Challenges
BCEC’s main challenges included effective non-landfill disposal of organic waste, short
time-frame and absence of an accredited tool to fully measure the impact of the event.
BCEC formed a joint taskforce with Cisco that kept things on track and the initiatives flowing.
All unused packaged food was sent to charitable organisations, specially selected menus limited waste, local produce was used and organic waste was sent to offsite composting facilities.
Other challenges were related to cost, labour and time. Most of these challenges were effectively met by research, pre-planning and preparation.
Execution
BCEC management worked with Cisco to develop sustainable event-management
processes to ensure Networkers 2007 was a greener event and established a new benchmark for the industry.
During the welcome address from Cisco’s Australia and New Zealand managing director,
Les Williamson, delegates were encouraged to engage in the process and use the recycling
bins as well as the ‘Green Tips’ within conference material.
Verdict
Cisco was extremely happy with the event, as were the delegates The event scored 4.24 out of 5 on its internal feedback scale, which organisers said reflected the collaboration and relationship between Cisco and BCEC.
“Clearly there is an imperative for a business such as Cisco to take the environmental impact
into account whenever we hold events,” says Williamson.
“The work we are doing with BCEC on this leading environmental activity reflects Cisco’s wider drive to embrace business and the environment.
“Networking technologies can play a critical role in reducing the impact of business on the environment.”
- Henry Wong
Cisco holds Brisbane conference
Networkers is Cisco's annual industry conference, an event where networking professionals are updated on trends and innovative developments in technology. The objective is to increase the competitive edge for users through a series of knowledge-based training sessions.
