Marc Blindenbacher
Co-Founder
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Oniva
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Jessica Wyrsch from Davos has been working in the event industry for more than 10 years. She is the co-founder of Good2Green (formerly Vermena), a company specialising in carbon offsetting for events. In our interview, Jessica provides valuable insights into this topic.
Jessica, how did you get involved in sustainability at events?
That's an interesting question! My fascination with sustainability in events was sparked by a number of factors. First of all, events accounted for 10% of all global emissions in 2020 - that's a huge amount. At the time, it was mainly international conferences that contributed to this, due to the high level of travel by attendees*.
Sustainability is therefore a hot topic, especially in the EU. For example, there has been a new law (CSRD law) since the beginning of this year, which obliges companies above a certain size to produce a sustainability report. I found this very exciting and thought about how this will play out in the event world.
The decisive moment, however, was when I was working at a conference that focused on sustainability. There I saw impressive examples and best practices on how to make events more environmentally friendly. This inspired and motivated me to take a closer look at this topic and consider how I could contribute to making events more sustainable myself.
Since then, I have continued my education, exchanged ideas with experts and integrated sustainable concepts into my own work. It is incredibly satisfying to see how small changes can have a big positive impact and how awareness of sustainability is growing in the event industry.
What motivated you to work with Good2Green to help companies calculate sustainability reports?
Anyone who works in the event world knows how many resources are consumed at events and the impact this has on the environment. Events also say a lot about a company's image. As soon as we see a plastic cup at an event, we judge the company and are quick to say "they're not as sustainable as they say they are". But there are a lot of factors to consider that are not always visible to the eye.
A few more points that were crucial:
Each event is unique, so calculating emissions seems like a big challenge. How do you go about it?
Our approach to calculating emissions involves several steps to ensure that we perform the most accurate and comprehensive analysis possible:
By taking this structured approach, we can ensure that event emissions are calculated as accurately as possible and provide event organisers with valuable insights and recommendations on how to make their events more sustainable.
Will requiring attendees to provide travel information be a barrier to event registration?
For participants, this data is collected relatively unobtrusively, and participants are often not even aware that there are sustainability questions on the event registration form. Nevertheless, participants are willing to act in an environmentally responsible manner and even see it as positive that the organiser is actively addressing environmental issues.
From the organiser's point of view, the effort to generate information for CO2 calculations is minimal. A good analysis is often done with 1-2 questions in the event registration.
Since the pandemic, the number of physical events has increased dramatically. On the other hand, almost every company has learned to hold events online. What do you recommend when it comes to choosing an event format from a sustainability perspective?
Choosing an event format with sustainability in mind should be carefully considered, as both physical and online events have their own environmental footprints and benefits. Here are some recommendations to help you make a sustainable decision:
Online events are ideal for events where the primary purpose is knowledge transfer, networking, or training and participants are geographically dispersed. Online events eliminate travel emissions and significantly reduce energy consumption.
Physical events are useful when face-to-face interaction, hands-on workshops, or the networking experience is critical.
One option is to organise hybrid events. This can combine the best of both formats by integrating both physical and virtual elements. Participants can choose to attend in person or online, increasing flexibility and reach while reducing environmental impact.
By calculating the carbon footprint of both formats, you can compare the environmental impact. Although online events have a lower carbon footprint because they avoid travel and lodging emissions, the emissions are not zero. It is important to do a good analysis of what you as an organiser want to achieve with the event and to make conscious decisions.
Can you give us some simple examples of how event managers can address sustainability?
Sure, here are a few good examples of how you can easily incorporate sustainability into events:
Sustainability measures for physical events:
Technological efficiency for online events:
Can you give us examples of where you have already implemented such measures?
In our report, which is automatically generated by the platform, we give direct recommendations on how to minimise the event's carbon footprint. Good examples are the reuse of furniture, the choice of materials, or it can be as simple as showing how many emissions can be saved by opting for a buffet instead of served meals.
