Sustainability is not achieved by organisers alone. Attendees and participants play a pivotal role. This session explores how to transform event attendees from passive participants into active sustainability advocates. Ideas include incorporating gamification (friendly competitions to encourage eco-friendly actions during the event), pledge walls or apps for attendees to commit to green actions, on-site demos that educate (such as composting stations or VR experiences of climate impacts), and community partnerships (enabling attendees to contribute to local sustainability projects as part of the event).

We will also discuss techniques to communicate why these actions matter, so that attendees carry the lessons beyond the venue. As highlighted in Confex 2025’s “Social Responsibility Blueprint,” events can engage and uplift local communities — a mission that can extend to empowering attendees as well.