Sustainability has become an integral part of most event briefings. But what really sticks in the end? In practice, we often observe a pattern: sustainability is usually understood and implemented in operational terms. The focus is then on measures such as a vegetarian menu selection, the use of recyclable materials, or the selection of a sustainable location. All of this is important—and yet, in our view, these are individual solutions that fail to exploit the full potential that sustainable measures offer, especially in live communication.

THINKING ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY HOLISTICALLY

At VOK DAMS, our aspirations go much further. We take a holistic view of sustainability. We are convinced that sustainability is most effective when it is considered from the outset as an integral part of the event strategy. To meet this aspiration, we at VOK DAMS have developed the SDG Event Compass. A strategic tool that integrates sustainability into event design from the ground up. It is based on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and makes them specifically applicable to events. The SDG Event Compass structures the entire process: from defining goals and developing measures to measuring impact. It provides guidance on where sustainability makes sense in the event context, which levers are particularly effective—and how they can be translated into a language that reaches both brands and people.

STRATEGY AND CREATIVITY COMBINED IN ONE TOOL

Despite all the strategic efforts in the industry, sustainability in the event context is often perceived as an obligation—something that is implemented out of a sense of responsibility. For participants, it often remains invisible because it is purely operational in nature. Our goal is to change this perspective: we design sustainability as genuine added value – emotional, credible, brand-strong. This is exactly where our expanded approach comes in. For us, the demand for sustainable events goes beyond the obvious and deliberately includes the creative level: how can the stage, message, and room design themselves become part of a sustainable story? How can sustainability goals be tangibly embedded in the event dramaturgy? How do we make sustainability tangible? How do we create real added value for participants – tangible, relevant, inspiring?

The particular strength of the SDG Event Compass lies in the fact that it combines strategy and creativity. It not only provides a content basis for decisions, but also inspires new ideas – for example, how health as an SDG goal can be experienced at an event or how social engagement can be translated into room design. In this way, sustainability becomes a creative driver – credible, relevant, and effective. While sustainability in the industry is often limited to measures in the background, we make it visible in the experience – for brands and people.

EXAMPLE: MINDFUL EXPERIENCE ZONES

A concrete example of this combination of strategy and creativity are our Mindful Experience Zones – a direct implementation of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The Mindful Experience Zones show how our work promotes health, creativity, and shared commitment – and strengthens the emotional connection to the brand. This also corresponds to people's growing need for meaning and environmentally conscious behavior. They are looking for experiences that touch them emotionally and give them meaning. Companies can increase their brand relevance and credibility through such experiences. Mindful Experience Zones create long-term relationships between brands and people. They make future topics tangible and activate people to work together to create a better world – and they do so in an economically sensible way: stronger brand loyalty, higher willingness to pay, and differentiation from the competition. So let's bring sustainability and creativity to the big stage!

MINDFUL EXPERIENCE ZONES

• 1. Focus & Energy Spaces
  Spaces for focused work, creative thinking, and relaxation.
  Designs that promote productivity while reducing stress.
  Elements such as ergonomic furniture, acoustic optimization, and dynamic lighting concepts.
  Offer short energy boost programs, e.g., mini workouts or meditation.
  
  2. Nature-Based Experiences
  Nature-based experiences that promote well-being and inspiration.
  Integration of plants, water elements, and natural materials into interior design.
  Offers such as outdoor sessions, urban gardening, or nature walks.
  Promotion of connection to nature for greater creativity and mindfulness.
  
  3. Sustainable Living Labs
  Experiential spaces that bring innovative and sustainable lifestyles to life.
  Presentation of products, services, and ideas for conscious living.
  Integration of topics such as the circular economy, renewable energies, and sustainable mobility.
  Hands-on workshops and interactive exhibitions to promote sustainable thinking and action.
  
  4. Social Purpose Stations
  Spaces that bring social responsibility and social engagement to life.
  Opportunities for visitors to learn about social projects and get involved themselves.
  Partnerships with NGOs, social startups, and charitable initiatives.
  Programs to promote diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion.
  

Are you interested in making an event more sustainable overall, or specifically in our Mindful Experience Zones? Then get in touch with our event experts at info@vokdams.de.

RELATED ARTICLES:

COMMUNITY NEEDS EVENT - WHY EVENTS ARE STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP POINTS

KICK-OFF EVENTS: DRIVING BUSINESS SUCCESS WITH TEAM SPIRIT

SUSTAINABILITY AT VOK DAMS