How can sustainability success be measured?
This is a great question because there are many ways to measure success.
Here are some key methods and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of your efforts:
How do you see the future of sustainability in the events industry? What trends and developments do you anticipate?
The future of sustainability in the events industry will be driven by technological innovation and increasing stakeholder pressure. Advanced software solutions for accurate emissions calculation and real-time tracking will enable event organisers to make more sustainable decisions and continuously improve their performance. At the same time, increasing expectations from customers, regulators and investors will drive demand for greener practices. As a result, the events industry will become increasingly transparent and sustainable, giving companies a competitive edge and a positive public image.
Jessica, thank you very much for this exciting interview. We wish you a lot of success with Good2Green.
* Source: Tao, Y., Steckel, D., Klemeš, J. J. & You, F. (2021). Trend towards virtual and hybrid conferences may be an effective climate change mitigation strategy. Nature Communications.
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The 2m2c - Montreux Music and Convention Centre is a multi-purpose exhibition center on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known for the Montreux Jazz Festival, the location offers space for up to 1,500 participants for congresses. Even after the ongoing renovation until 2025, the location will remain known for its unique atmosphere and views.
The Beaulieu Congress Center in Lausanne describes itself as a combination of the tried and tested with modernity. Modular rooms offer space for up to 4,700 participants. Thanks to two bus lines, the location can be reached with a direct connection from Lausanne's SBB train station.
Better known as a trade fair location, Bernexpo will be offering new, different rooms for conferences in the federal city of Bern from 2025. The new construction of the "Festhalle" will create interesting possibilities with a capacity of up to 1,300 guests in one hall.
With five spacious halls and 25 conference rooms, the Congress Center in Basel offers many possibilities for a wide variety of events. In addition to its central location in Basel's city center, the congress location has the advantage of being directly connected to the exhibition grounds, making it the largest congress center in Switzerland in terms of space.
The Convention Center (Kongresshaus) Zurich describes itself as the newest congress center of its kind in Switzerland. It is located directly on the shores of Lake Zurich and, thanks to its flexible room layout, offers options for a wide variety of event types and parallel break-out sessions for up to 4,500 participants. A breathtaking panorama on the terrace offers ideal conditions for relaxing breaks.
The Lucerne Culture and Convention Center is located in central Switzerland on the shores of Lake Lucerne and offers space for conventions with up to 2,815 participants. Numerous break-out rooms offer the opportunity for parallel sessions. The concert hall is known worldwide for its outstanding acoustics and is therefore ideal for a musical show to round off a conference.
This classic venue in the federal city of Bern is the largest cultural and congress center in the region to date and offers 28 rooms for conferences. The "Arena", the largest hall, can accommodate up to 1,357 guests.
Known for the International Motor Show, Palexpo offers eight conference rooms of different sizes with a maximum capacity of 2,500 participants. The venue, which has been established for many years, underwent a further expansion in autumn 2023, adding 12 new conference rooms to its offering.
The SwissTech Convention Center in Ecublens is one of the largest convention centers in the Lake Geneva region. It can accommodate 3,000 participants in up to three halls. The less than ideal accessibility is compensated for by a modern and impressive auditorium.
"The Hall" in Zurich Stettbach offers around 2,000 square meters of space for congresses and conferences with up to 3,051 seats. The adjoining room can accommodate up to 500 guests for break-out sessions. "The Hall" is located right next to Stettbach railroad station and can therefore be reached from Zurich in a short time.
ACO Hospitality in Büdelsdorf features the ACO Academy, a modern conference centre with eleven high-quality rooms, ideal for congresses and specialist seminars. The adjacent exhibition hall, covering 2,900 m², enables the hosting of large-scale events such as trade fairs and exhibitions. Its open architecture, featuring large glass surfaces, creates a comfortable atmosphere for up to 2,000 attendees, supported by top-tier audio and video technology.
