Festa January Conference 2024 – “We Write the History of Humanity” (January 25) The largest sustainability event of the year and Festa’s main conference. The title refers to the turning point that humanity is facing in sustainability issues. The conference featured national and international speakers who are leaders in their fields. For the first time, special emphasis was placed on social sustainability at the January Conference, by highlighting the opportunities inherent in the social aspects of sustainability. The spotlight was also directed at courageous leaders in sustainability – people who dare to tread untrodden paths and lead others along. The conference was well attended, with a full house as often before, as the January Conference has sold out in recent years. Keynote speakers for 2024 included Sandrine Dixson-Declève (President of the Club of Rome) and Halla Tómasdóttir (then CEO of B Team, current President of Iceland), as well as a number of other experts, entrepreneurs and influencers. The conference was held in Harpa and was a resounding success; the program ended with a reception and light chat among guests accompanied by music – as Festa wants this event to be both educational and fun.

Ungmennaspjall með Katie Hodgetts (24. janúar) 

Hringborð sjálfbærnileiðtoga (26. janúar) 

Networking meetings Networking meetings have been part of Festa's work since the beginning. One member company invites the rest of the world to a morning coffee where advice and experiences are exchanged. Eight networking meetings were held during the year. In February, Deloitte hosted a Networking Meeting where the integration of sustainability goals into consulting and analysis was discussed. In March, Isavia welcomed guests and presented its actions to reduce its carbon footprint. In May, Controlant hosted a meeting on sustainability in supply chains and data collection, and in June, ÁTVR held a meeting where responsibility in alcohol sales and the environmental impact of operations were discussed. In September, there was a joint networking meeting with ÖBÍ and the Icelandic Institute of Labour on social inclusion and sustainability in the labor market, and in October, Össur/Embla Medical hosted a meeting on sustainable design and production of healthcare solutions. In November, KPMG held a Networking Meeting on Sustainability Disclosure and the year closed with a networking meeting at COWI in December, which discussed sustainability in civil engineering and infrastructure. A total of 341 people from member companies attended the Networking Meeting during the year.

Crucible Meetings Festa held six concise yet meaningful Crucible Meetings during the year, focusing on pressing key aspects of sustainability in operations. In February, there was a Crucible Meeting on dual significance analysis, where participants learned to prioritize sustainability issues according to impact and risk. In April, the discussion focused on strategy and communication, with an emphasis on building a culture of sustainability within companies. In May, the circular economy in operations and upcoming opportunities in that area were discussed. In September, there was a Crucible Meeting on Science Based Targets, scientific climate targets, in October on sustainability certifications and their standards, and in November on the value chain and the scope of 3-emissions, where methods for mapping and reducing indirect emissions were discussed. A total of 433 people from member companies attended the Crucible Meetings this year.

Velsældarþing

Náttúrunæring (30. ágúst) 

Seminar for Boards and Executives (November 8) In November, Festa hosted its first-ever special seminar for boards and executive boards of member companies under the title Progressive Boards – Profitability, Responsibility and Impact. The seminar took place at the Grand Hotel on November 8, chaired by Arnar Másson, and executives from many companies traveled there to listen to leading experts. Elva Rakel Jónsdóttir analyzed the impact of environmental and international issues on the operating environment, Tómas N. Möller reviewed sustainability regulations, Rakel Eva Sævarsdóttir presented the opportunities inherent in sustainability in operations, Ingunn Agnes Kro reviewed the relationship between sustainability and efficiency, and Ásthildur Otharsdóttir discussed the organization of boards in sustainability work. Elín Jónsdóttir, Tómas Már Sigurðsson, Andri Þór Guðmundsson and Hrefna Sigfinnsdóttir participated in a panel at the end of the seminar.