Sustainability
Organising and attending a conference in Aotearoa New Zealand provides an opportunity to share and enjoy our beautiful land and culture. It also comes with a responsibility – to care for and respect our environment, minimising the event’s wider impact.
Climate change has been identified as the biggest global health threat of the 21st century, we as organisers are critically aware of the need to reduce the carbon footprint of Epilepsy Society of Australia (ASM) 2023.
Sustainability is a core principle of our conference planning and we encourage all attendees to consider the environment before, during and after the event.
Conference initiatives
We are rethinking and challenging traditional conference approaches to assist with the conference sustainability goals:
- Keeping printed materials to a minimum, with attendees encouraged to use the electronic resources – website and app – provided. Note there will be no conference bags.
- Encouraging sponsors and exhibitors to reflect positive environmental values and practices during their time at the conference.
- Exploring environmentally friendly catering options.
How can you help?
- Choose to carbon offset flights, accommodation and local travel when booking - combined air travel is one of the largest contributors to New Zealand DHB carbon emissions.
- Where possible, walk between locations rather than taxi or drive - all hotels are within close proximity to the conference venue.
- Follow the recycling instructions at the venue and at your accommodation.
- Bring your own reusable bottle - water stations are available at the venue.
- Bring your own coffee cup - barista coffee will be available.
- Bring a reusable bag to carry your conference materials in.
Tiaki Promise
We encourage all ESA (ASM) 2023 attendees to pledge the Tiaki Promise in their time travelling Aotearoa for the conference.
A commitment to travel safely and conscientiously, with a connection to the natural world, the Tiaki Promise is built on five pillars: protect nature, keep NZ clean, be prepared, drive carefully and show respect.