive impact, it's not a commitment that stays with us, it's something that goes in front of global governments and businesses during cop 26.

So, this isn't a pledge that just stays with positive impact, it's not a commitment that stays with us, it's something that goes in front of global governments and businesses during cop 26.

So what do we need to do to get there? I

So what do we need to do to get there? I

guess that's the million dollar question that sign up, it really is as easy as that if if every single supplier

guess that's the million dollar question that sign up, it really is as easy as that if if every single supplier

signed up to this commitment in the next few weeks and planners. Yeah. So if the plan has asked their supply chain to do it, if every single listener and reader of all of the North star publications around the world did it, we would all be

signed up to this commitment in the next few weeks and planners. Yeah. So if the plan has asked their supply chain to do it, if every single listener and reader of all of the North star publications around the world did it, we would all be

consuming content that our corporate clients, we're and we would be dealing with the same challenges our corporate clients were. And the conversation within the sector would change, measuring would become normal. New innovations would happen and we could then shift the narrative onto the importance that events bring in the world full participation and inclusion. So,

consuming content that our corporate clients, we're and we would be dealing with the same challenges our corporate clients were. And the conversation within the sector would change, measuring would become normal. New innovations would happen and we could then shift the narrative onto the importance that events bring in the world full participation and inclusion. So,

um, just Devil's Advocate. I'm thinking as a, as a medium professional, I would think that the problem is time and money.

um, just Devil's Advocate. I'm thinking as a, as a medium professional, I would think that the problem is time and money.

You know, I mean, I think that's what you would hear from and suppliers to,

You know, I mean, I think that's what you would hear from and suppliers to,

it's been such a tough year and a half. It looks like we're going to have a slow slog back to whatever normal looks like. And everyone is really stretched thin on money and resources and

it's been such a tough year and a half. It looks like we're going to have a slow slog back to whatever normal looks like. And everyone is really stretched thin on money and resources and

human resources,

human resources,

You know, it's always been time and money and again, speaking really bluntly, anyone who wants a business in the next 10 years needs to deal with this and actually

You know, it's always been time and money and again, speaking really bluntly, anyone who wants a business in the next 10 years needs to deal with this and actually

the race to zero commitment doesn't require any money. So these resources are given free to everyone. They exist free for businesses around the world. But in time

the race to zero commitment doesn't require any money. So these resources are given free to everyone. They exist free for businesses around the world. But in time

in terms of um, sorry to interrupt but measuring so

in terms of um, sorry to interrupt but measuring so

when

when

they, when they pledge

they, when they pledge

you are their

you are their

tools that will help them measure. Oh, okay. So it's not like they're, they have to figure out how to do that and okay.

tools that will help them measure. Oh, okay. So it's not like they're, they have to figure out how to do that and okay.

No, they will receive access to tools that will help them measure now as with every sector,

No, they will receive access to tools that will help them measure now as with every sector,

nothing is perfect for your sector until you tailor it and make it perfect. So

nothing is perfect for your sector until you tailor it and make it perfect. So

you'll access some generic tools and then this is where we're going to see loads of innovation in the future. I think just this week, wasn't it google that announced they were going to publish the carbon footprint of every flight that they spoke about, I may have got who that person was wrong, but this is going to become the norm now.

you'll access some generic tools and then this is where we're going to see loads of innovation in the future. I think just this week, wasn't it google that announced they were going to publish the carbon footprint of every flight that they spoke about, I may have got who that person was wrong, but this is going to become the norm now.

Okay,

Okay,

what else should we know, what else would you like to share?

what else should we know, what else would you like to share?

