A new narrative for events?

This is a version of a presentation I delivered for the launch of ISO 20121:2024 on Earth Day 2024 and presents how the revision of ISO 20121 marks the start of a new narrative for events (and how engagement happens)

“Today is Earth Day, a day where we can remember that despite different opinions, cultures, lifestyles WE humans have more that unites us than divides, namely a shared home earth. 

When we meet we collaborate, engage and interact  this is how we build, empathy, trust, compassion, everything that is needed to create solutions for the challenges of our time, including climate change and  human rights

 As Chair of the Project Committee for ISO 2012:2024, and CEO of a not-for-profit which for 20 years has provided support and inspiration for credible action on sustainability I definitely believe human engagement is vital.

Academic researchers may term it vitamin S the social vitamin, you and I might call it a social life, at work we might use the term business development. Whatever words we use to describe any time two or more people come together for a shared purpose- an event is happening and we humans are doing what we do best, connecting.

ISO 20121:2024 is a unique and impactful standard shaping the future of how events happen so sustainability is considered at every decision point. Since launch 12 years ago ISO 20121 has steadily become the framework used when  governments, corporate brands  and globally known events, want to demonstrate credible action for sustainability. 

Considering your events carbon footprint,  resource use, inclusion and accessibility is now expected practice. So how will  ISO 201212024 create a new narrative for events?

Firstly the revised standard has the potential to shift thinking from event logistics (for example how many people are in one location at one time) to focus on the events purpose within a global context. For example, in section 4.1 understanding the organisational context that now includes determining whether the climate change is a relevant issue. 

Of course climate change is a relevant issue for events both in terms of the emissions impact an event can cause but also the impact the weather could have on events for example, decreasing snow for ski sports, increasing wildfires impacting outdoor festivals, 

Secondly this standard supports the important narrative that events enable the human engagement needed to achieve the United Nations sustainable  development goals. For example in 5.2 policy, users have an opportunity to include a 3-10 year vision based on the long term sustainable development objectives of the organisation. 

This alignment of event activity with corporate sustainability goals will mean Heads of Sustainability will include events in their focus and use this standard to shape event management processes in line with the corporate sustainability strategy. 

Finally this standard  gives the event sector opportunities to show leadership. For example in 7.4 communication users shall ensure that no communication is made that misleads the public. In a time of increasing regulations on sustainability claims and requirements for reporting, event professionals have a framework that will build trust with their clients, event attendees, partners, sponsors and suppliers.

ISO 20121:2024 is the foundation for the narrative that events enable participation and inclusion so everyones voice can be heard. 

This is how we will address the challenges of our time because with connection and engagement, building trust, compassion and empathy, anything is possible.”.