Our Commitment to Sustainability

GESS Dubai – Committed to Having a Positive Impact on People & Planet

We want to play a key role in helping the education industry improve its own sustainability by connecting people with the networks and knowledge they need to help solve the big challenges of the future.

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 We're Building a Sustainable Event

Inspiring Sustainable 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 our event is a welcoming event for all
Considering wellbeing and accessibility
Creating a positive impact on our host city

Accessibility at GESS Dubai

Subtitles / closed captioning for conference room screens
Lactation suite onsite
Prayer room onsite
Wheelchair availability and assistance
Step-free access routes throughout the venue
Accessible restrooms
Wide aisles between exhibition booths to accommodate wheelchairs
Digital translation tool for conference sessions

Easy Ways to 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 materials
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.