I would like the event sector to know that there's a whole new future. Once we have got moving on carbon and

I would like the event sector to know that there's a whole new future. Once we have got moving on carbon and

there is no choice really whether remove or or not, we can pretend there is, but there isn't and we just can watch cop to see these big business pledges, the big government pledges, if you do any work at all for corporate clients,

there is no choice really whether remove or or not, we can pretend there is, but there isn't and we just can watch cop to see these big business pledges, the big government pledges, if you do any work at all for corporate clients,

this is your future. Now, if we all moved on this and made commitments that were inspiring commitments, there is a new future for our sector

this is your future. Now, if we all moved on this and made commitments that were inspiring commitments, there is a new future for our sector

And that's what could stop at the beginning of 20-22. So

And that's what could stop at the beginning of 20-22. So

would an inspiring commitment be right now, just pledging to

would an inspiring commitment be right now, just pledging to

Achieve Net zero by 2040, I

Achieve Net zero by 2040, I

would consider that inspiring. Yes. And having signed up to the race to zero. Yes. So you're going to regularly report what you're doing? The backup version is the pledge that's going to be launched at cop with the joint meeting industry council. But I think that is too weak at working towards Net zero by 2050 and you can do both of them every single government and business knows that we need to do this by 2050. So it's not really a statement of anything to say by 2050. Right.

would consider that inspiring. Yes. And having signed up to the race to zero. Yes. So you're going to regularly report what you're doing? The backup version is the pledge that's going to be launched at cop with the joint meeting industry council. But I think that is too weak at working towards Net zero by 2050 and you can do both of them every single government and business knows that we need to do this by 2050. So it's not really a statement of anything to say by 2050. Right.

Right. And it doesn't reflect

Right. And it doesn't reflect

The sectors thinking because again, we've gathered the most commitments and 70% of them are by 2040. Okay, so

The sectors thinking because again, we've gathered the most commitments and 70% of them are by 2040. Okay, so

how many commitments do we have total

how many commitments do we have total

to the race to zero from

to the race to zero from

the sector?

the sector?

Yeah, we have over 120 commitments. When we get 300 the event sector is recognized as an accelerating sector? A sector of focus. And that's when we'll get more business attention and more government attention and, you know, again, people might say, oh,

Yeah, we have over 120 commitments. When we get 300 the event sector is recognized as an accelerating sector? A sector of focus. And that's when we'll get more business attention and more government attention and, you know, again, people might say, oh,

is this just an initiative? So positive impact looks good.

is this just an initiative? So positive impact looks good.

It really isn't because it has nothing to do with us. It has to do with the sector. So when there are 300 commitments that have been gathered, that's when businesses and governments will start talking about the event sector

It really isn't because it has nothing to do with us. It has to do with the sector. So when there are 300 commitments that have been gathered, that's when businesses and governments will start talking about the event sector

and supporting initiatives to make it

and supporting initiatives to make it

more sustainable.

more sustainable.

Right. Exactly. And so the one

Right. Exactly. And so the one

20

20

are, are they mainly suppliers, planners and

are, are they mainly suppliers, planners and

uh they are really mixed, they're geographically mixed, their size wise mixed. So this really is accessible to anyone. Again, you would sign up, you would make your commitment net zero by 2030 40 or 50 you just received the free resources and then you would report on your progress this time next year

uh they are really mixed, they're geographically mixed, their size wise mixed. So this really is accessible to anyone. Again, you would sign up, you would make your commitment net zero by 2030 40 or 50 you just received the free resources and then you would report on your progress this time next year

with the sme climate hub

with the sme climate hub

and

and

with millions, literally millions of

with millions, literally millions of

businesses and people involved in the meetings and events sector.

businesses and people involved in the meetings and events sector.

I think 120 is pretty

I think 120 is pretty

sad. It's really sad not being able to get to 300 you know, we have a community of positive impact ambassadors of over 1500 these are people that have put themselves forward

sad. It's really sad not being able to get to 300 you know, we have a community of positive impact ambassadors of over 1500 these are people that have put themselves forward

to speak up about sustainability and not even all of them have made a commitment. And what does that say about our industry? It could say that we don't want to commit to anything else. We know how to do it. It could say that's true because

to speak up about sustainability and not even all of them have made a commitment. And what does that say about our industry? It could say that we don't want to commit to anything else. We know how to do it. It could say that's true because

I mean, I've talked to you about this initiative and I didn't, I didn't clearly realize that once you make the commitment,

