SA events industry supports the Event Greening Forum

On the 23rd February 2011 eight MICE associations became founding members of the officially launched Event Greening Forum (EGF). The EGF has been operating informally since 2009, but by becoming a Section 21 Company and receiving support from the associations it will be far more effective in realising its mandate – to promote sustainable and ethical business practices in the South African events industry.Justin Hawes, MD of Scan Display, co-founded and co-chairs the forum with Grace Stead, one of the directors of icologie, a sustainability training and consultancy company. Justin says: “The response from the associations has been amazing, and everyone has demonstrated a strong appreciation for the importance of greening and a readiness to embrace it.”

Event Greening Forum signatories

The EGF’s official launch as a Section 21 Company took place at SA Tourism’s Meetings Africa 2011, the leading business tourism show on the continent. This alignment with business tourism is a good fit for the EGF, as a large proportion of the MICE industry (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) relates to business tourism and can benefit from taking steps to improve their sustainability.

SA Tourism showed support for the EGF and its objectives by attending the launch of the EGF. SA Tourism also implemented green measures at Meetings Africa, including the use of renewable energy, and conducting an eco-audit to measure the effectiveness of their event greening interventions.

The EGF will encourage businesses to operate in a responsible manner by providing support, resources and training. Its focus will address the triple bottom line of sustainability: people, planet and prosperity.

The eight associations which have become founding members of the EGF are:

  • Exhibition & Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA)
  • Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI)
  • Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA)
  • Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa)
  • Certified Meeting Professional Network South Africa (CMP Network SA)
  • International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA)
  • Technical Production Services Association (TPSA)
  • South African Roadies Association (SA Roadies)

For more information about the Event Greening Forum, contact Justin Hawes on +27 11 447 4777 or info@eventgreening.co.za.