13 Mar 2024

Embracing Events Masterclass: Delivering Sustainable Events

The 'Embracing Events' series concluded this March with an in-person Masterclass on Delivering Sustainable Events.

The 'Embracing Events' series, which was delivered as part of our ongoing Tourism Enterprise Development (TED) Programme, concluded with an in-person Masterclass on Delivering Sustainable Events at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey. 

Tourism NI is committed to working with the event industry in Northern Ireland and with respective bodies across the UK and Ireland towards minimising the impact of all our activities on the environment at home and abroad.

On the day we heard about local initiatives as well as how the events and creative industries in the Republic of Ireland are tackling this challenge and looking at practical solutions for common problems.

With breakouts, panel discussions and networking this was an important opportunity for all key players in the industry to come together to explore how we can become bold advocates for a more environmentally conscious event sector.

Overview of the day:

You can now view a recording of each of the presentations here:

Wecome and Introductions

Event Host Donna Traynor and Tourism NI's Head of Events Siobhan McGuigan welcome those in attendance and set the scene for the final session of the current Embracing Events Series - Delivering Sustainable Events.

Republic of Ireland Insights: Native Events

Hear from Megan Best, Director and CEO of Native Events Ltd and Director of Julie's Bicycle Europe CLG, who has been influential in the direction of travel the arts and culture and events sectors have been undertaking on their sustainability journey in ROI. You can also access Megan's full Slide Deck in the 'Supporting Documents' section of this page. 

Industry Case Study: Ards & North Down Borough Council

During this session Wendy Smith from Ards & North Down Borough Council tells us about some of the council's sustainability initiatives, with a particular focus on waste management for events in the area. You can also access Wendy's full Slide Deck in the 'Supporting Documents' section of this page. 

Industry Case Study: RiverRidge Recycling

Pamela Jordan, RiverRidge Recycling provides a brief overview on the organisation and what they do specifically in relation to events to help set the scene in advance of joining panel discussion on the day. You can also access Pamela's full Slide Deck in the 'Supporting Documents' section of this page. 

Panel Discussion

Event Host Donna Traynor facilitates the Waste Reduction Panel discussion, joined by: Wendy Smith, Ards & North Down Borough Council, Megan Best, Native Events and Pamela Jordon, RiverRidge Recycling. 

Panel Discussion

Event Host Donna Traynor facilitates the Operational Efficiencies Panel discussion, joined by Ross Parkhill, Stendhal Festival, Megan Best, Native Events, Jacqueline Whoriskey, Derry City & Strabane District Council and Jeff Scott, Sunbelt Rentals.