The Exhibition & Event Association for Australasia (EEAA) has kicked off a major new initiative to promote sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of the events sector.
EEAA chief executive Joyce DiMascio said the renewed focus on the environment within the association would be led by newly elected board member Leighton Wood (pictured right), chief operating officer of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
DiMascio commented: “We have formed a new environmental sustainability working group comprising of representatives from all parts of the industry – each person has excellent credentials and is committed to working with the association to make a difference.”
The association has also reached out to its younger members making sustainability the topic for discussion at EEAA Young Stars Networking event in Melbourne.
Drawing on the talent and expertise of emerging leaders, the association is committed to ensuring the voice of younger members is heard.
Many of the participants at the Young Stars event expressed excellent ideas about how the industry can reduce waste and have volunteered to become involved. Most participants at the Young Stars event ranked sustainability as a 9/10 priority.
DiMascio added: “At the Young Stars meeting we concluded that the industry is clearly demanding a bigger effort. The Environmental Sustainability Working Group has developed a clear framework for collaboration on this important issue – there is great momentum and the meetings were a productive start to this important work.
“With a clear strategy, strong leadership and industry buy-in we can go far in changing some practices for the better.”
