fwd: Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft e.V. and IFES, International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services, have launched the third convoy for certification in accordance with the ISO20121 sustainability standard. Eleven member companies from the exhibition, catering and agency sectors belonging to fwd: and IFES have initiated an intensive process of further training and exchange by taking part in the third convoy.

The term “convoy” stands for a method in which members of the associations form small groups to work together in workshops to drive the implementation of an operational sustainability process. Björn Hülbert, Sustainability Officer at Bärlin Team Eventdesign GmbH, explains: “The convoy, which is accompanied by certified fwd:/IFES sustainability experts, and the seminars and exchange formats it contains, represent a well-structured, practical learning and development platform for the Bärlin Team to efficiently use its own potential for certification, identify risks and reflect on them together with industry and sustainability professionals.”

Growing together

Interactive program design offers various exchange formats that enable participants to learn from each other and jointly develop solutions to challenges. Eva Ridderskamp, responsible for Marketing & Communication at setcon Event & Expodesign GmbH, shares her experiences: “Now that the convoy has started, it feels like things are getting serious and we are very excited about what the next few months have in store for us. The companies in the convoy can learn a lot from each other through the exchange and fwd: and IFES are guiding us through the process. Of course, we have to work out the content for the certification ourselves, but we are supported at various points and are therefore not completely on our own.”

Foundation and promotion of sustainability expertise

Further training to become internal auditors in accordance with ISO20121 enables associations to design and implement the program. In order to gain a deep understanding of the standard and its requirements, all participants complete basic and advanced seminars on the topic of “Representative for Sustainable Event Management according to ISO20121”. The participating companies are also supported by additional modules that are based on the chapters of the standard and enable them to implement the requirements in their own company.

The first 20 companies in the fwd: / IFES are successfully on their way to certification with the convoy consulting concept for ISO20121 in cooperation with 2bdifferent as our partner. At the same time, the associations have acquired expertise in the topic in order to continue the convoy principle under the leadership of the associations. With 2bdifferent, we have a close partner at our side for intensive consulting topics.

About ISO20121

With ISO20121, a management system for the event industry can be integrated reliably and practically into everyday business life. As an internationally recognised standard for sustainable event management, ISO20121 supports organisations in planning, implementing and evaluating events while taking ecological, social and economic aspects into account. By implementing the management system, companies can minimise their environmental impact, promote social responsibility and increase their profitability at the same time. The ISO20121 certificate also serves as suitable proof of the sustainable orientation of business operations in public and private sector tenders.

If you are interested in participating in a future convoy, please contact Marko Roscher, Sustainability Officer at fwd: Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft e.V. or Dominique Bohler, in the same function at IFES.

Contact:
fwd: Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft e.V.
Marko Roscher – [email protected]
Telephone: +49 (0) 5242 94 54 42

IFES International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services
Dominique Bohler – [email protected]
Telephone: +49 (0) 160 56 16 497

Press Contact:
fwd: Bundesvereinigung Veranstaltungswirtschaft e.V.
Sophie Messerschmidt – [email protected]
Telephone: +49 (0) 5242 94 54 -16

IFES AISBL
Robyn d’Allesandro – [email protected]
Telephone: +27 6768 43376