AGF Highlights & Industry News – May 2025
It’s been a busy few weeks for AGF - out at events, sharing ideas, and seeing real progress across the industry. From talks and podcasts to new partnerships and inspiring stories, here’s a round-up of what we’ve been part of lately, and what’s been catching our attention.
AGF On the Road: Events, Talks & Collaborations
Over the past month, our possibly bionic CEO Claire O’Neill has been busy promoting AGF’s work and sustainability insights across Europe, including a 2,000km flight-free round trip.
At Tallinn Music Week, Claire joined the Less Talk, More Action – How to LIVE Sustainably? panel, alongside Anna van Nunen (ESNS), Roshan Netalkar (Echoes of Earth / Swordfish Agency), and Katariina Uusitupa (Flow Festival), and moderated by Eva Johanna Lepikov (Tallinn Music Week). The discussion focused on practical, forward-thinking ways that the live music sector can support climate action.
Next, at Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, Claire spoke as part of the #ProGreen theme, highlighting the vital role of production and technical teams in building a greener future for events.
She also joined HARMAN International’s #AudioTalks podcast with Katy Templeman-Holmes to chat about what’s working in sustainable events – from rethinking food and energy to the value of transparency and community in creating real change.
And then was invited to speak to AEG’s international team as part of a sustainability panel hosted by Erik Distler, AEG’s VP of sustainability and with esteemed speakers Maggie Baird (Support+Feed), Becky Dale (LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games), and Mary Micevych Jerome (United Nations Foundation). The session explored key sustainability insights and the role the entertainment industry can play in driving meaningful and lasting change.
Finally, she spoke with Event Site Design, sharing updates on AGF’s work with Grid Faeries and Ecotricity to remove diesel from events – including powering Massive Attack’s recent homecoming show, one of the lowest-emission large-scale gigs on record, demonstrating what’s possible for sustainable live production.
Green News Roundup: What’s Happening Across the Sector
There’s been a lot happening across the world of sustainable live events - from artist-led actions and venue initiatives to new tools and collaborations. Here are a few highlights that stood out to us this month.
Following on from the session he moderated at GEI – Events in the New Climate – AGF supporter Greg Cochrane reports on how climate disasters are affecting the world and how the LA wildfires have devastated the livelihoods of performers, technicians, and other music industry professionals. A must-watch conversation that resonated deeply at GEI – and now the full session is available to watch online here.
Read MoreThe ACT 1.5 project, in partnership with C40 Cities, is working with Billie Eilish to make her Hit Me Hard & Soft: The Tour as low carbon as possible. As part of the initiative, they’ve teamed up with Trainline to offer fans 15% off rail travel to select shows, helping reduce emissions and air pollution.
Read MoreRead about the valuable work of the Flying Seagulls, who provide play sessions for children, making sure every child, everywhere, can access the childhood they deserve: a childhood full of laughter, noise, colour, friends, and happiness.
Read MoreTo mark Earth Day, IQ Magazine reports on how the live music business is "leading by example" on sustainability.
Read MoreLiverpool Football Club’s The Red Way report shows off the team’s environmental leadership, emissions reductions, and community engagement initiatives
Read MorePollstar highlights some of the products on the market that are having a positive impact on the environment.
Read MoreMassive Attack show at Co-op Live arena to offer 100% plant-based food. Band also encouraging gig-goers to follow their lead in taking the train to Manchester venue to reduce emissions.
Read More
Here’s What’s Coming Up in Our Calendar:
Continuing her low carbon tour, Claire will be speaking at the following events in the coming month:
MPTS 2025
BAFTA Albert Sustainability Series: On Stage, Off Grid – Powering Live Events Sustainably
📅 14 May 2025 | 14:05 – 14:35, Broadcast Technology Theatre
Claire O'Neill – Speaker, alongside Peter Taylor (BBC Studios); moderated by Phil Holdgate (ITV Studios)Berlin Dance Music Event 2025
Green Touring: Sustainable Practices for DJs and Live Acts
📅 16 May 2025 | 14:30 – 15:15, AQUA Höfe / Ritter Butzke, Berlin
Claire O'Neill - Panelist, with Ross Patel, Tommy Vaudecrane; hosted by AFEMBridge Conference 2025
REMEDIES for Festivals: A Bridge to Green EXIT and a Circular Future
📅 Date: 22 May | 13:00 – 13:45
Claire O'Neill – Moderator, leading a panel with Uroš Novak, Lyke Poortvliet, Artur Mendes, and Ida SiljanovićSXSW London
The Future of Sustainable Live Events
📅 4 June 2025 | 10:05 – 10:45 AM
Claire O'Neill – Panelist, alongside Sam Booth (AEG Europe), Mark Stevenson (CUR8), and Alex Bruford (ATC Live)
Earthfest Music Summit 2025
Shaping a Sustainable Future for the Music Industry
📅 5 June 2025 | London, UK | Sony Music UK, Kings Cross
Claire O’Neill – In conversation with Dale Vince (Ecotricity Founder), starting the day’s discussions on sustainability in the live music industry. Hosted by journalist and climate advocate Greg Cochrane, the full-day summit brings together leading voices in music and sustainability, and will conclude with a performance by Natural Symphony.
That’s all for this month’s roundup. If you’d like to stay connected with the AGF community and keep up with the latest on sustainable live events, sign up to our newsletter below and follow us for regular updates, tools, and ideas.
