ISO 20121 is a globally recognised standard designed specifically for the event industry to enhance sustainability throughout the entire event management cycle. This standard helps organisations or individuals involved in event planning and execution to manage social, economic and environmental impacts responsibly. Whether you are organising a small local craft show or a large-scale sporting event, ISO 20121 provides a framework for sustainable event management, ensuring that your events contribute positively to society and the environment. It is not the event itself that is audited, but the management system.

ISO 20121 aims to integrate sustainability with event management processes. It encourages organisations to adopt more ethical, eco-friendly and socially conscious practices. The standard focuses on inclusivity and human rights, creating lasting legacies from events and using sustainability as a transformative tool in the industry.

The key stakeholders in ISO 20121 include;

• Event Organisers, e.g. studios for planning, booking agencies for concerts and theatrical performances, corporate event offices (with marketing-related purposes) and in public administration (with cultural and territorial promotion purposes), cultural associations, conference centres;
• Venue Managers, e.g. clubs, sports arenas, fairgrounds, hotels, stadiums, theatres, parks, public streets and squares;
• Service Providers, e.g. audio-visual services, catering, cleaning and transportation companies, security and stewardship services and temporary agencies.

Each plays a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices across the various phases of event management, from planning to execution.

Obtaining ISO 20121 certification can significantly benefit your organisation by:

• Reducing the costs and environmental impact of your events.
• Easily integrated with other management systems standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
• Enhancing engagement and satisfaction among stakeholders.
• Attracting more business and top talent.
• Reducing risk in event management.
• Reinforcing your organisation’s reputation and increasing brand value.
• Contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ISO 20121 includes several key elements:

• 10-paragraph structure shared with the 2015 revisions of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 (high-level structure).
• A Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle that aligns with the event lifecycle.
• Stakeholder analysis and involvement.
• Policies and procedures that address sustainability issues effectively.
• General and industry legislative compliance.
• Analysis and management of risks and identification of opportunities.
• Design of supply chain management.
• Continuous improvement processes to enhance sustainability performance over time.

By following these steps and achieving ISO 20121 certification, your organisation can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable event management, setting a benchmark in the industry and inspiring others to follow suit.

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