One day we were caught up by the thought of what do events mean to us? Why are we creating events and focused on doing it sustainably? If you read through the ‘our story’ section on Elami website, you will know that we never set out to start a business. We simply started collaborating while producing TEDx events for our mutual love of “ideas worth spreading”. Basically, we love to make things happen and to welcome attendees as part of an extended family coming from backgrounds; these aspects of events allow us to see the world and learn in different ways.

Every year, we build experiences for people who love to connect through TEDxUbud; we create smaller events like a fundraiser for Begawan Foundation and their work saving the almost extinct Bali Starlings; working with Threads of Life to help Indonesia’s traditional weavers and their cultural wisdom be preserved and promoted; and supporting IBUKU Architecture to elevate their profile and talking about the issues around bamboo, sustainability and environmental impact in Bali.

The core of what we do is sustainable event management. We always work with reusable or recyclable materials to reduce our event waste and the impact of single-use plastic. That is why it has been always an honor for Elami and Co. to work with people who care about sustainability as well. The more we work on it, the more we learn and can help spread the message to our wider audience.

When one of our friends asks why Elami and Co values environmental sustainability, the answer is simple- there is no need for more waste on this island if it can be avoided. For us, living in Ubud is helpful as so many people and organizations based here support this mission and collaborate on building better lives through ‘acts of going green’.

Speaking about sustainable event management is also to speak about economic and social issues. From site selection, source of supplies and services, to working with the people who live around the venue, thinking of the community and natural impact, these are parts of the whole cycle of sustainable event design.

In the end, we want to make sure these extraordinary experiences continue to be felt and shared during and after every one of our events.

Words by Ajeng Anggrahita.