The Responsible Events Guide, launched by the Geneva Tourism & Convention Foundation, marks a major step forward in sustainable event planning. Aimed at helping organizers make eco-conscious decisions, this new guide offers practical tools and localized resources to transform how events are planned and executed in the city. With sustainability becoming a top concern for event professionals, Geneva’s initiative positions the destination as a leader in responsible tourism and event management.
A Tool Designed for Event Organizers
The Responsible Events Guide is the first in a series of educational tools targeting event and conference organizers. Its primary goal is to make sustainable event planning accessible and approachable, especially in a destination as dynamic and diverse as Geneva. The guide consolidates valuable local information—ranging from food and waste management to transport and communication—and turns it into actionable advice that can be implemented across various types of events.
Split into nine thematic chapters, the guide covers:
- Destination and local context
- Food and beverage sustainability
- Waste management strategies
- Venues and hotel selection
- Transport and logistics
- Diversity and inclusion
- Impact and legacy of events
- Governance models
- Communication and engagement
Each chapter follows a structured format, including introductions to the topic, “Did you know?” sections with local facts, recommended service providers, and a checklist to track progress. This consistency ensures that event planners can navigate the content easily and apply it directly to their work.
Connecting the Dots in Geneva’s Sustainability Ecosystem
Geneva has long been a hub for international conferences and high-profile conventions. But despite the presence of local sustainability initiatives and environmentally conscious service providers, many event organizers struggle to connect with the right partners. The new guide aims to fill that gap.
According to Adrien Genier, Director of the Geneva Tourism & Convention Foundation, “Our aim is to serve as a bridge, connecting planners with the local sustainability ecosystem. By facilitating these relationships, we empower industry professionals to collaborate with the right partners and implement impactful, environmentally conscious practices throughout their events.”
The guide includes updated contact information for recommended providers, enabling easy access to local experts who can assist with specific sustainability goals. This local focus ensures that the guide remains relevant and practical for those planning events within Geneva.
Not a Checklist, but a Source of Inspiration
Rather than imposing a rigid framework, the Responsible Events Guide serves as a source of inspiration. It encourages professionals to think creatively about sustainability and adapt best practices to suit their specific needs and event formats.
Laura Alonso Huarte, Sustainability Manager at Geneva Tourism, explains, “Sustainability often falls lower on the priority list when planning a conference, as event organisers must navigate a multitude of variables depending on the destination. With this resource, our objective is to make sustainable event management accessible and approachable.”
The guide’s tone is supportive, focusing on empowering planners rather than overwhelming them. With the help of clear illustrations, real-world examples, and simple tracking tools, it transforms sustainability from a daunting task into an achievable goal.
Where to Access the Guide
The Responsible Events Guide is now available on the Geneva Tourism & Convention website. Event organizers and professionals interested in continuous learning can also subscribe to the Geneva Convention Bureau newsletter, which provides additional educational content on topics relevant to sustainable events.
This initiative is part of Geneva’s broader mission to support responsible tourism and position the city as a global destination for sustainable conferences and events. Whether you’re organizing a small business meeting or a large-scale international convention, the Responsible Events Guide offers a roadmap to planning with purpose in one of Europe’s most important diplomatic and cultural hubs.
