1. Behaviour Change for Sustainability National Congress
Event Report
11-12 October 2010, Doltone House, Sydney
Background
The inaugural Behaviour Change for Sustainability National Congress was a
groundbreaking initiative that brought together global thought leaders, leading
sustainability professionals, academics, government and NGOs to share and develop
their expertise and understanding around the complexity of change.
Over two hundred and fifty delegates and speakers spent two days on a journey
designed not only to define the field and test practical applications of behaviour change
but also to inspire and challenge their own behaviours and build a strategic knowledge
sharing community.
Key Event Statistics
• 256 attendees

2. Tools used for evaluation
• Online Survey (over 1/4 of participants responded)
• Video testimonials (taken on the day)
• Social Media activity post-event
Nature and extent of learning undertaken at the Congress
In designing the Congress program, we decided to focus on experiential learning as this
is appropriate to the topic of behaviour change. Participants were asked to ‘step out of
their comfort zone’ and be prepared to experiment with a new conference format.
We opted for highly facilitated interactive sessions, instead of allocated presentations.
The objective was to engage and empower participants through direct dialogue with
expert speakers and their peers, encouraging them to share their own experiences and
stories rather than looking immediately for answers in theories and models. Through a
collaborative effort we aimed to foster a sense of community and on-going support for
change.
Did we achieve what we set out to do?
The format was a new experiment for us too. Feedback has been extremely constructive
and encouraging, identifying that with some fine-tuning, the Congress could be
exceptional.
Only 3% of survey respondents indicated they would still prefer a traditional conference
format.
74% indicated that the conference “matched or exceeded their expectations” with a
further 23% indicating that although the conference was not as they had expected they
still found it valuable.

3. Finding the right balance
The biggest “criticism” of the Congress was around the
execution of the fishbowl style discussions and working
group sessions. We had anticipated this to some extent
given the new format. One piece of constructive feedback
we have noted is that there could have been more time
allowed for theories and tools. In summary, delegates
have suggested:
• Adapt fishbowl style to better utilize the expertise of
speakers
• More focus on theories and models
• Tighter facilitation
• Hold working group sessions separate to the
Congress
• More inspirational and practical case studies like Jeremy Rifkin and Sam Graham
Felsen
A more detailed summary of participation satisfaction (by sessions/speakers) is
enclosed.
What value did the event add?
Connecting people
The Behaviour Change for Sustainability Congress
was the largest and most diverse gathering of
sustainability professionals on this topic to date.
60% of survey respondents have indicated that they
will connect with Congress participants after the
event.
Since the Congress, 53 participants have joined our specific Behaviour Change LinkedIn
Group with a further 77 connecting with us through our Behaviour Change Facebook
group. Participants are starting to upload their own discussion points and content. We
have also seen a 30% increase in followers on Twitter.
84% of survey respondents indicated they would definitely recommend the conference to
others.
“Good on you for risking it! I like
the way it established difference
straight away. Big fan of the
facilitative approach”
“Fishbowls - some worked well;
others not so well. Was sometimes
hard in time available to mesh the
insights and experiences of the
"experts" back into the overarching
issue. However, the format did
make a real attempt to engage -
much more so than standard
conferences”
Anonymous
"I hope that what you're doing there
becomes a flagship for similar efforts
all over the world... these two days
that you have come together is
critical"
Jeremy Rifkin, President,
Foundation on Economic Trends

4. Inspiring Change
57% of survey respondents
indicate that the biggest takeaway for them
was “inspiration to continue my work and inspire others to
change.”
Individual testimonials:
“It was very uplifting and inspiring by the end of day 2 having established a good feeling
that everyone at the conference shared a common desire for real change and progress
in supporting behaviour change in all parts of the community.”
“The most inspiring and thought provoking conference I have attended in 10 yrs.”
“Well done in inspiring people and creating a sense of community in just 2 days.”
“It was interesting to see delegates experience the challenge of altering their own
behaviours and strategies.”
Approaches taken to ensure the Congress was a sustainable event
•••• Conference hosted at Doltone House – the first 6 star green star venue in NSW
•••• Offsetting remaining emissions from the event through Climate Friendly
•••• Event Brochure printed on 80% recycled vegetable based inks, FSC Certified
paper
•••• Video conferencing used for two international keynote presentations
•••• All event resources and materials hosted online only
•••• Sustainable restaurant (Danks Street Depot) chosen to host the conference
dinner
“Thank you so much – the congress
was the best thing I have attended or
spoken at in a long long time. It has
given me renewed passion.”
Emma Synnott, Associate
Sustainability, ARUP