Essa Conference Host 2024
Event sustainability was the theme - What legacy are we leaving for the events industry?
This powerful question underpinned the ESSA 2024 Conference, where #eventprofs from across the industry came together to address the urgent challenge of sustainability.
From thought-provoking panels to solution-driven workshops and inspiring and somewhat frightening (but inspiring) keynote sessions, it was a day to inspire the audience into action, not just float some waffley ideals.
I had the honour of hosting this year's conference, facilitating conversations with leading voices in the industry. Not just your typical leaders I might add, but people that are doing things, making changes already to help create and deliver a brighter event future for us all.
The truth is, the events industry has a significant carbon footprint, and the choices we make today will have a lasting impact on our planet for years to come - you have to be hiding under a giant rock (or should that be discarded exhibition booth?) if you can't see that this is something important, we must ALL address.
But challenges remain: How do we strike a balance between environmental responsibility and profitability? How can we engage all stakeholders in the value chain to align on sustainability goals? And crucially, how do we ensure these measures are practical and scalable?
At the heart of ESSA's 2024 conference was not just talk. The sessions highlighted that sustainability is not an individual effort–it requires collaboration and alignment between all stakeholders in the value chain of events. From suppliers to organisers, venues, and exhibitors, everyone has a role to play in building a sustainable future for events - we are all responsible.
We need to work together towards building a truly sustainable events industry.
Thank you to everyone that took part, that showed up to this sell out event, that wished my baby girl good luck at her gymnastics ;-), that played rock paper scissors, that got involved and shared insight from their experiences.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy event schedules to be part of this movement, a community bound by our passion for events and the future of our planet.
There was a lot of talk about communication and sharing messages with the industry and wider world... the good news is, that's what I do at wavesconnects.com so if you need help telling your story, drop me a DM. I'd love to help.
Testimonials from Matt Coyne of Waves Connects hosting the Essa Conference
Matt Coyne proved to be an exceptional choice as the Conference Chair for this year's ESSA Conference. His inherent warmth and enthusiasm created a lively and engaging atmosphere. From the very beginning, he established a strong connection with the audience, keynote speakers, and panelists, effectively putting everyone at ease. His skillful navigation of this years conference theme facilitated meaningful discussions and promoted a spirit of collaborative learning throughout the day.
Lisa Tyson,
Deputy MD Aztec Event Services Ltd,
ESSA Sustainability Working Group Chair(Edited)
That Matt Coyne dude - I'm still not quite sure how he does it. He has that weird ability to connect with people; to stay grounded with even the most complex and emotionally spiky subjects. But still with his sense of life-loving fun. A true pro.
Andrew Hickinbotham,
Board Member, Event Supplier & Service Association
Matt, thank you so much for bringing such a calm and positive tone to the ESSA Conference yesterday. You did a great job facilitating the day, and let the topics with passion and understanding, challenging the conversation and really uniting the room.
You’re a great host, and clearly very passionate about business for good.
Noel Reeves
CEO Rocket Exhibition Services
Board Member, Event Supplier & Service Association