What do you think is going to happen in the event industry between now and 2020, and why?

In 2015, the United Nations launched 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are a framework for action for governments, business and communities to collaborate and create a world that works for everyone. As more businesses address these goals, client's event requests could change and reflect those included as options in question one.

In 2015, the United Nations' World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. This year has been formed in order to help meet the 17 SDGs, as tourism is seen to have a massive influence on the environment and society. The resolution, adopted on 4th December 2015, recognises:

“The importance of international tourism, and particularly of the designation of an international year of sustainable tourism for development, in fostering better understanding among peoples everywhere, in leading to a greater awareness of the rich heritage of various civilisations and in bringing about a better appreciation of the inherent values of different cultures, thereby contributing to the strengthening of peace in the world”.

Positive Impact is collaborating with the United Nations with their campaign 'telling the story of the power of events', as we have realised that events can have similar affects on the environment and society. We believe that through coming together, we can inspire each other to make a change.

Our campaign 'Telling the story of the power of events' during the United Nations' Year of Sustainable Tourism includes a goal to identify 10 examples of how events address global challenges.

Each of the options in question one, is an action which can help achieve a different SDG. These actions could, consequently, help to create a sustainable event industry.

What do you think are the top 10 ways the global event industry can make a difference in producing a sustainable event industry?

What are your ideas on the opportunities and barriers the event industry faces to do this?

The top 10 options chosen in this survey, will each be the themes of each of our 10 projects. Your opinion matters, there is no correct answer.

Question Title

* 1. Which of these can you imagine every event doing in 2020? (choose 10)

Sharing its income with local communities (Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1: No poverty)

Sharing uneaten food with people who want it (SDG 2: Zero hunger)

Providing all attendees with opportunity to exercise (SDG 3: Good health and well-being)

Sharing education content with local communities (SDG 4: Quality education)

Providing speaker panels with a balance of gender diversity (SDG 5: Gender equality)

Banning all use of plastic (SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation)

Capturing and using energy provided by movement of attendees (SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy)

Demonstrating transparency with supply chain payments and partnerships (SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth)

Facilitating collaboration between the world's greatest minds (SDG 9: Innovation and infrastructure)

Providing everyone, not just attendees, with equal access to event content (SDG 10: Reduced inequalities)

Requiring public transport options for attendee travel (SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities)

Requiring every item used to have a post-event use (SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production)

Capturing information on waste / water / energy used at the event and sharing this with every attendee (SDG 13: Climate action)

Providing only sustainable seafood options when seafood is offered (SDG 14: Life below water)

Providing local food options only (SDG 15: Life on land)

Facilitation collaboration between groups with differing opinion to reach a shared goal (SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions)

Being recognised by business, governments, communities, academics and world leaders as the only approach to take to get results (SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals)

Question Title

* 2. Do you believe that the event industry could help the world to reach the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals?

Yes

Please explain your answer

Question Title

* 3. Do you believe that the event industry could be doing more to raise awareness of these goals?

Yes

Please explain your answer