At the edge of the world lies a small island that is quietly leading the way in global sustainability. Lutruwita/Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, offers more than breathtaking scenery and fresh air — it offers a genuine opportunity to do things differently.
This island is home to some of the cleanest air on the planet, measured by one of just three global Baseline Air Pollution Stations. Over 40% of its landmass is protected in reserves, and its UNESCO-listed Wilderness World Heritage Area meets seven of the ten criteria for outstanding natural values. Yet what makes Tasmania truly remarkable isn’t just its wild landscapes or geological diversity — it’s the spirit of its people and their deep connection to place.
Leading by Example
Almost a decade ago, Lutruwita / Tasmania achieved what many still strive for: net-negative carbon emissions. It has maintained this position for nine consecutive years, a testament to long-term thinking and bold environmental leadership. Government support is tangible, with carbon accounting tools, offsetting programs, and mentoring schemes readily available for businesses — including those in tourism and events. Hobart, the capital city, was the first jurisdiction in Australia to ban single-use plastics, and local councils continue to champion low-emission transport and best-practice waste management. In short, sustainability here isn’t a trend — it’s a way of life.
The Power of Community
The island state’s smaller scale and collaborative culture enable a more meaningful approach to event delivery. Suppliers, venues and local stakeholders work together to overcome logistical constraints, creating seamless and inclusive experiences for delegates.
This cooperative mindset underpins a distinctively Tasmanian style of hosting — where people come together not for competition, but for purpose.
Events Grounded in Place
Business Events Tasmania (BET) believes that truly sustainable events connect delegates with local stories, people, and perspectives. For many events, this means engaging with Lutruwita/Tasmania’s proud and enduring Aboriginal culture — more than 60,000 years of custodianship and connection to
Country.
“I truly enjoy hosting events in Tassie,” says Tim Hancock of ASN Events. “The businesses on the ground are so accommodating and supportive of each other. They’re genuinely happy to collaborate and ensure every delegate feels included.”
Through relationships with Palawa and Pakana businesses and cultural leaders, BET supports event organisers to consult and respectfully embed Indigenous perspectives into their programs. This grounding in Country enhances the delegate experience, while also supporting cultural continuity and community benefit.
Legacy is another cornerstone of Lutruwita/Tasmania’s approach. Whether through education programs for students, nature-based conservation activities, or sourcing local speakers and suppliers, events here are designed to leave lasting, positive impacts.
As home to more scientists per capita than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, Lutruwita/Tasmania’s geographical isolation is not a hindrance, but an asset. It draws researchers seeking unpolluted data, rare species, and ancient ecosystems.
From food sustainability and climate resilience to Antarctic research, the island is a living laboratory where industry, academia and government work side by side. For delegates, this opens doors to thought leaders and change-makers tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Dr Pat Wongpan, a BET Visionary and sea ice biogeochemist at the Australian Antarctic Program, exemplifies this. Originally from New Zealand, Mr Wongpan came to Tasmania as a student delegate — and never left. Now based at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), his work on climate impacts on Southern Ocean ecosystems demonstrates the power of conferences to inspire and connect.
Sustainable Experience Without Compromise
Lutruwita/Tasmania’s visitor experiences mirror its values: immersive, local, and low impact. Incentive groups might find themselves onboard a diving vessel feasting on abalone, foraging with a chef before dining fireside, or walking through World Heritage
wilderness with an Aboriginal guide.
Its compact cities offer safe, walkable precincts where delegates can stay, meet, and dine all within a few minutes’ reach — reducing transport emissions and maximising engagement. A short transfer away, delegates can find themselves in a vineyard, research lab, or national park — connecting with locals and broadening their perspectives.
“The proximity and walkability of Lutruwita/Tasmania’s cities, combined with access to industry and nature, helps reduce the carbon footprint of events,” says Marnie Craig, CEO of Business Events Tasmania. “Our convention hotels and venues are environmentally conscious, making mid-sized conferences and trade shows easy to host — and impactful.”
Local Flavours, Global Standards
Food and beverage offerings are grounded in stories of place. Menus celebrate local seafood, cool-climate wines, and boutique produce — often sourced directly from the maker.
Take Bill Lark, the father of Tasmania’s whisky industry. He defied century-old bans to distil the island’s first modern whisky using local barley and fresh Tasmanian water. Today, the state is home to award winning distilleries that are as globally respected as they are community-connected — a quiet revolution sparked by one man’s belief in what could be.
A Partner in Purpose
Whether you’re looking to align your event with environmental goals, integrate Indigenous cultural content, or simply find venues with verified sustainability credentials, the team at Business Events Tasmania is here to help.
They’re not just experts in event logistics — they’re passionate advocates for their place. With deep community ties and creative thinking, BET helps planners craft events that are not only successful, but meaningful — for delegates, for the local community, and for the planet.
