I’m thrilled to sit down with Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality, travel, and tourism, and a prominent voice in the events and entertainment industry. With her deep experience in crafting impactful expos and conferences, Katarina offers unique insights into the intersection of events and sustainability. Today, we’re diving into The Chameleon Agency’s exciting new initiative, People-Powered Planet, a series designed to drive sustainable practices in organizational events. Our conversation explores the inspiration behind this project, the goals for its inaugural event on November 18, 2025, the strategic choice of venue, and the critical role of uniting HR, communications, and sustainability professionals in this mission. We’ll also touch on the practical strategies attendees can expect and the broader impact on the hospitality sector.
What inspired The Chameleon Agency to launch the People-Powered Planet event series?
I’m glad you asked. The inspiration came from a growing realization that businesses are under immense pressure to innovate sustainably, not just in their operations but in how they connect with people through events. We saw a gap in the industry for events that don’t just talk about sustainability but actually show how to make it happen. It was about creating a platform where meaningful change could start—bringing together the right minds to tackle this challenge head-on.
Can you share a specific moment or trend that really pushed your team to focus on sustainability in events?
Absolutely. Over the past few years, we’ve noticed a huge shift in how companies are being held accountable for their environmental impact, especially in high-visibility areas like events. A turning point for us was seeing how much waste and carbon footprint even small corporate gatherings can generate. That, combined with client demand for greener solutions, made us think, “We need to lead by example and create something that redefines what events can be.”
How did you decide to target HR, communications, and sustainability professionals specifically for this event?
It was a strategic choice. These roles are the backbone of organizational change. HR shapes culture and employee engagement, communications crafts the narrative and drives buy-in, and sustainability leads bring the expertise to make it actionable. We felt that uniting these perspectives in one room would create a powerful synergy—each group brings a piece of the puzzle to build a sustainable future for events and beyond.
What are the core goals for the People-Powered Planet event happening on November 18, 2025?
Our main goal is to inspire and equip attendees with actionable ways to embed sustainability into their events and broader organizational strategies. We want this to be a catalyst for both immediate steps—like rethinking how they plan their next conference—and longer-term shifts in mindset. It’s about creating a ripple effect where these professionals take what they learn and apply it to transform their workplaces and communities.
How do you plan to balance sparking immediate action with planting seeds for long-term change at this event?
It’s a mix of practical and visionary. We’re curating sessions that offer hands-on tools—think checklists or frameworks for sustainable event planning—that attendees can use right away. But we’re also fostering big-picture discussions through inspiring talks that challenge them to think about legacy and impact over years, not just months. We want them to leave with both a to-do list and a renewed sense of purpose.
Why was Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre chosen as the venue for this event?
The choice was deliberate. Hosting at a verified net zero hotel aligns perfectly with our message. It’s not just about talking sustainability; it’s about embodying it in every detail, including where we gather. Radisson’s commitment to reducing environmental impact amplifies the credibility of what we’re trying to achieve and shows attendees that sustainable hospitality is not just possible—it’s already happening.
What unique value does hosting at a net zero hotel add to the overall message of People-Powered Planet?
It’s a powerful statement. When attendees walk into a space that’s actively practicing net zero principles, it makes the concept tangible. They can see and feel what sustainability looks like in action, from energy-efficient operations to waste reduction. It reinforces that the ideas we’re discussing aren’t theoretical—they’re practical and achievable, and it challenges them to demand the same standards in their own event planning.
Can you explain why bringing together HR, communications, and sustainability leads is so crucial for driving sustainability in organizations?
It’s all about collaboration. These roles intersect in ways that can create systemic change. HR can influence how employees engage with sustainability initiatives, comms can shape how the message resonates internally and externally, and sustainability leads provide the data and strategies to ground it all. When they work in silos, progress is slow. But together, they can align purpose and action, making sustainability a core part of an organization’s identity.
What practical strategies or fresh perspectives can attendees expect to take away from the event?
We’re focusing on real, actionable takeaways. Attendees will get insights into designing events with minimal environmental impact—think carbon offsetting, sustainable catering, and digital-first approaches. We’ll also dive into how to integrate sustainability into leadership and culture, with ideas for engaging teams and measuring progress. Plus, we’re bringing in fresh perspectives through speakers who’ve walked this path, sharing what’s worked and what hasn’t.
What role do you see the hospitality industry playing in the broader push for sustainable events, especially with insights from speakers like Radisson’s global senior manager for net zero?
Hospitality is a cornerstone of the events world, and it has a massive opportunity to lead by example. With someone from Radisson sharing their journey to net zero, attendees will hear firsthand how the sector is tackling climate challenges—from energy use to supply chains. It’s a chance to learn how venues can be partners in sustainability, not just providers of space, and how their innovations can inspire other industries to step up.
What is your forecast for the future of sustainability in the events industry?
I’m optimistic but realistic. I think we’re on the cusp of a major shift where sustainability won’t just be a nice-to-have—it’ll be a non-negotiable standard. In the next five to ten years, I expect events to be judged not just on attendance or engagement, but on their environmental footprint. We’ll see more tech-driven solutions, like virtual and hybrid formats, and a stronger push for accountability through certifications and transparent reporting. The challenge will be balancing cost with impact, but I believe the industry is ready to innovate and meet that demand.
