What the Events Industry Needs to Know from The Blue Earth Summit 2025
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.
Gabriella Weekes, Sleek’s Sustainability and Supplier Lead, attended the summit and returned with key takeaways for the events industry. These insights highlight how sustainability, leadership, and creative innovation can be embedded into event design and delivery - ensuring experiences are responsible, inspiring, and future-ready.
The Hidden Cost of Fish: The Consumer Conundrum
One of the most striking sessions highlighted the collapse of Celtic Sea cod stocks, which have dropped 98% since 2012. Despite clear scientific warnings, government action has been slow. For events teams, the takeaway is simple but powerful: avoid using cod on menus where possible, and when you do, treat it like red meat - carefully sourced and sparingly served.
This isn’t just about ethics; it’s about designing menus that align with your audience’s values and reflect broader sustainability goals. Small choices in catering can make a big impact.
Collaboration beats overextension
The LEAFR report shows that 98% of sustainability projects fail due to under-resourcing or lack of expertise. Trying to do everything in-house can stretch teams too thin, particularly during peak event periods.
The solution? Bring in specialists for carbon accounting, impact reporting, and data measurement. Working with the right partners ensures accuracy, saves time, and allows your team to focus on what they do best: delivering exceptional experiences.
Nature and economy can co-exist
Speakers from Natural England and Ethical Living reminded us: “All profit comes from nature.” For events, this translates to embedding sustainable practices from the outset: renewable energy, circular and recyclable materials, and thoughtfully designed catering menus.
Sustainability is not just a moral responsibility - it’s a strategic business advantage. Thoughtful planning reduces risk, increases client confidence, and signals that your brand takes long-term impact seriously.
Rethinking Leadership: Purpose-Led Action in Events
Cyrill Gutsch (Parley for the Oceans) and Hugo Tagholm (Oceana UK) explored how activism can be a blueprint for leadership in creative industries. Key lessons for events professionals include:
Rethink systems: Eliminate harmful plastics, reduce waste, and scrutinise supply chains.
Be design activists: Use creativity and innovation to set new industry norms.
Focus on joy and invention: Sustainability doesn’t limit creativity - it fuels it.
Lead by example: Every event is a platform to influence culture, inspire audiences, and drive behaviour change among clients, partners, and attendees.
THE INDUSTRY TAKEAWAY
Sustainability isn’t a side note - it’s central to modern events. By embracing expert collaboration, purposeful design, and creative leadership, events teams can make a real impact on both the planet and their bottom line.
At Sleek, we’re already applying these insights. From sustainable sourcing and circular materials to innovative catering choices and eco-conscious design, we’re committed to making every event not only memorable but responsible.
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.