Organisers, delegates, and funding bodies increasingly prioritise events that have a positive environmental, social, and cultural impact.

For operators, this shift is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Embedding these principles into your business not only meets client expectations but can also be a point of difference that wins you business and builds long-term brand value.

In practice, this means looking beyond the event itself to consider:

• How are resources sourced, managed, and disposed of?
• Is the event accessible, inclusive, and culturally safe for all attendees?
• What benefits will remain in the community after the event has ended?

For regional destinations, demonstrating sustainable practices, inclusivity, and a positive legacy can be particularly powerful. Organisers are often seeking unique locations that also align with corporate social responsibility goals.

It’s also important to recognise that sustainability includes knowing when to reimagine, refresh, or retire an event. As the Australian Centre for Regional Events (ACRE) highlights, every event has a lifecycle, and understanding where yours sits helps organisers make informed, proactive decisions about its future. 

Explore the section ‘Getting Started’ to find out more about the event lifecycle,  sustainability, inclusion, and legacy.

This phase draws on resources from Destination NSW’s Business Events NSW platform.