Australia’s event professionals will have a unique opportunity to learn and network with the world’s leading event managers and sustainability experts, at the 10th Annual International Event Management Summit, to be held in Surfers Paradise from 6-8 July 2009.
Hosted by The Australian Centre for Event Management (ACEM), the summit will address the theme ‘Meeting the Challenge of Sustainable Development’, especially the increasing public pressure on events to address their environmental impacts.
“Sustainability is a major challenge facing the Australian events industry and the demand for environmentally sustainable products and services has never been greater,” said Rob Harris, Director of The Australian Centre for Event Management.
“While 61 per cent of event organisers have perceived an increased demand for eco-friendly products and services over the past year, only 30 per cent of the industry actually offer clients a choice between low environmental impact and regular event options1.”
“Australia’s event professionals need to understand the latest eco-friendly strategies and products on offer, not only to match increasing client demand, but also in line with the incredible responsiveness of the public to sustainable events,” Mr Harris said.
The panel of local and international event experts includes Ian Kiernan, Chairman of Clean Up Australia and Clean Up The World, who will present on ‘Driving Sustainable Thinking Through Events’.
Andy Ridley, Executive Director of Earth Hour, will discuss how the global awareness of climate change is influencing the events industry, with reference to the Earth Hour campaign that effectively engaged hundreds of millions of people globally.
“The summit will provide essential sustainability information for anyone involved in event planning, from government representatives to conference organisers to major events producers,” Mr Harris said.
At the summit delegates will also get 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.
Early Bird registration prices are available for those who register before Friday 22 May. The 2009 Summit is a carbon neutral event, and ACEM encourages participants to offset the carbon emissions associated with their conference travel.
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: www.acem.uts.edu.au.
1 According to the National Corporate Social Responsibility Audit, conducted by Business Events Australia in 2008.
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