Ten ways to build more social value into your events
The ‘S’ in ESG often gets overlooked as event profs struggle to think of ways to build social value into events.
The environment and governance elements of ESG appear to attract more focus than the social in the world of event planning, but that middle letter is just as important as the other two. Impact: Responsible Event Reviews from event:decision are a fast, simple way to benchmark the sustainable performance of your event, within E, S and G. But, if you’re struggling specifically to think of ways to build social value, here are ten questions that will help you focus on the ‘S’ and build more social value in your events.
#1 Are you taking measures to minimise food waste and distribute unwanted event food?
Organisations can collect and re-distribute many types of event food that would otherwise be placed into waste channels. Food can be redistributed to homeless shelters and local families who are struggling in the area of the event. Please do seek these out or contact your venue or us for advice.
#2 Are you measuring the economic impact to the area local to your event?*
Events can be a great way to bring investment to a local area. Employing local people to help create the event and spend generated by guests and delegates extending their stay locally all has a positive economic impact. You can quantify this investment, using an online tool if you wish. Contact us for more details.
#3 Are you planning a specific external legacy for your event?
Whilst the central ROI of an event is critical, what happens next is also important. What plans could you have to improve engagement and legacy of this specific event? How about donating items to the community or allowing relevant local organisations or educational establishments access your event? Or even setting up a charitable foundation to continue promoting the ethos and purpose of the event long after it has concluded. Consider getting in touch with Event Cycle who can help identify a local organisation who could be a partner or beneficiary of your legacy planning.
#4 Are you specifically considering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) in relation to your team, your audiences and within your event planning process?
DEIA is a crucial element of the design, delivery and legacy of all events. Contact Diversity Alliance for guidance on how to address this important element of your event from the initiation stage right through to final delivery.
#5 Are you considering including a project related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within your event live timeline?
Consider contacting the destination’s visitor bureau or your chosen venue for potential CSR projects with which you can build local social benefit associated with your event. Sponsors or Partners may also be keen to align with these initiatives which can add value to the event for them. Or consider Event Cycle which has a network of organisations to reach out to ensure CSR activities are local and relevant to your event and its values.
#6 Does your company have a ‘living wage’ policy for contractors and sub-contractors?
Events often use a series of sub-contractors to deliver. It’s important you ascertain that everyone working on your event is receiving a fair living wage to deliver the event to your satisfaction. Check relevant government or regional information to ensure you are paying a fair local living wage.
#7 Is there any specific provision for your delegates’ physical and mental wellbeing on site?
The mental and physical wellbeing of your guests while attending your event is crucial. For guidance on how to ensure this, contact Stress Matters.
#8 Is there any specific provision for your event delivery team’s physical and mental wellbeing on site?
The mental and physical wellbeing of your own delivery team is just as important as that of your guests and can be overlooked in the drive to put on an event with the highest standards. For guidance on how to ensure this, contact Stress Matters.
#9 Are you specifically incorporating any of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) within your event planning process?
Some events link specifically to one of more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals so promote one of more Goals within your event programme. To remind yourself about these, see the UN SDGs
#10 Are you choosing to work with any Social Enterprises to deliver elements of your event?*
There are a good number of social enterprises offering event supply services at price parity. Consider, for example, Connection Crew, who support people who have been affected by homelessness into work by providing training, mentoring and employment opportunities, for any crewing or production needs you may have. (UK only). Or talk to Event Cycle to find organisations in the area around your event.
Impact: Responsible Event Reviews from event:decision are a fast, simple way to benchmark the sustainable performance of your event, within E, S and G. For more details, get in touch.