What's driving circular practices in events?

Whether you’re starting from scratch, or you’re embarking on a new mission within your wider sustainability journey, it’s always helpful to hear from other event industry professionals who may already be a few steps ahead of you.

Venetia Campbell, Head of Sustainability & Brand Strategy at Eclipse, is leading the sustainability charge within her organisation, with a focus on engaging stakeholders and creating a circular economy.

We had the chance to ask Venetia a few questions, to gain some nuggets of knowledge about how Eclipse is navigating the road to limiting their environmental impact.

What is the most effective way in which you’ve engaged the wider Eclipse team with your sustainability mission?

The most effective approach has been embedding sustainability into the core of our company culture – we have created four key pillars which steer our thought process when creating our events. I’ve engaged the team through interactive discussions, quarterly hands-on training, and clear communication about our sustainability goals and their tangible benefits.

I’ve also highlighted individual and team contributions to key sustainability milestones, so that everyone who’s actively contributing feels a sense of ownership and pride. Aligning sustainability initiatives with Eclipse’s values and providing accessible resources, like our sustainability SOPs and isla’s framework, has helped create a shared mission and purpose across our company.

Do you see any industry trends shaping the future of circular practices in events?

Absolutely. Several trends are driving circular practices in events:

- Increased demand for sustainable materials: From reusable and modular staging, decor and event build, our clients expect eco-friendly alternatives.
- Advanced recycling and upcycling initiatives: More venues and suppliers are adopting closed-loop systems to reduce waste and we have initiated this through a system where we turn most of our used carpet into garden furniture.
- Stronger regulations and reporting requirements: We have embedded frameworks stemming from proseed such as our Sustainability Management System and Carbon Impact Reports which can be created per event if the client requests, which is a real benefit to our clients as we are seeing accreditations like EcoVadis and CDP really pushing companies to prioritise circular practices and report progress transparently.
- Collaboration across supply chains: The industry is moving towards collective accountability, with suppliers, venues, and planners working together to implement circular strategies, which is also seeing long term cost savings across the board.

What advice would you give someone starting out implementing circular/sustainable practices within their organisation?

Start small but think big. Identify quick wins, like reducing single-use plastics or introducing recycling stations, to build momentum. We did exactly this with our carpet and batteries. Educate and engage your team early—sustainability is a collective effort, and their buy-in is crucial.

Collaborate with suppliers and partners who share your values, and leverage available frameworks like isla to guide your approach. Most importantly, track your progress, celebrate milestones, and continuously look for ways to innovate and improve. Sustainability is a journey, not a one-time fix!

Join a community of event professionals who are working to limit the industry’s environmental impact.

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