Arena Berlin is a versatile event venue in the Alt-Treptow district of Berlin, perfectly suited for congresses. The listed site comprises six indoor and outdoor locations, including the impressive 6,500 m² Arena Hall, which can accommodate up to 9,000 people with its free-span roof structure. Thanks to its flexible space design and modern infrastructure, Arena Berlin offers optimal conditions for congresses, trade fairs, and conferences.
The CCD Congress Center Düsseldorf is a state-of-the-art convention centre with a total capacity of up to 7,500 people and 41 modular rooms that can be combined as needed. Its central location in Düsseldorf, just 3 km from the airport, and excellent transport links make it an ideal venue for national and international congresses.
The CCH – Congress Center Hamburg is one of Europe's most modern and largest congress centres, offering flexible spaces for events with up to 12,000 participants. With top-class event technology, sustainable design, and a central location in Hamburg, the CCH provides optimal conditions for international congresses and conferences. Its excellent transport connections, extensive service offerings, and proximity to hotels and cultural attractions make it a premier choice for organisers.
The CCP CongressCentrum Pforzheim offers flexible spaces for congresses, conferences, and events with up to 2,000 attendees, centrally located between Stuttgart and Karlsruhe. With modern event technology, adaptable room concepts, and first-class service, it provides ideal conditions for professional congresses. Its direct connection to hotels and picturesque location on the banks of the Enz River make the CCP an attractive venue in Baden-Württemberg.
The Congress Center Essen offers three congress centres with a total of 28 adaptable spaces, including ten halls and thirteen conference rooms, providing flexible solutions for congresses and conferences of various sizes. Its direct connection to the Grugahalle and exhibition halls allows events for several thousand guests. Each year, around 800 events with a total of 80,000 attendees are held here, demonstrating the centre's versatility and capacity.
The Congress Center Leipzig (CCL) is a premier congress venue, distinguished by its modern architecture, flexible room concepts, and direct connection to the Leipzig Exhibition Centre. With facilities for events of all sizes, high-quality event technology, and a comprehensive service offering, the CCL provides ideal conditions for national and international congresses. Its excellent accessibility and strong ties to science, business, and culture make it a key conference destination in Germany.
The HCC Hannover Congress Centrum is a historic yet modern congress venue with versatile space options for events of all sizes. With state-of-the-art event technology, a sustainable infrastructure, and excellent transport links, it provides ideal conditions for national and international congresses. The combination of historic charm and contemporary facilities makes the HCC a unique event venue in the heart of Hannover.
HALLE MESSE in Halle (Saale) is a versatile event centre, ideal for congresses. With flexible halls and conference rooms that can be individually arranged with seating, stages, and screens, it offers tailor-made solutions for events. Thanks to its modern infrastructure and central location, HALLE MESSE is an attractive venue for successful congresses and conferences.
The ICM – International Congress Center Messe München is a cutting-edge congress venue, distinguished by flexible room concepts, first-class technology, and a capacity for up to 6,000 participants. Directly connected to the Munich Exhibition Centre, it provides ideal conditions for international congresses, conferences, and corporate events. With sustainable infrastructure, top-tier service, and state-of-the-art event technology, the ICM sets new standards in professional event organisation.
The BALLHAUSFORUM at INFINITY Munich is one of the largest event spaces in the Munich area, featuring a 1,340 m² auditorium under an impressive glass dome, providing ideal conditions for congresses and conferences. It offers flexible room configurations for up to 1,400 seated guests in theatre-style seating or up to 2,750 people with 360° tiered seating. The adjoining hotel offers 40 additional event rooms and 439 guest rooms, ensuring seamless integration of accommodation and events.
The Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Liederhalle in Stuttgart combines listed architecture with a modernised conference area, providing an ideal setting for congresses. With 14 flexible meeting rooms and 5 halls accommodating up to 2,100 people, it enables a wide range of events. Its central location in Stuttgart’s city centre, direct hotel connections, and proximity to the Bosch-Areal with shops, restaurants, and bars offer attendees convenience and a variety of leisure options.
