What was the main purpose of this event?

The Asahi Earth Conference was designed as an international forum for discussing the future of the planet, and 2024 marked its ninth annual gathering. 

While the main theme changes every year, the fundamental goal has remained the same since its inception: to create a space where participants can personally engage with and address global challenges. This year’s theme, “Exploring the future of coexistence through dialogue,” examined complex global issues through four key perspectives: sustainability, innovation, international relations and peace, and coexistence and diversity. The Asahi Shimbun’s guiding principle, “When we connect, we see more clearly,” was central to this event. The conference aimed to contribute to public discourse by fulfilling its role as a media and journalism institution.

Additionally, the event served as a platform for collaboration, fully utilizing the company’s resources and fostering co-creation with partners who share the same vision.

Why did you choose our company to organize this event?

In the wake of the pandemic, shifts in the audience’s interests and expectations prompted a reconsideration of how in-person events should be conducted. This led to changes not only in the venue, but also in the choice of event partners.

Among several event companies considered, GP stood out due to its younger, passionate team whose enthusiastic and sincere presentation left a strong impression. Their impressive track record and innovative approach felt like it could create exciting possibilities. Additionally, GP demonstrated a deep understanding of the event’s objectives and unique demands, ensuring smooth communication throughout the planning process. Internal voices from the organizing team also expressed a strong preference to work with GP, which became a decisive factor in the selection.

What was the primary focus of this event?

The most important aspect was enhancing the value of in-person experiences, leveraging the unique strengths of in-person engagement.

The event was structured into two phases, with in-person sessions in the first half, and online sessions in the second half. To encourage in-person participation, the venue featured a two-floor exhibition space. The main stage hosted in-depth discussions by keynote speakers, while an adjacent space provided a more relaxed atmosphere for attendees to engage in informal dialogue and deepen their understanding of key topics. Sustainability was another key focus, with various environmentally conscious initiatives incorporated into the event (detailed later).

For the online portion, significant effort was put into improving system usability, ensuring a seamless experience from registration to content accessibility, all while maintaining high-quality presentations.

What were the biggest challenges in executing the event?

Managing simultaneous preparations for both in-person and online sessions created a hectic workflow, where we were handling over 20 projects concurrently at one point.

Additionally, changes in event companies, venues, and management systems meant that many processes had to be built from the ground up. This required real-time decision-making to ensure smooth execution, while aligning with the overall event policy.

What stood out about our company’s support and approach?

GP was highly adaptable and resourceful, providing solutions to even the most abstract requests with a broad range of creative ideas.

Their hands-on support in venue signage, stage design, staffing, and event operations allowed the team to focus on the content and execution without logistical stress. GP’s ability to anticipate and proactively address issues before they became problems was particularly appreciated.

Despite the challenges, GP’s team remained positive and engaged throughout the process. Their genuine enthusiasm and active approach created an uplifting atmosphere, reinforcing the sense that this was a project driven by passion, rather than obligation.

How did the participants and your internal teams respond to this event?

Feedback from both internal and external participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees commented that they were glad they participated, and appreciated the welcoming and engaging atmosphere.

While some aspects of the event had evolved, others remained consistent with the previous years. Many attendees felt that the quality of discussion and intellectual engagement remained as strong as ever, reinforcing the Asahi Earth Conference’s reputation as a platform for meaningful debate.

Since its first edition in 2016, the way people engage with in-person events has changed. This year’s event successfully balanced innovation with continuity, delivering both a fresh experience and a commitment to high-quality discourse.

Did this event achieve its goals?

Yes, the event successfully met its objectives. Despite the challenges posed by declining in-person attendance in recent years, this year saw a notable increase in in-person participation. Some sessions even exceeded capacity and required a lottery system for entry. Attendees were actively engaged in various discussions, demonstrating that the event served as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue.

While there is still room for improvement in areas such as audience engagement and content development, there is also a strong sense of progress and momentum.

How do you want to develop this event in the future?

This year’s success highlighted the potential for even greater expansion. 2024 was a year of intense scrutiny on the media industry, and this trend is expected to continue. Moving forward, the event should not only serve as a platform for discussion, but also actively communicate what the organization stands for.

Traditionally, the Asahi Earth Conference has focused on keynote speeches, but many attendees also want opportunities to voice their own opinions. While it may be challenging to implement fully, incorporating more interactive and participatory elements would be an ideal next step.

What sustainability initiatives were implemented in this event?

Sustainability was a key consideration from the outset, as the event’s theme naturally aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the first time, the event’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were calculated. The challenge was balancing aesthetics with sustainability, as the venue design directly impacts the attendee’s experience. Efforts were made to use recyclable and reusable materials for event production.

Other sustainability initiatives included informational posters explaining the event’s environmental impact, as well as a transportation survey where attendees marked their mode of transport with stickers on a display board.

Sustainable initiatives are often perceived as costly, but the event also included cost-free actions, such as encouraging attendees to bring reusable bottles and use public transportation.

In an era of increasing scrutiny on media organizations, simply highlighting issues is not enough. There is a growing need for solution-driven journalism, which not only provides information, but also encourages direct action. The Asahi Earth Conference will continue to evolve as a platform for global dialogue and real-world impact, seamlessly integrating sustainability efforts into its experience. By refining these initiatives, future editions of the event can ensure that attendees naturally engage in sustainable practices without feeling burdened, fostering an environment where awareness translates into action.