How can event planners go beyond sustainability checklists to create meaningful, lasting change?
This question took centre stage for Lime Venue Portfolio and key industry leaders during a recent discussion at International Confex on social sustainability and legacy-building in event planning.
The panel discussion, chaired by Jo Austin, Head of Sales for Lime Venue Portfolio, explored how event professionals can integrate community engagement and long-term social impact into their strategies. The session called for the industry to recognise that social sustainability is not just an environmental concern but a holistic approach that blends community investment, social enterprise support, and ethical employment.
The panel of speakers included Sammy Connell, NASUWT and Chair ABPCO; Abena Fairweather, Managing Director of Legacy Events; Natalie Sykes, Sustainability Manager of ExCeL London; and Kate Holliday, Head of ESG, GES.
Key Takeaways:
- Building Stronger Communities Through Events: Partnerships with organisations like the National House Project were highlighted as a way to support young adults transitioning out of the care system, ensuring events contribute to long-term social progress. Reflecting on the project, Kate Holliday, Head of ESG: Operations, GES, said: “Events have the power to be a force for good – when we align our efforts with community needs, we create legacies that last far beyond the event itself.”
- STEM and Health Education Initiatives: Events such as the International Conference on Robotics and Automation and the International Liver Congress demonstrated the power of event-led education. By connecting with local schools, these conferences provided robotics kits and critical liver health education to students, leaving a tangible legacy beyond the event itself. Natalie Sykes, Sustainability Manager of ExCeL London, emphasised how social legacy can open doors for the next generation, showing them possibilities they never imagined.
- Measuring Social Impact Effectively: The debate around social impact metrics emphasised the need for both qualitative and quantitative measures, from delegate engagement numbers to long-term behavioural changes. “Success isn’t just about numbers – it’s about real, measurable change in communities,” added Jo Austin.
- Collaborating for Local Benefit: From hosting tours with Invisible Cities – a social enterprise led by individuals with lived experience of homelessness – to incorporating products made by social enterprises (such as event merchandise crafted by adults with learning difficulties), event planners can embed social value into every aspect of their planning. Abena Fairweather, Managing Director of Legacy Events, shared that when we prioritise social enterprises, we create a ripple effect of positive impact. Sammy Connell, NASUWT and Chair ABPCO, added: “Many nonprofit organisations, such as schools, will take anything because there’s a huge lack of funding. However, we’ve flipped the narrative and said, What do you actually need? What do the communities in the host city need? Our events can have a huge impact through small, simple, and good-minded changes.”
- Encouraging Delegate Engagement: One challenge discussed was how to engage delegates from different industries in social impact initiatives. Solutions included clear communication, providing sustainable options, and showcasing inspiring case studies to drive participation. Ultimately, delegates want to be part of something bigger so we need to show them how their involvement makes a difference.
As Jo Austin summarised: “Every decision we make in event planning has the potential to create social value. By embedding social responsibility into events, we can drive meaningful change that extends well beyond the closing keynote.
“For event planners looking to maximise impact, the key takeaway was clear: sustainable legacies don’t happen by accident – they require intentional planning, collaboration, and a commitment to long-term impact.”
Actionable Steps for Event Planners:
✔ Explore partnerships with organisations that support vulnerable communities.
✔ Develop a framework to track and report on the long-term social impact of events.
✔ Connect with schools to provide educational opportunities and resources that inspire future generations.
✔ Collaborate with local charities and social enterprises to integrate their work into event activities and offerings.
✔ Offer delegates simple, impactful ways to make sustainable choices during events.