Messe Magdeburg is a modern exhibition and conference centre in Saxony-Anhalt, ideal for congresses. With three halls offering a covered exhibition space of 9,000 m² and an adjoining conference centre, it allows for flexible event planning for up to 2,314 people in theatre seating. Thanks to its high-end technical equipment and versatile room layouts, Messe Magdeburg provides optimal conditions for successful congresses and conferences.
Messe Magdeburg is a modern exhibition and conference centre in Saxony-Anhalt that is ideal for congresses. With three halls, which together offer a covered exhibition area of 9,000 m², and an adjoining conference centre, it enables the flexible organisation of events for up to 2,314 people seated in rows. Thanks to its state-of-the-art technical equipment and variable room concepts, Messe Magdeburg offers ideal conditions for successful congresses and conferences.
The Congress Centrum Bremen offers flexible spaces for congresses and conferences of various sizes, with five halls, seven salons, four breakout rooms, and two foyers. Its postmodern architecture and playful details create an inviting atmosphere for professional exchanges. Thanks to its central location in Bremen and direct connection to the Maritim Hotel Bremen, organisers and participants benefit from short distances and a convenient infrastructure.
The Musik- und Kongresshalle Lübeck (MUK) is a multifunctional event venue offering 15 rooms for 10 to 3,500 people, providing diverse options for congresses, conferences, and exhibitions. Its flexible room layout allows for tailored solutions for different event formats. With a total space of 4,000 m² and a capacity of up to 2,000 people, MUK is an ideal location for a variety of events.
The Rheingoldhalle in Mainz is a modern conference centre with a total of 9,000 m² of flexible event space and over 20 meeting rooms, some of which are flooded with natural light and offer views of the Rhine. The largest room, the Kongress-Saal, has a floor area of 1,744 m² and can accommodate up to 2,144 people depending on the seating arrangement. Following its renovation, completed in 2021, the Rheingoldhalle features state-of-the-art technology, sustainable amenities, and flexible room configurations, making it ideal for congresses and conferences.
The RuhrCongress Bochum is a modern event venue in the heart of the Ruhr region, making it an excellent choice for congresses. With its flexible, state-of-the-art spaces, it provides the perfect setting for events of all types and sizes, from business and science to trade fairs. Thanks to its excellent infrastructure, cutting-edge event technology, and well-planned logistics, your vision can be brought to life professionally.
The Schwabenlandhalle in Fellbach, near Stuttgart, is a versatile cultural, congress, and conference centre, ideal for congresses. With a total of nine bright and fully equipped rooms, it offers flexible event spaces for gatherings of all sizes. The largest hall, the Hölderlin Hall, has a floor area of over 1,100 m² and can seat up to 1,400 people in theatre-style seating, making it particularly suitable for large congresses and conferences.
The Tempodrom in Berlin is a multifunctional event venue with impressive architecture, perfect for congresses. Its main space, the Grand Arena, accommodates up to 4,200 guests and features flexible room elements that create adaptable spaces for different event formats, including conferences and congresses. With its central location near Potsdamer Platz and its modern facilities, the Tempodrom offers excellent conditions for successful congresses and events.
The Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin is a state-of-the-art event hall, ideal for congresses and corporate events. With a standing capacity of up to 4,350 and seating for around 2,250 guests, it offers flexible space solutions for various event formats. The hall features excellent acoustics, optimal sightlines, and cutting-edge event technology, making it a versatile venue for conferences, product presentations, and corporate celebrations.
The myticket Jahrhunderthalle in Frankfurt am Main is one of Europe’s largest private cultural initiatives and offers a variety of congress and conference spaces, including its impressive dome hall and several conference rooms. The dome hall spans 4,800 m² and can accommodate up to 3,000 people, making it ideal for large congresses. Additionally, the venue offers modern technology and flexible space concepts that can be tailored to different event requirements.
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