Our CEO Claire O’Neill , Powers Through 2024
In the lively world of sustainable events, our CEO Claire O’Neill is making waves in 2024. While preparing for the Green Events & Innovations Conference (GEI16), she's also taking the stage to host key industry events, setting the tone for an impactful year.
Hosting European Festival Awards 2023: A Night of Triumph
Last Wednesday, Claire had the occasion to host the European Festival Awards 2023. Since its start in 2009, this event has been a beacon for celebrating Europe's industry achievements. On January 18, 2023, at De Oosterpoort, Groningen, Claire, alongside Gordon Masson from IQ Magazine, led the ceremony on behalf of YOUROPE, acknowledging outstanding contributions to health and safety, social awareness, forward-thinking,
and sustainability.
Congratulations to all the winners:
Best Small Festival - MAIFELD DERBY, DE
Best Medium-Sized Festival - POHODA FESTIVAL, SK
Best Major Festival - HURRICANE FESTIVAL, DE
Line-up Of The Year - GLASTONBURY, UK
Newcomer Of The Year -BALMING TIGER, KR
Promoter Of The Year - ALTER ART, PL
Agent of the year - TOM SCHROEDER – WASSERMAN MUSIC
The Award For Excellence & Passion - ERIC VAN EERDENBURG, NL
The Lifetime Achievement Award - RUUD BERENDS, NL
The Green Operations Award - BOOM FESTIVAL, PT
The Event Safety Award - OPENAIR ST.GALLEN, CH
The Brand Activation Award- HEROES & HYPE FESTIVALS & UNILEVER AXE, DE
The Take A Stand Award - SZIGET FESTIVAL, HU
(source: European Festival Awards)
Speaking at the ESNS Panel: "What Have We Learned Since 1972? 50 Years of Green Activism"
The day after the awards ceremony, Claire dived into an exciting panel discussion at ESNS titled "What Have We Learned Since 1972? 50 Years of Green Activism." Claire with Karla Rogožar, Camille Guitteau and Lewis Jamieson explored the evolution of green activism since the Stockholm Declaration 52 years ago, unraveling challenges faced by movements and artists in expressing political allegiances.
“Key takeaways are that honesty, humour and community are essential to support the green transition through music and that in the age of misinformation, populism and culture wars it’s more important than ever for the music and live entertainment sectors to use their influence and reach for good.” - Claire O’Neill
(Photography: Ronnie Zeemering, ESNS)
Moderating ESNS Panel: "Power 1.0 - Back to the Basics"
In another compelling panel, "Power 1.0 - Back to the Basics," Claire guided discussions on sustainable power solutions where speakers were: Alieke Rademaker, Joost Roerink, and Anne van Dooren. Addressing fundamental questions about where to begin and how to prioritize, the discussion provides valuable insights into assessing energy needs and understanding the costs and benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Joost of Event Engineers highlighted that heating is always the biggest energy demand. Two brave and (fortunately) healthy audience members joined the panellists on stage, to cycle and demonstrate how many (or how few) watts could be generated in that duration.
“The results of the cycling superhero’s showed that first and foremost we need to reduce energy consumption. Next, get the whole organisation including creative teams on board with the vision. Then correct specific power needs and help energy users to understand what kind of draw their appli needs have. After this, it’s time to invest
in alternative energy sources and storage to get away from fossil fuels and reduce future costs.” - Claire O’Neill
(Photography: Ronnie Zeemering, ESNS)
Claire and the team are currently preparing for the 16th Green Events & Innovations Conference.
We're excited to keep you updated with the latest news. You can follow us on social media to stay
up-to-date with the latest announcements and get more information about the GEI16.
