fwd: and IFES launch a new ISO 20121 initiative for the events industry

The one-year programme supports companies in the events industry in introducing a sustainable event management system and helps them to implement the requirements of ISO 20121 in a practical manner within their own organisations. Professional training, regular exchanges of experience and the practical application of the standard form the basis of the programme.

Associations join forces for greater sustainability

For the first time, the programme is also open to members of other industry associations. Companies from organisations such as the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V., the AUMA German Trade Fair and Exhibition Committee e.V. or the BDKV Federal Association of the Concert and Events Industry e.V. can take part at special rates. The opening up of the programme is the result of regular dialogue between associations on the topic of sustainability. The aim is to harness synergies, share knowledge and jointly advance the sustainable development of the events industry.

Practical implementation through collaborative learning

“With the next ‘Konvoi’, we are creating an initiative that, in addition to imparting knowledge, enables companies to exchange ideas with one another so they can learn with and from each other. The support provided over the course of a year helps each participating company to put the knowledge into practice. That is the real benefit of this programme,” says Marko Roscher, Sustainability Officer at fwd: Federal Association of the Events Industry e.V.

The ‘Konvoi’ is based on the principle of collaborative learning. In interactive workshops and regular discussion sessions, participants work through the requirements of ISO 20121 and apply them to their individual company structures. At the same time, they benefit from the group’s collective experience and jointly develop solutions to challenges encountered during practical implementation.

Wulf Issinger, of schoko pro GmbH, reports on a previous programme: “Working on ISO 20121 as part of the fwd: and IFES programme is a real asset for us. The regular exchanges with the other participants and the expert guidance provided by the associations help us to tackle a complex topic together in a practical way.”

ISO 20121 as a recognised sustainability standard

ISO 20121 is the internationally recognised standard for sustainable event management. The standard supports organisations in systematically integrating environmental, social and economic aspects into their business processes and continuously developing them further. A management system compliant with ISO 20121 creates transparency, improves internal processes and provides robust evidence of sustainable practices – including in the context of tenders and procurement procedures

fwd: Federal Association of the Events Industry e.V.

fwd: –short for ‘forward’ – stands for the constant drive to further develop the events industry and make it future-proof. Together, we actively shape the future of our sector and are committed to ensuring that its interests are strongly represented in the political arena. Our guiding principles shape our actions: fwd: is a home for everyone who comes together as equals to form a strong community – both nationally and regionally. As a strong network, we drive forward the industry’s key issues and work together to shape a successful future. We build bridges with clients, partners and interest groups to promote the sustainable development of our sector. www.forward.live

IFES – International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services
IFES – International Federation of Exhibition & EventServices is the global trade association dedicated to the specific needs of exhibition designers and providers of exhibition and event services. Over 350 companies from more than 45 countries are proud members of the network. IFES’s aim is to promote the commercial, professional and socio-political interests of its members at an international level and to create a platform for the exchange of business contacts and knowledge amongst its active members in the global market. IFES’s mission is to foster unity amongst its partners through networking and the exchange of knowledge, and to generate a greater understanding of trade fair and event marketing on a global scale. www.ifesnet.com