Sustainability in Events: Practices and Challenges

Objective: This study aims to identify the main sustainable actions adopted in events, analyzing the challenges and opportunities for their implementation in events of different scales. Method: A systematic review was conducted in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, following the PRISMA method guidelines. The research covered articles published between 2009 and 2024, considering descriptors related to event sustainability. After applying the inclusion criteria, 12 studies were selected for analysis. Results and Discussion: The study revealed that the most frequent practices involve waste recycling and composting, promoting public transportation, efficient water and energy management, replacing printed materials with digital formats, and adopting renewable energy sources. Some actions, such as material reuse and resource efficiency, are easy to implement. However, initiatives like using renewable energy and eco-friendly products still face financial and structural challenges, hindering their adoption in smaller events. Research Implications: The study highlights the importance of sustainable practices in event organization, outlining both challenges and opportunities. The findings can guide policies and strategies to minimize environmental impacts while providing insights for managers in adopting viable and accessible solutions. Originality/Value: This research identifies key sustainable actions in event management and explores strategies to expand their adoption. Additionally, it suggests further studies on the perception of academic managers regarding the feasibility of these practices in institutional environments.