We are working to minimise the impact our operations have on the environment and on the communities we serve. By connecting people with relevant networks and knowledge at our event, we’re helping them to solve some of the biggest challenges facing the sector to ensure long term, sustainable growth. We know sustainability is important to the education community and we want to continue to use our conferences to explore, discuss and share knowledge to empower attendees.

How are we building a sustainable event?

Inspiring sustainability development

  • Using our platforms, content and partnerships to support sustainability within the education sector. For example, the GESS Awards include sustainability awards
  • Inspiring our visitors and exhibitors to deliver a sustainable event

Running an Environmentally Responsible event

  • Reducing our event’s carbon emissions
  • Creating less waste. For example, we don’t print any collateral on site and have digital signage throughout
  • Considering the sustainability credentials of the items sourced for the event

Running a Socially Responsible Event

  • Doing business safely and ethically
  • Ensuring out event is a welcoming event for all
  • Considering wellbeing and accessibility
  • Creating a positive impact on our host city

Easy ways you can be sustainable at a GESS event

As a visitor:

  • Consider how you’ll get to the event and if you can, avoid air travel or take lower carbon transport
  • Recycle your waste onsite and in your hotel where possible
  • Consider opting for vegetarian and vegan food options and avoid food waste
  • Only take the giveaways or brochures you need and will use, consider if there are digital alternatives
  • Most event resources have been designed to be easily viewed online or via a mobile device so please avoid printing where possible to help reduce paper waste
  • Reduce the brightness of your screen and remember to hibernate your computer when not in use to help reduce your energy usage

As an exhibitor:

  • Ensure your stand can be reused by either yourself or by your contractors
  • Optimise your travel by consolidating your shipments and choosing logistic companies with strong sustainability credentials
  • Think carefully about handouts, reduce them by going digital and source recycled, sustainably certified
  • Help to support the sustainability of the local area by using local suppliers
  • When purchasing promotional items, consider the amount you order and the environmental credentials of the materials they are made from
  • Think about the waste your stand will create and try to minimize this as much as possible. For unavoidable waste items, try to ensure it will be recycled.

Wellbeing at GESS

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can make a huge difference to your wellbeing and physical and mental performance, whether in the office, at home, or at an event.

Check out our tips on how to make the most of events:

  • Start your day off right with some light exercise, yoga, meditation or stretching
  • It can be tough being on your feet all day, wear comfortable shoes and take regular breaks
  • Stay hydrated through the event with regular water breaks

Contact us and share your story

Would you like to work with us on the sustainability of our events? Would you like to share your own story and efforts? Got an idea? Contact the event team or reach out to Informa’s sustainability team for more information: sustainability@informa.com

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