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In pursuit of a shared vision for the future of sustainable nightlife, DJ’s For Climate Action (DJs4CA), VibeLab, and Future Meets Present united under the banner of DJs4CA’s 7th annual Earth Night Initiative to host a roundtable discussion on February 15th. This collaboration brought together representatives from night mayor’s offices around the globe and aimed to ignite a much-needed dialogue on sustainability within the nocturnal realms of nightlife and electronic dance music.

Our next roundtable discussion in the lead-up to Earth Night will take place on Wednesday the 3rd of April at 3 pm – 4.30 pm (CET) with nightlife operators. Want to join? Sign up here

Under the moderation of Eli Goldstein from DJs4CA, the discussion was set for an engaging exchange of ideas. With inspiring industry practitioners like Amer Jandali from Future Meets Present and Gerd-Jan Fritjers from Green Events NL gracing the roundtable, the discussion focussed on creating a shared vision for the future of sustainable nightlife.

Representatives from various city administrations, including Jeffrey Garcia from the NYC Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Thierry Charlois from Paris, brought their invaluable insights to the table. Their presence underscored the growing recognition of the critical intersection between nightlife and environmental stewardship.

It became evident that despite progress, significant challenges still lie ahead for nightlife officials and operators. Natalie Mets, nighttime advisor for the city of Tallinn, highlighted the need for stringent regulations focused on waste reduction and energy conservation. Meanwhile, Robert Gaa, Night Mayor of Mannheim, emphasised the importance of initiating conversations and securing funding to drive sustainability initiatives forward and get them over the line.

The discussion delved into practical strategies and innovative approaches to catalyse change within the nightlife ecosystem. From implementing green riders and banning single-use plastics to fostering city-driven initiatives and leveraging consumer demand, the participants explored a plethora of avenues for transformation.

Yet, amidst the optimism and enthusiasm, there lingered a serious acknowledgment of the obstacles ahead. Gabija Liaugminaite from the Vilnius Night Office commented on the exclusion of music from mainstream climate discussions, while Varghese Chako of Nightlife United underscored the challenge of motivating venue owners, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

Nevertheless, the roundtable concluded on a hopeful note, with participants collaborating to create a shared vision for a more sustainable future. From advocating for regulatory support and financial incentives to promoting global best practices and fostering a culture of environmental awareness, the roadmap ahead was laid out.

The Earth Night Initiative has sparked a movement that transcends borders and boundaries, represented by enthusiastic collaboration among the diverse participants of this first roundtable discussion. 

The conversation doesn’t end here, our next roundtable discussion in the lead-up to Earth Night will take place on Wednesday the 3rd of April from 3 pm – 4.30 pm (CET). For this next roundtable, we invite nightlife operators, promoters, venue owners, and nightlife workers to come together on their shared vision for a sustainable future. Before a final workshop brings industry and night mayors together to create a framework for collaboration…

Want to join? Sign up here

Join us for this essential conversation as we navigate urban experiences shaped by gender and identity. Our international panel is set to delve into the nuances of navigating urban spaces, shedding light on challenges related to security and visibility, both by day and night.

Register to attend the Night Walk in Manchester at the NTE Summit (Day One) on Thursday the 8th of February. The night walk will start at 6 pm from Stage 3, Freight Island, and will be led by a group of specialists in local governance, urban planning, and social innovation. More information here.

The night walk aims to delve into how women,  LGBTQI+  BIPOC, encounter and interact with urban spaces, drawing attention to the distinctive challenges, particularly regarding security and visibility during daytime and nighttime.

Sign up via our form.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Join us for a dynamic collaboration between DJ’s 4 Climate Action (DJ4CA), VibeLab, and Future Meets Present, as we lead a pivotal roundtable discussion for night mayors and nighttime office officials in anticipation of the Earth Night festivities in April.

The first roundtable will take place online, on the 15th of February, 15.00 – 16.30 (Central European Time). Register here for our first roundtable with Night Mayors and Night Office officials.

This roundtable marks the inception of a transformative movement. As part of the 7th annual Earth Night celebrations (April 19-21, 2024), VibeLab and its partners will host a series of roundtables and workshops from February to April, dedicated to connecting night mayors worldwide.

Our mission is to cultivate a shared learning platform, facilitating the exchange of resources, ideas, and strategies for a sustainable nightlife that harmonises with our communities and ecosystems.

Earth Night, established in 2018 by DJ’s 4 Climate Action (DJ4CA), is an annual global event series occurring during Earth Week in April. DJs, venues, and promoters organize events worldwide to demonstrate the power of collective action in addressing climate change. As the anticipation builds towards Earth Night, DJ’s 4 Climate Action has crafted a toolkit, an inspirational package for nightlife venue operators, guiding them towards crafting an Earth Night club experience that resonates with environmental sustainability.  

Call to action: The first roundtable will take place on the 15th of February, 15.00 – 16.30 (Central European Time). Register here for our first roundtable with Night Mayors and Night Office officials. 

