Sustainability In Event Management Is Workshop Focus As Expectations Grow Worldwide

PORTLAND, OR, August 22, 2013 /3BL Media/ – There is an increasing expectation for event producers to deliver sustainability across their productions, with pressure coming from the recent release of standards like the International Standard ISO 20121 and the GRI Event Organizers Sector Supplement. Growing interest in sustainable performance outcomes by government, business and stakeholders and the need for measurable reporting aligned to internal policies is also driving expectations to make events as sustainable as possible.

Next month, the International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) and Australian specialist sustainability consultancy GreenShoot Pacific will kick-off a 5-week on-line workshop focused on how best to navigate through this complex new area of event management.

Through a combination of weekly webinars and course work that begins September 5, this comprehensive five-week training is designed to equip event practitioners with an in-depth understanding of sustainable development principles, skills, ideas and detailed knowledge on how to put sustainable event management, strategy, solutions and staff into action. The classes are ideal for anyone planning indoor, outdoor or large multi-faceted, entertainment, sports and community events.

Among the topics to be covered will be ISO 20121:2012, Event Sustainability Management Systems - Requirements with Guidance for Use, which supports organizers of events of all types - sporting, business, cultural, political - in integrating sustainability with their activities. The new ISO standard, published last summer, is suitable for ensuring that events, ranging from local celebrations to "mega events" such as the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, leave behind a positive legacy. It is relevant to all members of the event industry supply chain including organizers, event managers, exhibit builders, caterers and logistics suppliers. GreenShoot Pacific has written a plain-language guide to how the standard can be applied to the planning and delivery of an event. Download a copy here.

Participants in the workshop will gain an in-depth understanding of sustainable development principals and how to put sustainability into practical action in event planning and delivery, including:

• Sustainable Development Principles

• Identify sustainability issues

• Sustainable sourcing & procurement

• Implementing ISO 20121

• GRI Event Organizer's Supplement

• Legacy & leadership

• Managing transport impacts

• Waste reduction/resource recovery

• Water supply and management

• Energy & GHG management

• Produce a Sustainability Policy

• Operate Online SEM system

• Measurement and reporting

About the Instructor

Cameron Little of GreenShoot Pacific has more than two decades of experience within the environment and sustainability sector, providing assistance for individuals and for organizations to achieve their sustainability objectives. He has trained in Environmental Biology, Environmental Auditing, Occupational Health and Safety, Workplace Training and Assessment, and Permaculture. Cameron has been responsible for tailored sustainability systems for events such as the sustainable arts and music Peats Ridge Festival, the annual music V Festival in the UK, and World Skills Australia. He is a judge for the Australian Event Awards, and for the Annual Awards for the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia. Cameron has delivered numerous trainings on Sustainable Event Management to organizations spanning government, universities and the private sector.

Workshop Schedule and Registration

Online activities begin September 5th and end October 3rd.
 Live webinars are planned for Thursdays at 5 p.m. Sydney time, which is 12 a.m. Pacific Time US. All webinars are recorded and are available to workshop participants at any time. Cost for the 10-week workshop is $550 with an additional $75 off for ISSP members. An extended early bird discount of $50 is available to everyone through August 28. ISSP Certificate participants can register for $325. To view additional workshop details or to register, click here.

About ISSP

The International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP) is the world's leading professional association for sustainability professionals. ISSP is a member-driven association committed to moving the profession of sustainability forward through building strong networks and communities of practice. Formed in 2007, ISSP boasts more than 700 members from every continent in the world. Members share resources and best practices, and develop themselves professionally. Webinars, webchats, on-line courses, special reports, resource directories, salary surveys, and professional competency studies are just a sampling of the rich content offered to members. For more information about ISSP and its offerings, please visit www.sustainabilityprofessionals.org.