Beyond the Summit: What the Sustainability Agenda Means for Event Creators
Blue Earth Summit 2025
The Blue Earth Summit 2025 brought together leaders, innovators and activists from across the sustainability and environmental sectors to explore the urgent challenges facing our planet. Sleek’s Sustainability and Supplier Lead, Gabriella Weekes, attended the summit and returned with insights that go far beyond a single event. What she heard and observed reinforces a bigger truth for our industry: events sit at the intersection of creativity, culture and environmental responsibility, and the choices we make now will define the future of how people gather.
The Hidden Cost of CONSUMPTION: WHAT FOOD CHOICES SIGNAL ABOUT YOUR BRAND
The collapse of Celtic Sea cod stocks – down 98% since 2012 – was one of the most cited examples of ecological strain. But it isn’t an isolated story. WWF reports that one-third of global fish stocks are overexploited, and the UN has repeatedly warned that current consumption levels are unsustainable.
For events, menu design is no longer a behind-the-scenes logistical decision. It is a brand statement.
Low-impact, transparently sourced menus help align brands with the values of modern audiences. At Sleek, this is already embedded into our planning. We work with accredited suppliers, prioritise low-carbon proteins, design plant-forward menus, and avoid at-risk species entirely. When meat or fish is used, it is carefully sourced, sparingly served, and fully traceable.
The insight from the summit is clear: thoughtful catering is one of the most visible sustainability decisions an event can make.
Collaboration beats overextensioN: WHY MOST SUSTAINABILITY PLANS FAIL
The LEAFR report’s finding that 98% of sustainability projects fail due to lack of capacity or expertise mirrors what many in the industry feel daily. Sustainability is complex. It involves legal frameworks, scientific data, supply chain transparency, reporting structures, behavioural change and stakeholder engagement.
Trying to manage all of that internally, on top of delivering high-pressure events, is unrealistic.
This is why Sleek has invested in dedicated in-house sustainability expertise, supported by specialist partners where deeper technical knowledge is required. Our approach includes:
• ISO 20121:2024 certification
• Carbon impact mapping across production and operations
• Supplier audits and sustainable procurement frameworks
• Measurement tools to assess waste, energy use, transport and materials
This hybrid model – internal ownership paired with external specialists – is the only way for sustainability strategies to be accurate, resilient and scalable.
Nature and economy ARE NOT OPPOSING FORCES
The reminder that “all profit comes from nature” echoes a broader shift we’re seeing across business, reinforced by data from the WEF and Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Circularity and resource efficiency don’t just reduce environmental impact – they reduce cost, improve resilience, and protect brand reputation.
For events, this translates into practical, commercially beneficial actions:
• Renewable or low-energy power solutions
• Modular, reusable and recyclable build systems
• Sustainable gifting and merchandise
• Localised supply chains to reduce transport emissions
Sleek has been evolving these practices for years, using a sustainability roadmap that guides everything from creative concepts to end-of-life planning. Clients want lower-impact events. Consumers expect them. And the industry is moving in that direction whether we prepare for it or not.
Leadership REIMAGINED: ACTIVISM AS A DESIGN FRAMEWORK
Speakers from Parley for the Oceans and Oceana UK emphasised a refreshing point: sustainability does not limit creativity. It expands it.
For events professionals, their message translates into four practical leadership behaviours:
Rethink systems: Scrutinise supply chains and remove unnecessary plastics and waste.
Design with purpose: Build experiences that educate and inspire as well as entertain.
Make sustainability joyful: Impactful events can still be sensory, playful and bold.
Lead visibly: Clients and audiences follow what they see, not what they hear.
This mirrors Sleek’s philosophy: sustainability should elevate an experience, not restrict it.
THE INDUSTRY TAKEAWAY
Sustainability is no longer a bolt-on consideration. It is a design principle, a leadership behaviour, a business strategy and a differentiator for brands who care about long-term impact.
The Blue Earth Summit reinforced what we already know: responsible experiences don’t happen by accident. They require commitment, creativity and collaboration.
WHAT SLEEK IS DOING NEXT
At Sleek, we continue to embed sustainability into every project, whether that’s improving material circularity, working with more sustainable suppliers, tracking carbon data, or designing experiences that minimise impact without losing magic.
We’re helping clients create events that feel modern, meaningful and conscious of their footprint – because that’s where the industry, and the world, is rightly heading.
If you’re looking to design responsible experiences that still feel exciting, immersive and unforgettable, we’d love to support you.
Looking to create responsible, inspiring events?
At Sleek, we help brands design and deliver experiences that balance creativity, impact, and sustainability. From concept to execution, we can help you plan events that engage audiences, minimise environmental impact, and leave a lasting impression.
Get in touch to find out how we can bring your next responsible experience to life.