Awareness Raising Conference

14 August 2025

Awareness Raising Conference: Driving Sustainable Change in the Music Industry

Göteborg & Co organized a transnational “Awareness Raising Conference” to unite industry professionals across diverse sectors. Over 200 participants joined the large climate meeting, along with two side events, all held alongside the renowned Way Out West festival, a leader in sustainability. The conference brought together a wide range of stakeholders—including public and private event organizers, business support organizations, decision-makers, politicians, climate activists, entrepreneurs, sustainability experts, artists, and city authority representatives—to exchange knowledge and engage in open dialogue about sustainable food systems within planetary boundaries. Invited international participants and speakers from Sweden, Norway, Germany, Iceland, and Denmark contributed to this dynamic exchange.

The Greentopia climate meeting on August 7th focused on the critical topic of sustainable food systems. The day began with a side event—a sustainable brunch and seminar—showcasing local food practices and offering networking opportunities. Participants were inspired by real-world examples of sustainable food practices, encouraging deeper connections and shared ideas.

In the afternoon, the Greentopia conference at Way Out West featured compelling discussions with influential figures such as Andri Snær Magnason, Gunhild Anker Stordalen, and Jessie Sommarström. These speakers examined the intersection of food, sustainability, and events, highlighting the environmental impact of food choices and exploring how festivals can promote sustainable practices.

The following day, on August 8th, a transnational workshop on food and festivals delved deeper into the conversation. Sustainability experts from renowned events such as Roskilde and OYA shared their insights, while the Music Cities Network presented global sustainability challenges within the live music sector. Green Events Hamburg also shared results from reusable tests conducted as part of the Interreg BSR project Change (k)now. The workshop, paired with an informal networking lunch, created additional opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

The insights, outcomes, and documentation from the conference activities—including interactive networking sessions and interviews—will play a key role in shaping the MI-RAP “Green and Sustainable Events Playbook.” The transnational connections and knowledge exchange fostered throughout the event will not only enhance the project’s results but also support its international dissemination, strengthening global networks that are essential for advancing sustainability practices within the music events industry.