Written by Amélie Chanda, Program Manager, pointA
Meetings and events bring people together, spark innovation, and generate economic momentum that ripples through entire communities. In Canada alone, major meetings and events have long been a large economic driver creating jobs and injecting billions into our economy. The challenge lies in finding the balance. Without careful consideration, the environmental costs of large-scale events can overshadow their benefits. Transportation is one of the largest contributors to event-related emissions. From attendees flying in from across the globe to getting around cities, the transportation options we provide event attendees has a big opportunity to minimize the event’s carbon footprint.
Yet, this challenge is also an incredible opportunity. As meetings and events rebound from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a chance to redefine what sustainable event planning looks like. At pointA, we are transportation experts, and we understand how critical this aspect is. In this blog, we’ll discuss the impact of an event transportation strategy and highlight the transformative potential of sustainable transportation choices.
The Shift
The COVID-19 pandemic had catastrophic impact on the global events industry, putting a stop to all major events and gatherings which directly disrupted countless businesses. As the sector begins to recover, Canada is stepping up as a leading host country for international events. Key initiatives, like the International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), backed by a $50 million investment from the Government of Canada, are helping Canadian destinations secure bids for high-profile international conferences.
At the same time, there’s a growing focus on sustainability in the industry. Destination Canada is encouraging event planners to align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), signaling a shift toward more responsible and transparent practices.
This shift is crucial, as the environmental impact of events cannot be overlooked. A recent study revealed that the travel-induced carbon footprint for international conferences often exceeds 2,000 tones of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per event. Alarmingly, another research about one of the largest music festivals in the U.S. shows that attendee’s travel can account for as much as 80% of an event’s total carbon footprint.
As the events industry rebounds, there is a unique opportunity to rethink how we host these events. By prioritizing sustainable practices, including low-carbon transportation options, we can reduce emissions while maintaining Canada’s position as a world-class destination for international conferences. This moment is a chance to rebuild stronger, with purpose and responsibility at the forefront.
Sustainability in the Planning Stages
The foundation of a sustainable event lies in careful planning. Every decision, from selecting the venue to determining transportation options, shapes the event’s environmental footprint and attendee experience. By prioritizing sustainability at the planning stage, events can create lasting positive impacts while meeting or exceeding the expectations of increasingly eco-conscious host organizations and attendees.
Effective transportation planning isn’t just about getting attendees from one place to another, it’s about creating a seamless experience that aligns with the event’s sustainability goals. By incorporating sustainable transportation practices, an event can:
- Significantly lower its carbon footprint
- Enhance the attendee satisfaction by providing convenient, stress-free travel options
- Showcase leadership in sustainability, inspiring others to adopt similar practices
With the right planning and expertise, events can leave a positive legacy, benefiting both the environment and the communities that host them. At pointA, we’re here to help you achieve that balance and make your event a model of sustainable success! Learn more about our services here.
At pointA, we’re passionate about helping events achieve their sustainability goals. Whether you’re looking to optimize transportation, reduce emissions, or enhance the overall experience for your attendees, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to make your next event a model of sustainability and success? Set up a free consultation with our team today to discuss your goals and explore how we can help bring them to life. Let’s work together to create events that truly make an impact!
