Less Guilt, More Action: Sustainable Events, Simplified

2026-04-16

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In this episode of Ignite Your Events, hosts Laura Bickle and Debbie van der Beek welcome Natalie Lowe, founder of The Sustainable Events Forum and a 25-year industry veteran. Natalie shares why the traditional “do everything, do it perfectly” mindset has stalled progress—and how a more practical, step-by-step approach can help planners actually get started. This powerful shift in thinking: from chasing lofty sustainability goals to “raising the floor”—making meaningful, achievable improvements across more events. We also dive int...

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, hosts Laura Bickle and Debbie van der Beek welcome Natalie Lowe, founder of The Sustainable Events Forum and a 25-year industry veteran.

Natalie shares why the traditional “do everything, do it perfectly” mindset has stalled progress—and how a more practical, step-by-step approach can help planners actually get started.

This powerful shift in thinking: from chasing lofty sustainability goals to “raising the floor”—making meaningful, achievable improvements across more events.

We also dive into a newer, critical layer of the conversation: adaptation. As climate impacts become a real-time consideration, Natalie challenges planners to rethink risk, safety and preparedness in the face of extreme weather and evolving conditions.

Smart, honest, and refreshingly doable, this episode offers a grounded roadmap for planners ready to cut through the overwhelm and take action where it counts.

A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Quebec City Business Destination.

Learn More

Resources:

Download The Hierarchy of Actions PDF

Read The Sustainable Events Report, featuring Natalie Lowe in the Spring Issue of Ignite.

Learn more about The Sustainable Events Forum

Download the TSEF’s RFP Questions for Sustainable Events

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

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We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

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