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Writer's pictureJoel Okore

Sustainable Event Design: Lessons from the GLF Africa 2024 Conference.

Updated: 6 days ago


As the focus on sustainability intensifies, the GLF Africa 2024 Conference set a remarkable example of eco-conscious event design.


Held in Nairobi, this globally recognized forum brought together thought leaders, environmentalists, and policymakers, offering a compelling case study in sustainable event planning. From incorporating natural materials like recycled wood and rattan into stage designs to using local fabrics and greenery to enhance branding and decor, the 2024 GLF Africa conference illustrated how thoughtful aesthetics and design choices can lead the way in creating eco-friendly events.


1. Venue Selection with Low Environmental Impact

One of the key highlights of the GLF Africa 2024 Conference was its venue. Hosted at the World Agroforestry Center, a site renowned for its eco-friendly architecture and sustainable operations, the event showcased how a green venue provides the perfect backdrop for sustainable event design. By selecting a location built with energy efficiency and waste reduction in mind, event planners were able to seamlessly integrate eco-conscious design choices into the event.


This demonstrates that choosing green venues is crucial for lowering an event's carbon footprint and reinforcing sustainability at every stage of the planning process.


2. Event Mood Board


Our client requested a similar look and feel to the GLF Africa 2023 event, with some minor adjustments to the aesthetics. The design brief emphasized the use of natural elements, so we incorporated recyclable wood, MDF, rattan, and repurposed furniture, along with more greenery throughout the spaces. The mood board above served as our aesthetic guide.


Stage:


For the 2024 GLF Africa conference, the stage and event decor were created with sustainability in mind. We used recycled materials, including MDF and modular setups, to minimize waste. These choices aligned with the conference's eco-friendly theme, demonstrating how event designs can make a lasting impact without leaving a significant environmental footprint. Additionally, we integrated rattan into the stage design for a natural and cohesive look.


GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference- Main Stage



GLF Nairobi 2024- Main Stage



GLF Nairobi 2023 Hybrid Conference Side Stage



GLF Africa 2024 Side Stage



Nairobi Hybrid Conference- Pavilions 2023



GLF Africa 2024 Pavilion stage 



GLF Hybrid Conference 2023- Registration Area



GLF Nairobi 2024 Registration Area 



Branding:


For the branding, we selected elements that seamlessly blended with the venue's natural surroundings while aligning with the event theme. The primary colour palette was green and yellow, and we complemented this by incorporating wood accents to enhance the overall look and feel of the branding




Furniture Selection:

The furniture for the lounges and pavilions featured a blend of pieces made from recycled wood and conventional furnishings. To complement the event branding and infuse a touch of local character, we incorporated African Ankara fabric, adding vibrant colour and flair to the semi-formal dining and meeting areas.





Conclusion


The GLF Africa 2024 Conference exemplifies how sustainability can be woven into every aspect of event planning. As global priorities shift towards environmental responsibility, events must embrace practices that reduce their ecological footprint. From designing stages with recycled materials to selecting furniture made from sustainable resources, there are many ways to create memorable, eco-friendly experiences that both inspire and engage attendees.


At Waridi Events, we are dedicated to integrating these principles into our event planning process. Our commitment to sustainability ensures we deliver world-class events that are environmentally responsible, socially impactful, and economically sound. Ready to plan your next green event? Contact us today to start making your vision a reality!


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