Conventa gives (another) lesson in sustainability at events

Conventa is one of the oldest trade fairs in the regional meetings industry and transforms the city of Ljubljana into a major centre for professional event organisers every year. The last two editions were held in August due to the Covid crisis. However, it has now returned to its traditional winter date.

More specifically, 95 exhibitors from 15 countries gathered at the fair on 1 and 2 February. We were there! There were also 146 invited buyers from 36 countries, with whom all meetings were to be held.

Best sustainable event according to BEA World

The Conventa organisers emphasised that “the recognition as the best sustainable event is a tremendous honour and also a responsibility”. Together with 19 partners, they have set themselves the goal of demonstrating that events can bring great business opportunities to attendees, while at the same time reducing the carbon footprint.

Carbon footprint measurement and sustainable transport

Working with ClimatePartner, they calculated that 88% of all carbon emissions were transport-related, based, among others, on measurements at the Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre.

As you know that measuring is the basis for improvement, this calculation allowed us to identify the activities that cause the most greenhouse gas emissions. Ohhh and you also know that CO2 has to be the sustainability priority of your events.

That is why the organisers focused particularly on the transport challenge this year. They claim that they managed to convince 29.5% of the shoppers accommodated to opt for sustainable mobility (train, car sharing, bus). According to Gorazd Čad, positive and encouraging communication can bring about lasting change. He said: “By measuring our carbon footprint every year, we can measure our progress and improve in the most problematic segments. The measures in our green handbook are crucial, and we will evolve them year after year”.

All sustainable strategy documents, templates, recommendations and tools are available at www.conventa.si/green-conventa, which has become a source of information and inspiration for organisers.

Conventa’s partner network grows

Two new partners joined Conventa’s partner network in 2022. The first is the Four Points By Sheraton Ljubljana Mons Hotel, one of the leading hotels in Ljubljana. The second partner to join is Visual Group Adriatic, a high-tech company at the forefront of multimedia technology and technical support.

Sustainability education

During the two-day conference, various awareness-raising activities were implemented. In collaboration with the Slovenian Tourist Board, Ljubljana Tourism and Climate Partner, the organisers presented Conventa Green Island, where attendees could learn more about sustainable practices and how they can reduce the carbon footprint of an event.

Meetings Star Awards

This year, Kongres Magazine and Conventa have once again presented the annual Meetings Star Awards to the top meeting destinations, hotels, convention centres and influencers in the New Europe region. You can consult the winners on its website.