Creative, Connected, and Sustainable: The Future of Events
By Board Chair, Vanessa Green
Reflecting on the year’s major global events, three major themes are emerging – creativity, human connection, and sustainability. Recent events like the Paris Olympics offer plenty of inspiration, reminding us that bold ideas, personal connections, and responsible practices are key to creating unforgettable experiences. Let’s look at how we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in the meetings and events industry today.
Human Connection at the Core
Even though the Paris Olympics are now behind us, many of the stories from the games still resonate. Moments of camaraderie, like the Ukrainian and Australian High Jumpers sharing the podium, or the selflessness of the German team lending a bike to Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic cyclist, underscore a powerful message: collaboration and personal connection transcend competition.
For event professionals, this serves as a reminder that human connection is at the heart of what we do. As in-person events reclaim their central role in the business landscape, there’s a renewed emphasis on the value of shared experiences. According to the Cvent Event Industry Report 2024, 74% of organisations are prioritising in-person events in the coming year. These formats allow for deeper engagement, fostering memorable connections that digital platforms simply can’t replicate.
Creativity is Driving Event Success
The Paris Olympics also taught us that thinking outside the box can create truly unforgettable experiences. The decision to move the opening ceremony out of a traditional stadium setting and into the heart of Paris, using the city itself as a stage, was a masterstroke of creativity. It challenged the norm and redefined what an event could be.
This kind of creativity is exactly what today’s clients are seeking. Attendees want more than just functional events—they crave experiences that leave a lasting impression. Event organisers are taking note, with reports like the Freeman 2024 Exhibitor Trends Report highlighting the shift towards personalised, experience-driven designs. From incorporating local culture and cuisine to creating bespoke interactive content, event planners are embracing creativity to deliver high-impact results.
Sustainability: Small Choices, Big Impact
Sustainability has become a central focus, and not just for event planners. The Paris Olympics set a new standard in this regard, with efforts to reduce their carbon footprint through repurposed venues, renewable energy, and public transport initiatives. It’s a powerful reminder that even large-scale events can be sustainable without compromising on attendee experience.
In my own work at Cliftons, we’ve found that simple choices can make a big difference. By encouraging clients to opt for digital registrations, offering local and seasonal catering, eliminating single-use plastics and viewing sustainability as inspiration not limitation, we’ve been able to reduce our environmental impact and deliver great event experiences. It’s fantastic to see the industry’s commitment to sustainability growing. The Cvent report reveals that 81% of planners have set clear sustainability goals for their 2024 and 2025 events. From eliminating single-use plastics to prioritising local suppliers, many event professionals are finding that sustainability not only aligns with their values but also enhances the overall experience.
Stay Inspired with MEA
While our MEA events may not match the scale of the Olympics, the Meetings and Events Australia calendar is packed with opportunities to learn and be inspired. As the events industry continues to evolve, we encourage event professionals to embrace creativity, connection, and sustainability in their planning. Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical advice, MEA is here to support you with training and networking opportunities that keep you at the forefront of the industry.
Let’s connect at an upcoming event and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of meetings and events!
