As sustainability moves from a value-add to a core expectation in global events, destination management companies are rethinking how programmes are designed and delivered.
In conversation with Experiential Planner, Prashant Yadav, CEO of Liberty India UAE Oman, shares how sustainability is being operationalised across Liberty’s global network.
On Embedding Sustainability into Operations
At Liberty DMC, sustainability is integrated across every stage of event planning.
“We’ve embedded practices such as carbon-neutral event planning, eco-friendly venue sourcing, and green transportation into our core services,” Yadav explains.
This includes working with LEED-certified venues, deploying low-emission transport solutions, and implementing waste reduction strategies across events. The company also prioritises partnerships with local, ethical suppliers, alongside renewable energy-powered venues and locally sourced catering to reduce food miles.
A key operational shift has been the move toward digital-first execution, eliminating paper usage across programmes delivered in over 120 destinations.
On Enhancing Client Experience Through Green Initiatives
Beyond environmental impact, sustainability is increasingly shaping guest experience.
Yadav points to a recent tech summit in Scandinavia, where Liberty delivered a fully carbon-neutral event. The programme combined LEED-certified venues, farm-to-table catering, low-carbon transport, and comprehensive waste diversion systems.
“The result was not just reduced environmental impact, but a more immersive and meaningful experience for attendees,” he notes.
Importantly, these initiatives aligned closely with the client’s ESG objectives—demonstrating how sustainability can strengthen both brand positioning and attendee engagement.
Operationally, the use of AI-driven tools also streamlined logistics, reducing costs and improving delivery timelines—highlighting how sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
On Challenges and Scalable Solutions
Implementing sustainability at scale comes with its own complexities.
“For us, the key challenges include balancing high-end client expectations with sustainable practices, managing the upfront investment in tools like carbon monitoring systems, and ensuring consistency across global supplier networks,” Yadav shares.
To address this, Liberty focuses on collaborating with vetted eco-partners and local communities, while investing in technology to optimise workflows.
Equally important is transparent reporting, enabling clients to clearly understand the impact and returns of sustainable choices—both environmentally and operationally.
