EVENT SERVICES

How International Confex Offset Trade Show Emissions and Pioneered Sustainability in the Events Industry

10,000

trees protected so far

386

tonnes carbon stored

20+

communities positively impacted

About International Confex

International Confex is renowned for creating the largest gathering of event and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) professionals, service providers, thought leaders, and buyers in the UK. Their primary objective is to help support, inspire and drive the events industry forward by establishing a convenient and collaborative meeting space.

Location

United Kingdom

Company size

11 - 50

Industry

Events Services

The Challenge

Pioneering Event Leadership in Sustainability

International Confex, positioned at the hub of the events industry, wanted 2024 to be the first year that the show mitigated its carbon footprint as part of their wider journey to becoming net positive. Sustainability is a high priority in the events industry and many customers, organisers, venues, and suppliers had been asking what the environmental credentials of International Confex were.

In response, the team’s primary objective was to pioneer a shift within the sector by calculating and mitigating their event carbon footprint, striving to overcompensate for their emissions and actively reducing their footprint. This endeavour serves as a cornerstone to parent company Mash Media’s wider sustainability strategy, underlining their commitment to the environment and also setting a leading example to the industry that they serve.

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Working with One Tribe allows us to be more transparent with our sustainability goals, while communicating to our attendees how their habits impact a wider footprint. Sustainability is something that the industry needs to be acting upon now and our partnership will ensure we are playing our part to promote greener events sooner rather than later.

Jack Newey

Portfolio Director at Conference News and International Confex

The Solution

Full Scope Carbon Assessment and Climate Action Initiatives

In response to the sustainability objectives outlined by Mash Media, One Tribe undertook a comprehensive approach to assist International Confex in reducing emissions and offsetting their carbon footprint. Leveraging our proprietary carbon calculator methodologies, we meticulously analysed International Confex’s carbon footprint, paying special attention to attendee footprints and travel emissions. Through close collaboration with the Confex team, we strategically identified and engaged in projects aimed at offsetting emissions and minimising International Confex’s environmental impact.

Furthermore, as part of our reduction strategy, we introduced initiatives to encourage attendees to contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Specifically, we implemented a campaign named the “10,000 tree challenge” where attendees were able to protect trees with every networking contact made during the event. This approach not only fostered a sense of environmental responsibility among participants but also generated tangible benefits for the environment.

Importantly, we recognised the significance of using a range of marketing strategies in conjunction with the event to showcase the impact of International Confex’s sustainability efforts. By effectively communicating the environmental benefits achieved through attending and networking at the event, we not only enhanced the organisation’s brand reputation but also inspired other industry stakeholders and attendees to engage with environmental initiatives.

The Results

Positioning International Confex as Environmental Leader in Events

International Confex’s proactive approach to offsetting their event emissions has generated widespread acclaim within the industry, having been awarded a distinction in Event Decisions ESG impact report. The team’s commitment to sustainability has sparked interest among numerous stakeholders, prompting inquiries into their sustainability journey.

Since initiating their sustainability efforts, International Confex has calculated and offset 386 tonnes of CO2 emissions and protected an impressive 10,000 trees in the process. Through investments in nature based and renewable energy carbon projects, they have facilitated positive impacts and co-benefits for over twenty local and Indigenous communities, protected biodiversity and ecosystems and met eight UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Furthermore, International Confex continues to demonstrate its dedication to environmental stewardship through ongoing initiatives. With an average of three to five projects per month, the organisation is on track to achieve a cumulative offset total exceeding 500 tons.

These remarkable achievements not only underscore International Confex’s leadership in event sustainability but also highlight their tangible contributions to environmental conservation and socio-economic development.

Want to start your carbon journey? Speak to our team today to discover how you can offset your carbon emissions and champion sustainability in your industry.

Eric currently works as an independent consultant at the intersection of nature and climate, focused on catalysing market and non-market solutions to drive the just transition.

He previously was Head of Product at Earthshot Labs, supporting nature conservation and restoration projects across the global south secure project finance. Prior to Earthshot Labs, Eric led nature-based carbon project development for Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique and founded the Carbon Cooperative, a global alliance of leading nature conservation and restoration practitioners exploring carbon finance. After serving in the Peace Corps in Mozambique out of university, he spent much of his 20s working in community-based conservation and ecosystem restoration efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa interspersed with two startup ventures as co-founder and CEO of a mental health tech startup and COO of a sustainable coffee company. Eric has a dual Masters in Environmental Engineering and Environmental Policy from Stanford University where he was a NSF Graduate Research Fellow and a BS in Environmental Engineering from Tufts University.

Alan is a risk management thought-leader, superconnector, and FinTech pioneer. His mission is to enable an Earth Positive economy which includes nature in global accounting systems.

Alan is Founder of Generation Blue, a venture studio dedicated to planetary game changers powered by exponential technologies. Previously, Alan established Natural Capital Markets at Lykke AG, pioneering blockchain based forestry and carbon backed tokens. Alan has over two decades of risk management experience advising global financial institutions, and was a founding member of the RiskMetrics Group, a JPMorgan spin-off. Alan is an investor and advisor to regenerative impact ventures, including TreeBuddy.Earth, Regenativ, and Vlinder Climate.

Lori Whitecalf made history when she became the first woman to be elected Chief of Sweetgrass First Nation in 2011. She served three terms of office from 2011-2017.  

Lori took a two-year hiatus from leadership to expand the family ranch and serve as the FSIN Senior Industry Liaison. She was re-elected on November 29. 2019 and again on November 30, 2021, as Chief of Sweetgrass. Chief Whitecalf practises a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing and gathering. She currently sits on the following boards: Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology, FSIN Lands and Resource Commission, Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre and Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs Executive Council, FSIN Women’s Commission.

Tina is the Chief Business Officer for MLTC Industrial Investments, the Economic Development arm of the Meadow Lake Tribal Council. She has a diverse background of experience. Having spent 15 years as a municipal Chief Operating Officer, 20 years involved in Saskatchewan’s Health Authority Board Keewatin Yatthe and 9 years with Northern Lights Board of Education. 

 

She continues as a Board Member with Beaver River Community Futures supporting small business development in her home region. Tina brings a wealth of experience in a variety of fields and many connections to the Indigenous communities of Northern Saskatchewan. In addition Tina holds a BA Advanced from the U of S, a Certificate in Local Government Authority from the U of R and is certified as a Professional Economic Developer for Saskatchewan and a certified Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED).

Tootoosis’ career spans 40+ years in HRM, political leadership, and Indigenous economic development, as a dedicated bridge builder and advocate for Indigenous causes.
As a key member of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) team since 2021, he develops strategies for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report and Call to Action #92.

He is a graduate of the First Nations University of Canada and a certified Professional Aboriginal Economic Developer. Spearheading various community initiatives while serving as a Chair of the SIEDN while directing ILDII and WIBF. Founder of MGT Consulting Tootoosis is based in Saskatoon, Treaty Six Territory.

Cy Standing (Wakanya Najin in Dakota) has a long and distinguished career including serving overseas as an Electronics Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force, former Chief of Wahpeton Dakota Nation, former Vice Chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations (FSIN), past Executive Director of Community Development Branch of the Department of Northern Saskatchewan as well as an Order in Council appointment to the Federal Parole Board.  

Mr. Standing has served as a Director on many Profit and Non-Profit Corporate Boards, including serving as a Director for Affinity Credit Union with assets of over six billion dollars as well as IMI Brokerage and Wanuskewin and is currently a member of the One Tribe Indigenous Carbon Board.