How we are making the Airmic Conference green and healthy

Published on Wed, 30/03/2022 - 09:49

Airmic’s Susi Ozkurt describes the five pillars of sustainability and the wellness programme at the Airmic Conference.

We know that conferences can take a heavy toll on resources, society and the environment. They can also take a toll on the humans who attend them because they can be intense and demanding. We’re away from our regular exercise and relaxation routines and probably indoors much of the day.

As one of the organisers, I am focusing on five key sustainable objectives to enforce the importance of sustainability during the planning stages of the the conference, with an aim of reducing our carbon footprint. We’ve asked our partners, exhibitors, suppliers and attendees to share this journey with us.  

We are also working together with the venue, ACC, and our suppliers and contractors to promote a sustainable and environmentally friendly conference.

And to keep everyone fresh and relaxed, there is a wellness programme with a 5K river run, tai chi and QBE yoga on Tuesday 7 June. These events are open to all attendees. We have also looked at the catering to ensure more healthy options are available.

Five pillars

We will focus on five sustainable pillars at the Airmic Conference: eat better, travel better, buy better, use less, waste less. Here are some examples:

  • We will reduce the use of plastic at the conference. For instance, any single-use items such as grab-and-go coffee cups or water cups will be compostable.
  • We encourage delegates to bring their own water bottles and coffee mugs and face masks.
  • We ask attendees to travel by public transport where possible.
  • We will reduce the amount of paper used. Delegates will be asked to bring their own writing materials. Workshop slides and feedback forms can be downloaded online, rather than printed out.
  • Food and beverages will be sourced locally and organically grown where possible, and the venue will minimise food wastage and disposal.
  • There will be clearly labelled recycling bins around the conference centre, and waste from exhibition stands will be recycled.
  • We’ve asked exhibitors should consider using sustainable materials for their stands and materials which can be reused.  

ACC is committed to being a sustainable venue and improving the impact that the events it hosts have on the local environment and the planet. You can view ACC’s action plan here: https://www.accliverpool.com/about-us/who-we-are/social-value/

We hope you will support us and the environment to make the Airmic Conference a green and healthy event.