Today earth is facing grave environmental threats. Our ecosystem is at stake with all the carbon emissions causing drastic climate change. The question here is, what are we doing to save the environment from potential dangers? What sustainability measures are in action to save the planet? Virtual Days stresses the importance of establishing a green and sustainable environment. We duly take the responsibility to guide event organisers and professionals about the importance of hosting sustainable meetings and events. It is about time the event industry mends its practices towards hosting events.
Post-pandemic, we have witnessed changes in the way people gather. From on-site to online, people have reshaped the way they interact. Now if, for instance, you can gather a bunch of people online for a Zoom meeting, then why go into the hassle of travelling to a far-off location? Considering the need, virtual days have created a beyond-reality virtual experience for people around the world. Not just sit in front of the screen but also experience a virtual environment that is a true replica of your office building. Your remote teams can enjoy the meeting as if they are actually moving around the office space. So why not move to a virtual workspace? This not only saves you big bucks but also helps restore a green environment for the future.
Let us now explore the importance of sustainable meetings and why it is important to go virtual.
Saving the Future with Sustainable Meetings and Events
The need to embrace sustainability has become more urgent than ever before. This principle extends to every aspect of our lives, including how we organise and execute meetings and events. Hosts, organisers, and attendees alike are recognising the value of incorporating sustainable practices into their gatherings. From reducing carbon footprints to fostering positive social impacts, virtual meetings and events hold great importance in sustainable development goals. We are looking into the following:
- How do sustainable meetings and events benefit the event industry?
- How are sustainable virtual events better than physical events?
- Why is it important to onboard corporate, educational and health sectors onto digital events?
- What sustainability measures are ensured by going virtual?
- How are sustainable meetings and events help flourish a green environment?
Today, 90% of business leaders agree on the importance of sustainability. This consensus highlights a growing commitment to responsible practices considering environmental, social, and economic impacts for a more sustainable future.
Why Virtual Events?
Hosting virtual events presents a compelling solution in the context of sustainable meetings and events. By leveraging technology to create virtual platforms for gatherings, organisations can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Virtual events eliminate the need for attendees and speakers to travel, thereby reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. This reduction in travel also translates to the conservation of natural resources such as fuel, and materials, further contributing to environmental sustainability. Recent statistics tell us that physical events cause a total of CO2e 1.15 mil KG emissions. Whereas virtual events cause a Total CO2e of 0.02 mil KG. This indicates that a 1.1 mil CO2e KG difference is enough to drive a car around the world over 100 times. So why shall we contribute to the carbon footprint when we can save the environment through sustainable events?
Aligning with the principles of inclusive and responsible event planning, virtual days offer sustainable event hosting. Basically, virtual events rely on digital communication and minimise the need for physical materials. This shift to virtual events not only supports environmental goals but also offers cost savings and operational efficiencies, fostering a mindset of responsible resource allocation. As organisations continue to explore ways to promote sustainability, embracing virtual events emerges as a proactive strategy that aligns with both eco-consciousness and innovation. Here’s why going virtual works for the global good!
Increased Audience
More than 80% report greater audience reach as a positive effect of the shift to virtual.
Decreased Cost
Reports show that sustainability reduces costs and can affect operating profits by up to 60%.
Increased ROI
78% of businesses say organising an online event gives “positive event ROI, generating the most leads.”
Decreased Footprint
90% of business leaders think sustainability is important
Global virtual event market growth skyrocketed 40 to 657bn USD. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 21.4% between 2022-2030. These statistics indicate how the virtual event industry is dominating the digital world of today.
1. Environmental Stewardship: Minimising Ecological Impact
One of the primary ways to host a sustainable event is by selecting venues that align with environmentally conscious principles. Opting for a platform that offers unmatched functionality, an immersive experience, and a digital space within the cloud is a far better choice as compared to a physical venue. With a virtual venue, we can drastically reduce the carbon footprint, for instance, by eliminating travel, conserving resources through digital communication, and enabling global accessibility, promoting inclusivity. Overall, a presence within the metaverse culminates environmentally conscious and impactful event experience.
Waste Reduction: Traditional events often generate copious amounts of waste, including single-use plastics and excess materials. By hosting green meetings, virtual conferences and events, we can altogether cut down on waste production and allow thousands of people to interact in a safe environment. Basically, digital communication, downloadable resources, and efficient virtual platforms are key to waste reduction.
Reduced Carbon Emissions: Transportation and energy use are key contributors to carbon emissions in event contexts. By hosting sustainable events, we can mitigate the carbon footprint that is otherwise produced with local or international travelling.
2. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Breaking Down Geographical Barriers
Sustainable events emphasise inclusivity and diversity. Virtual gatherings transcend geographical boundaries, enabling participants from across the globe to attend without the environmental burden of long-haul travel. This inclusivity fosters connections and knowledge-sharing on a more international scale. In fact, sustainable meetings accommodate diverse needs, providing opportunities for individuals who may face challenges in attending in-person events due to physical disabilities, travel limitations, or other barriers.
3. Innovation in Engagement: Creative and Interactive Experiences
Virtual events encourage innovative engagement strategies, such as interactive workshops, virtual tours, and immersive experiences, enhancing attendee engagement and interaction. The platform allows you to custom design the event be it a virtual webinar, 3D virtual events or 4D immersive events. Moreover, virtual platforms facilitate the integration of multimedia elements, making it easier to deliver dynamic presentations, videos, and interactive materials that enhance attendee learning and engagement.
4. Long-Term Cost Savings: Financial Benefits
Hosting virtual and hybrid events results in cost savings related to venue rentals, travel expenses, catering, and physical materials. These cost efficiencies align with sustainability by optimising resource allocation. Moreover, sustainability achieved through virtual events streamlines administrative tasks, such as registration, coordination, and communication. This frees up time and resources that can be utilised in more strategic and impactful ways.
Also, check how virtual conferences help you in saving big bucks.
5. Enhanced Brand Image: Leading by Example
Organisations that prioritise sustainability send a powerful message about their commitment to responsible business practices. Hosting sustainable events aligns with corporate social responsibility goals and can enhance an organisation’s reputation among stakeholders, partners, and clients. Moreover, hosting sustainable meetings and events showcases a commitment to change. By setting an example, hosts can inspire others in the industry to adopt more eco-friendly practices, creating a ripple effect that promotes sustainability on a larger scale.
Check out our complete guide to hosting sustainable events.
In Conclusion
The decision to host sustainable meetings and events represents a conscientious effort to drive positive change on multiple fronts. By embracing digital solutions that align with environmental conservation, inclusivity, waste reduction, and cost efficiency, organisations pave the way for a more sustainable and responsible approach to hosting gatherings. As the world continues to evolve, the convergence of technology and sustainability remains a catalyst for innovation and positive impact in the realm of meetings and events.
Virtual Days leverage its platform for event professionals and organisers to host sustainable meetings and events. After all, digital footprint is the new way to run meetings, events and more.
Sign up for a free demo of our Virtual Days Platform today!
Author | Mubashrah Rahim
