A coalition of industry leaders have come to an agreement with The Nest Climate Campus, an annual event produced by NXT Events Media Group as part of UN Climate Week (17-24 September), to provide a programme focused on the path to more sustainable events and on the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative.
The joint announcement was made by Sharon Enright, president & COO, NXT Events Media Group; Martha Donato (pictured), president and founder, MAD Event Management, and Kai Hattendorf, CEO, UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry.
“Our industry’s response to the climate challenge will define our very ‘licence to operate’ in the coming years. Globally, the events industry is pro-actively working to show that we can be a part of the solution here. We will bring the relevant players and programmes to New York in September to support progress across the US industry ecosystem,” said Hattendorf, who is also a Board Member at the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC).
“Working closely with Kai and his UFI colleagues over the past year as their US representatives has exposed us to a high-level of content around sustainability. As such, we are pleased to be facilitating the upcoming collaboration with UFI & NXT around the deep discussions that must happen to effect change,” said Donato. “It’s an honour to be responsible for gathering key leaders in NYC for a think-tank style conversation and working with this incredible group to find solutions.”
“The climate crisis requires a unified approach to advancing climate solutions. It is also an opportunity to move industry and business forward in creating better products, services, and experiences for people and planet. The events industry has a critical role to play in defining how it evolves to address climate change and its future. We are thrilled to have UFI, JMIC and MAD Event Management join The Nest Climate Campus to further their efforts in creating a more sustainable future,” said Enright.
The Sustainable Events track of programming will take place at the Javits Center, itself a leader in sustainability, on 21 September, 2023. Registration is now open for The Nest Climate Campus and sponsorships are available to those who are interested in interacting and engaging with an executive level group committed to improving our collective carbon footprint. Speakers, sessions and sponsors will be announced soon.
