Greener, smarter, more sustainable – the GO Group credo is becoming more and more important to the European events industry. Festivals from all over the continent take part in the process and we really want to see all the others follow. That’s why GO Group set up this interactive, open and communicative workshop format to stimulate exchange, cooperation and inspiration – between event organizers, suppliers and science.

Now it’s time for the 3rd international GO Group workshop in Paris at the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall of the City of Paris), on April 8 and 9 2013. The workshop is kindly hosted by We Love Green Festival and supported by Azimuth Productions.

Register now at the Bucks New University online store

The third GO Group workshop for Sustainable Festivals and Events will focus on energy & power (day 1) and waste at events (day 2). Presentations, discussion and case studies from leading European festivals will deal with the problems, solutions and good practice.e. The workshop fee is EUR 200 (+VAT, on sale wed Feb 13). Fee includes lunch on both days. Yourope special offer: members get EUR 50 discount for 1 participant.

Program: (subject to change)

Day 1, Mon 08 April 2012
Main topic: Energy & Power incl.
A welcome to the City of Paris
We Love Green Festival – case study
The Power Behind Festivals
Green Music Energy
case studies
group work sessions and more

GO Group dinner in the evening of Mon 08 april (hosted by Yourope – The European Festival Association).

Day 2, Tue 09 April 2012
Main topic: Waste at events incl.
The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – a diverse topic
Do People Behave Better In A Clean Environment?
Camp site waste & love your tent update
case studies
group work sessions and more

Speakers (amongst others):
Jacob Bilabel, Green Music Initiative, DE
Stephane Harrouch, We Love Green Festival, FRA
Chris Johnson, Green Festival Alliance / Julie’s Bicycle / Shambala Festival, UK
Teresa Moore, Bucks New University, UK
Marie Sabot, We Love Green Festival, FRA
Holger Jan Schmidt, GreenEvents Europe Conference, DE & Yourope

Which is Europe's greenest festival?

The GO Group have announced the final nominations for the new Green Operations Award which will be handed over at the 2013  European Festival Awards.

The Award is the European Festival Award for Green Excellence and is annual award presented by Yourope and the GO Group, targeting festivals that have made a significant contribution to or achievement towards developing more sustainable events. It replaces the prestigious Green n Clean award, handed over at the last three EFAs. The winner of the Award is decided by a panel made up of experts who are not directly linked to any specific festival,  with the exception that the previous year's winner who will be invited to cast a vote for the following year's award only. For 2013 the judges panel comprised representatives from Bucks New University (UK), Green Events Europe (GER), The Green Music Initiative (GER), A Greener Festival (UK), Greener Event Foundation (NOR) and 2012 Green n Clean winners Melt! Festival (GER)

The short list for the Green Operations Award 2012:

Boom Festival (POR) - Awareness, creativity and overall approach to sustainability at the highest level. Boom is a true leader on green issues.

Maifeld Derby (GER) - A great debut from a young group of people with Greener Maifeld Derby. Our "Rookie of the year".

Open Air St.Gallen (CH) - For their continued contribution to leadership in general, and for their work in developing greener festivals over a number of years.

Way Out West (SE) - Great sustainability approach on a triple bottom line. Absolutely remarkable: this major event went 100% vegetarian.

We Love Green (FRA) - The second year of We Love Green sees the festival already as a shining example. Exceptional work on various topics.

Jacob Bilabel (Go Group, GMI) said: “Green trailblazers of the European festival industry will be awarded with the new EFA Green Operations Award. They are the smart operators, who have shown innovative and outstanding approaches in the field of green operations as integral part of their activities.”

The winners will be announced and presented with their accolades at the European Festival Awards gala ceremony, which crowns the opening night of the Eurosonic Noorderslag conference and showcase in Groningen, Holland on Wednesday 9th January 2013. The event features a three course gourmet dinner, live performances drinks reception and after show party and is a unique opportunity to celebrate with the leaders of Europe's festival industry.

Tickets to the event are available here