I mean, I've talked to you about this initiative and I didn't, I didn't clearly realize that once you make the commitment,

there are resources helping you achieve it, that you're not like now I have to hire a sustainability expert or I have to get this software to measure carbon emissions, so, you know, I think that making people more aware of that and hopefully that this discussion will will help in that way

there are resources helping you achieve it, that you're not like now I have to hire a sustainability expert or I have to get this software to measure carbon emissions, so, you know, I think that making people more aware of that and hopefully that this discussion will will help in that way

by saying,

by saying,

you know, just commit that you realize it's a problem that we have to solve and that you'll be on board for helping to solve

you know, just commit that you realize it's a problem that we have to solve and that you'll be on board for helping to solve

it and

it and

then we will help you get there.

then we will help you get there.

Exactly. And how amazing would it be for all of those people that make the commitment to go out there

Exactly. And how amazing would it be for all of those people that make the commitment to go out there

client base and say, hey, we've made a net zero carbon commitment as part of the U. N. Race to zero,

client base and say, hey, we've made a net zero carbon commitment as part of the U. N. Race to zero,

have a look at this like that, the credentials are huge there, this is what everyone is talking about, wild copies on, this is what every corporate client wants to hear. So we're really spoon feeding the sector with what they need to win more business. Right, Right.

have a look at this like that, the credentials are huge there, this is what everyone is talking about, wild copies on, this is what every corporate client wants to hear. So we're really spoon feeding the sector with what they need to win more business. Right, Right.

And I know that there are some planners or planning organizations that

And I know that there are some planners or planning organizations that

ask about sustaining sustainability initiatives of their suppliers when they're choosing

ask about sustaining sustainability initiatives of their suppliers when they're choosing

a supplier and you know, even actually we just we just filmed the Stella Awards virtual showcase today and one of the categories for estella award that's given by Northstar meetings group is sustainability initiatives. So there are, you know, there are hotels and facilities that enter that

a supplier and you know, even actually we just we just filmed the Stella Awards virtual showcase today and one of the categories for estella award that's given by Northstar meetings group is sustainability initiatives. So there are, you know, there are hotels and facilities that enter that

category,

category,

they're really making the effort and that helps them. That's great, That's great pr for them.

they're really making the effort and that helps them. That's great, That's great pr for them.

I mean it is good for the world, It is great Pr as a sector. We just need to learn to get involved with the initiatives that our clients will understand. So

I mean it is good for the world, It is great Pr as a sector. We just need to learn to get involved with the initiatives that our clients will understand. So

the U. N. Race to zero initiative will be understood by corporate and by governments rather than an award given by X Wiser exhibition or media or association because those things don't mean anything. And you know, the 15 years I've been in the event sector,

the U. N. Race to zero initiative will be understood by corporate and by governments rather than an award given by X Wiser exhibition or media or association because those things don't mean anything. And you know, the 15 years I've been in the event sector,

those people who have seen as leading the sector have always said we want to raise the profile of the sector so that governments understand what we do so that Corporates understand our value. But the behavior is very much of

those people who have seen as leading the sector have always said we want to raise the profile of the sector so that governments understand what we do so that Corporates understand our value. But the behavior is very much of

let's and then our own badge for this association or or this awards for this exhibition show or and that's all great. And there's a business model behind that, but it's not raising the profile of the events sector is within

let's and then our own badge for this association or or this awards for this exhibition show or and that's all great. And there's a business model behind that, but it's not raising the profile of the events sector is within

our sector. It inability within with us.

our sector. It inability within with us.

This is the only

This is the only

time we've ever had the opportunity to make a commitment alongside other sectors. So our commitment is identical to the commitment. Healthcare is making retail is making farmer fashion.

time we've ever had the opportunity to make a commitment alongside other sectors. So our commitment is identical to the commitment. Healthcare is making retail is making farmer fashion.

And with all of these commitments, obviously it's not apples for apples because healthcare businesses are potentially huge compared to small businesses which are the events supply chain. But what's important is we are speaking the same language as health care if you speak to a government official

And with all of these commitments, obviously it's not apples for apples because healthcare businesses are potentially huge compared to small businesses which are the events supply chain. But what's important is we are speaking the same language as health care if you speak to a government official

about the health care sector, they understand it now, we're speaking that same language, Right? Okay.

about the health care sector, they understand it now, we're speaking that same language, Right? Okay.

