EEAA initiative to reduce the environmental impact of events

The Exhibition and Event Association for Australasia (EEAA) has launced a major new initiative to tackle sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of the events sector.

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio said the member-driven renewed focus on the environment within the Association would be led by newly elected Board Member, Leighton Wood, Chief Operating Officer of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

DiMascio advised “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 Environmental Sustainability Working Group met last week – and while we all agree that many positive steps have been taken across the industry to reduce the environmental impact of events, it was time to step-up and collaborate industry-wide to do more.”

The Working Group met for the first time yesterday (7th August) to kick-start an industry-wide action plan.

The Sustainability Working Group comprises:

• Chair - Leighton Wood, MCEC and EEAA Board Member
• Helen Mantellato, ICC Sydney and EEAA Board Member
• Ross Ferrar, Gaming Technologies Association and EEAA Board Member
• Pedro Gallo, Diversified Communications Australia
• Luke Edginton, Adelaide Convention Centre
• Cory McCarrick, Reed Exhibitions Australia
• Jonathan Wilczek, Diversified Communications Australia 
• Michael Firman, Harry the Hirer
• Adrian Slingsby, ICC Sydney
• Heather Craven, Audited Media Association of Australia
• Rodd Craig, Aerospace Maritime and Defence Foundation of Australia
• Claudia Hunter, Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia
• Joyce DiMascio, Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia

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 our emerging leaders, the Association is committed to ensuring the voice of younger Members is heard.

DiMascio added “we heard from four passionate emerging leaders who are working on CSR matters – their skills can help influence the course ahead.”

The four members of the Young Stars panel are Jamal Gittens, MCEC; Jaeram ‘Jez’ Richards, Harry the Hirer; Tom McAlister, Reed Exhibitions Australia and Laura Goddard, ICC Sydney.

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 concluded “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.”

Images: Leighton Wood addresses the EEAA Environmental Sustainability Working Group (top); the Group, from left: Claudia Hunter, EEAA; Jonathan Wilczek and Pedro Gallo, DivCom; Michael Firman, Harry the Hirer; Rodd Craig, AMDA; Leighton Wood, MCEC; Joyce DiMascio, EEAA; Luke Edginton, ADC and the Young Stars Networking and Sustainability Event panel presenters (from left): Tom McAlister, Reed Exhibitions Australia; Laura Goddard, ICC Sydney; Jamal Gittens, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre; Jaeram ‘Jez’ Richards, Harry the Hirer.