Solar Sound System, La Station Paris

_{Nightlife Photography, 2023, by Solar Klinghofer Bar-Dov.}

The dancefloor has long been a haven for individuals seeking solace, connection, and a break from the mundane. However, as we traverse the post-club era, it becomes imperative to question the true inclusivity of these spaces and consider the needs of those often marginalised, particularly the autistic community.

Historically, nightclubs have been hailed as spaces of liberation and unity, fostering a sense of belonging among diverse communities. Yet, as nightlife evolves and the landscape shifts, the essence of inclusivity faces challenges. The decline of traditional club structures and societal perceptions of nightlife as a “burden” has prompted a shift towards temporariness and seasonality in venue concepts. The question then arises: how can the future of nightlife be reshaped to prioritise safety and a sense of belonging for autistic individuals?

Attend our panel discussion on “Exploring the Evolution of Club Culture: Fostering Awareness, Inclusivity, and Accessibility” at 11 am on stage 3 at the Nighttime Economy Summit in Manchester on 8th Feb.

_{Photography by Solar Klinghofer Bar-Dov.}

Autism, a spectrum of unique experiences, often encounters barriers in the sensory-rich environments of nightclubs. Sensory overload, social interaction difficulties, and a lack of accommodations can make navigating these spaces challenging. As we envision the future of nightlife, it is crucial to understand that the spectrum is not linear; it is more similar to a colour wheel, with each individual occupying a distinct position on this wheel. Recognising and accommodating this diversity is the key to fostering an inclusive dancefloor.

One of the primary barriers identified is sensory overload, where crowded spaces, flashing lights, and booming music create a whirlwind of stimuli. Autistic individuals often find their nightclub experiences cut short, leaving after a few minutes due to a lack of accessibility to meet their specific needs inside venues. The absence of low-volume areas within clubs, where individuals can seek respite from the sensory overload, underscores the need for design innovation.

Herein lies an opportunity for the evolution of nightclub design – a concept rooted in “sensory zoning.” Professor Magda Mostafa’s ‘ASPECTSS*’ highlights the potential benefits of clearly designated high-stimulation and low-stimulation zones within built environments. Implementing such an approach not only caters to the needs of autistic individuals but enhances the overall experience for all patrons. Nightclub design can embrace inclusivity through innovative spatial sequencing, escape spaces such as chill-out rooms, and allowing for spatial transitions in the space between high-sensory and low-sensory rooms.

Nightlife, as an immersive experience, is not confined to the dancefloor alone. The anticipation of entering a crowded venue, standing in lines, and navigating unplanned social interactions can trigger anxiety, emphasising the need for predictability. Venue Accessibility Plans and Access Riders can offer comprehensive information about the layout, ensuring accessibility for clubgoers and empowering individuals to plan their nights out in advance.

_{Sub Club Melbourne | Venue Accessibility Plan}

Moreover, the introduction of live broadcasting events transcends physical boundaries, enabling everyone to partake in the club experience no matter their access needs. The universal design principle comes into play, offering options that enhance accessibility and cater to the diverse needs of both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

Education and awareness emerge as pivotal elements in reshaping the nightlife landscape. Stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding autism often lead to a lack of understanding. Stakeholders, including club owners, staff, security, and patrons, should be aware of the diverse needs within their venues and be transparent with patrons on their offerings. Transparent accessibility plans, clear community guidelines, and informative graphics strategically placed throughout venues, such as clear signage, contribute to a safer and more inclusive environment.

Collaboration and co-creation with the autistic and neurodiverse community are cornerstones of this transformative journey. Sensory Spaces can offer a respite from the typical club setting and produced in partnership with neurodiverse collectives, such as Spectrum and Ecology of Care.

_{Sensory Space by Spectrum | @sspectrum_presentss}

_{Ecology of Care | Neuroqueer Collective}

Glastonbury Festival embraced Sensory Calm Spaces at their 2023 edition, fostering positive feedback from both neurodiverse and neurotypical attendees. Allowing patrons to provide feedback easily is crucial in consciously improving your venue to suit diverse needs. These initiatives showcase the power of collective effort in creating safer and more inclusive spaces.

Attend our panel on Sensory and Immersive Transformations in Club Culture at 1.30 pm on stage 3 at the NTE Summit.

_{Sensory Calm Space by Diverse UK at Glastonbury Festival.}

As we envision the future of nightlife, let it be a harmonious blend of diversity, where dancefloors transcend barriers and embrace the unique needs of every individual. By accommodating the authentic traits of autistic individuals, nightlife can evolve into a more inclusive space for all, where dancefloor intimacy and empathetic spaces redefine the essence of community on the dancefloor.

If someone isn’t invading your personal space or behaving aggressively, consider extending grace and generosity to share the space with them. The dancefloor should promote an empathetic community, and as we move forward, let empathy guide our steps towards a future where everyone, irrespective of their neurodiversity, finds their place in nightlife.

See you at the Nighttime Economy Summit on 8th Feb!