So the call to action to to wrap up

So the call to action to to wrap up

is everybody listening

is everybody listening

Yes. To make a commitment to the positive impact

Yes. To make a commitment to the positive impact

events websites, a positive impact events dot com. There is three steps to signing up. Your third step will leave you on the sme climate hub web page so they will capture your commitment, but they won't know you're from the event sector until we do that work in the behind the scenes, you will then receive resources.

events websites, a positive impact events dot com. There is three steps to signing up. Your third step will leave you on the sme climate hub web page so they will capture your commitment, but they won't know you're from the event sector until we do that work in the behind the scenes, you will then receive resources.

Six steps that will take you through to get to your commitment and this time next year you will be reporting on your progress and during cop

Six steps that will take you through to get to your commitment and this time next year you will be reporting on your progress and during cop

Your name will be included as one of the businesses that has made a commitment as part of the race to zero and the event sector will be referenced. And hopefully when we get to 300 will be referenced as an accelerating sector.

Your name will be included as one of the businesses that has made a commitment as part of the race to zero and the event sector will be referenced. And hopefully when we get to 300 will be referenced as an accelerating sector.

Okay. And there's no cost,

Okay. And there's no cost,

no cost whatsoever. Okay.

no cost whatsoever. Okay.

And we're not saying we can't have events were just saying, you know, I saw the, I saw the gasp, you know, we have to have events. Um, and I think that what we need to do as a sector is too,

And we're not saying we can't have events were just saying, you know, I saw the, I saw the gasp, you know, we have to have events. Um, and I think that what we need to do as a sector is too,

really rethink how we do that in a sustainable way.

really rethink how we do that in a sustainable way.

Yeah, there's going to be a time in the future where every supplier to the event. Supply chain will have a net zero commitments and that will be the norm because it would be mandated by our corporate clients. And that time is coming very quickly, we may as well take that step forward so that we show some leadership and then we can start talking about the importance of events and the impact that we have. Yeah.

Yeah, there's going to be a time in the future where every supplier to the event. Supply chain will have a net zero commitments and that will be the norm because it would be mandated by our corporate clients. And that time is coming very quickly, we may as well take that step forward so that we show some leadership and then we can start talking about the importance of events and the impact that we have. Yeah.

And then, and then once we're all

And then, and then once we're all

taking action or starting to take action, you see a movement brewing and people can be supportive of one another and really understand what we're dealing with.

taking action or starting to take action, you see a movement brewing and people can be supportive of one another and really understand what we're dealing with.

Exactly. So hopefully the next time we have one of these conversations, maybe early 2022, we're talking about how the

Exactly. So hopefully the next time we have one of these conversations, maybe early 2022, we're talking about how the

events sector is aligning with the sustainable development goals and making a business case for more events rather than this challenge of carbon,

events sector is aligning with the sustainable development goals and making a business case for more events rather than this challenge of carbon,

which is potentially stopping our sector unless we do something better. Right. Right.

which is potentially stopping our sector unless we do something better. Right. Right.

So for now I will I will set a small, small goal that I think we can achieve within a couple of weeks is to get you 300

So for now I will I will set a small, small goal that I think we can achieve within a couple of weeks is to get you 300

pledges. I mean, how can that be?

pledges. I mean, how can that be?

It should not be hard at all. Right, okay.

It should not be hard at all. Right, okay.

All right, well, we're on, we're on it. Thank you. Good, good, good. Okay. Thank you for your

All right, well, we're on, we're on it. Thank you. Good, good, good. Okay. Thank you for your

time. I appreciate it. Thanks Dylan.

time. I appreciate it. Thanks Dylan.

Thanks for listening. Be sure to rate and review us and check back for new episodes soon.

Thanks for listening. Be sure to rate and review us and check back for new episodes soon.

Mm hmm.

Mm hmm.

Mhm.

Mhm.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Mhm.

Mhm.