Over the last year, the events industry has slowly rebuilt itself by adapting to change, with in-person events making a tentative return alongside virtual alternatives.
COP26, which took place from 31st October to 12th November 2021, was the largest international event of its kind ever hosted in the UK.[1] As a demonstration that in-person events can take place safely at this stage in the pandemic, COP26 was a success.
Though, as the premier, global sustainability event, in which environmental issues were discussed on the world stage, the carbon credentials of the event itself were somewhat questionable.
Environmental Impact
The purpose of COP26 was to engage countries with plans to dramatically cut carbon emissions, and to achieve solid commitments from these nations to reach global net zero by the middle of the century[2]. By and large, COP26 achieved this objective.
But COP26 was responsible for more than 102,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, more than double that of the previous COP in 2019, with around 60 per cent coming from international flights taken by delegates attending the two-week event in person[3].
For context, 102,000 tonnes of carbon emissions is roughly equivalent to the average annual emissions of 8,000 people in the UK.
Large-scale political events like COP, where sensitive negotiations must be concluded, will always need an in-person element. But there are other considerations the COP26 event team could have considered to limit the emissions the event created.
Engagement, accessibility, inclusivity
At Live Group, we estimate approximately 75% of all in-person events we delivered before the pandemic were better suited to a virtual or hybrid format.
Environmental considerations can underpin the necessity to use a virtual or hybrid format. But just as important is the knowledge of how audiences are changing the way they want to participate in events and engage with content.
By taking a closer look at audiences and their preferences, smarter decisions can be made about an event, including the uptake of more environmentally-conscious formats.
Live Group have been pushing the boundaries of virtual and hybrid for nearly two decades. In that time, we have gained valuable insights into audience behaviours and preferences, and how technology can best meet these needs.
While alternative technology-enabled events may not exactly replicate in-person engagement, they offer ingenious solutions to help attendees forge valuable connections, regardless of location.
These newer formats provide opportunities to extend the lifecycle of an event. Digital content can remain live for weeks or months either side of the actual physical event, extending the engagement window and bringing in audiences that may have otherwise missed out.
By delivering content to delegates in a way which suits them best, to a location which is convenient for them, across a longer period, virtual events generate more meaningful engagement between communities, and extended communities including sponsors, members and other key parties.
Armed with this knowledge, event organisers must empower their clients to give them the confidence to make decisions which break old habits and challenge the in-person event formula.
Consequences
Just like every other sector of the economy, the events industry must be responsible and reduce the impact it has on the environment. Defaulting to in-person events will leave clients open to criticism in this current era.
To prevent this, we must act now, and we must act together. Where we believe there is a better way of doing things, we must educate clients about the alternatives. It is in all our interests to do this. Not only will we make our industry more sustainable in the process, but clients will be better served by events that are more accessible, more inclusive and more engaging than ever.
Toby Lewis, CEO of Live Group
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51372486.amp
[2] https://ukcop26.org/cop26-goals/
[3] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/12/cop26-climate-summit-record-co2-emissions-air-travel-main-culprit.html
