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Sustainable for Whom? Accessibility as a Right, Not a Retrofit in Event Design

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In the era of sustainable branding, the events industry proudly promotes its eco-credentials—plastic-free pledges, zero-waste commitments, and carbon neutrality. But in the midst of these green declarations, one question too often remains unasked: sustainable for whom? This blog explores how sustainability in events must go beyond environmental responsibility to embrace accessibility as a foundation of justice. In particular, it calls attention to people with disabilities and other marginalised groups, who are often excluded not by intent, but by design. It questions whether the so-called “inclusive” events truly create enduring social change—or merely perform symbolic inclusion under the banner of sustainability. Access is Not Just Entry: The Right to Full Participation There is a tendency in event management to view accessibility as a technical checkbox: “Is there a ramp? Are there captions?” But access is not just about entry—it is about meaningful and dignified participation. Accor...
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Events in Times of Crisis: Pathways to Resilience or Engines of Inequality?

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In a world increasingly shaped by crises — pandemics, climate disasters, armed conflict, and economic precarity — events have not disappeared. They have transformed. From hybrid conferences to virtual exhibitions, the events industry has showcased remarkable adaptability. But while many celebrate this flexibility as "resilience," a more uncomfortable truth emerges not all communities have had the same opportunity to adapt. And in some cases, the transformation of events under crisis conditions has deepened global and social inequalities . This blog probes the tension between resilience and injustice. Do crises make the events industry more inclusive and innovative, or do they reveal and reinforce systemic disparities in access, representation, and benefit? Crisis as Catalyst: The Industry's Response to Global Disruption COVID-19 was the great disruptor of modern event practice. In 2020 alone, the global events industry lost over US$1 trillion in economic value ( Werner et...
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Blog 1. Events and the Local Community

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‘A community is not just the people who attend an event, but also those who are affected by it.’ This statement emphasises something that many event organisers still overlook. Festivals, cultural gatherings, and major sporting events are often seen as tools to help communities grow. But is that really the case? As events increasingly need to appear socially responsible. This blog will discuss whether events truly empower communities or if they are being commercialised. Celebrating Communities or Commercialising Them? Events are often praised for promoting identity, social cohesion, and civic pride (Derrett, 2003). Specially, local festivals are seen as spaces for interaction, openness, participation, and cultural expression. However, researchers such as Quinn (2005) and Finkel et al. (2019) have warned that many events are designed using a top-down approach and are heavily influenced by commercial interests. As a result, the voices of local people may be pushed aside, while culture its...
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Green Events or Greenwashing? Reclaiming the Integrity of Sustainability in the Events Industrtry

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"You influence the world by what you say and do at events." — A sentiment that captures the power, promise, and paradox of the events industry in the age of sustainability. From climate pledges to zero-waste promises, organisers around the world increasingly label their events as "green." But are these events genuinely contributing to environmental sustainability, or simply indulging in greenwashing to appeal to a more eco-conscious audience? This blog critically examines the legitimacy and limitations of so-called "green events" in the contemporary events industry. Using academic insights and real-world examples, it argues that greenwashing is not merely a marketing issue but a systemic risk that undermines the credibility and impact of sustainability efforts. Understanding the Promise: What are Green Events? "Green events" are broadly defined as those which aim to reduce negative environmental impacts through sustainable planning, operations, a...
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