Sustainability & responsibility at JOKE

Commitment to Environment, Society, and Industry

Our JOKE DNA stands for sustainability, responsibility, fair play, and innovation — for events with impact and values, today and in the future. For over 30 years, we have taken responsibility for our team, customers, partners, suppliers, society, as well as for people and nature in our immediate environment. From the beginnings of a two-man operation in Bremen, we have grown to 130 people across six locations in Germany and Austria, who think long-term and act authentically, with integrity, and reliability every day, in accordance with the JOKE Code of Conduct

Ecological Responsibility

In the resource-intensive “more, faster, further” event industry, we are committed to sustainable solutions and have established environmental protection as a core part of our company values. All our employees — from the management board to apprentices — are committed to our environmental policy. We meet all legal and client requirements, as well as those of other interested parties. We are actively involved in the “Netzwerk Nachhaltige Eventagenturen” (Network of Sustainable Event Agencies) and adhere to its manifesto. We approach this systematically, continuously, and measurably through ISO 14001 environmental management certification. This benefits both us and our clients.

Sustainable Event Projects

Leading by example rather than just words: with innovative projects, we actively and creatively promote sustainability in live communication. Award-winning examples include the EWE-Kraftwerk, which makes the energy transition tangible as a festival activation, and the BILLY Green Love Roadshow, which focuses on upcycling and resource-efficient mobility. Our sustainability task force, the “JOKE Care Team,” composed of colleagues from all departments, continuously reviews and optimizes processes, materials, and resource use. We advise clients with the “JOKE Green Check,” develop sustainable concepts, and bring them to life with our full-service approach.

Circular Economy, Regionalization, and Hybridization

As an event agency with in-house production, we are committed to recycling, upcycling, and reusable materials — from packaging to event equipment rentals. This also applies to our locations in Bremen — restored existing buildings rather than new constructions—whose full equipment minimizes transportation and emissions. Collaborations, such as with Trash Galore enable the reuse of materials for social projects. We strengthen regional value creation through local service networks and are expanding hybrid event formats.

Social Engagement

At our main location in Bremen, we are deeply rooted in the community and actively involved in various initiatives: through our own charity gala “Wolkenschieber”, the “Bremen Vaccinates” campaign, and by supporting cultural and startup projects such as Klub Bühne,Bremer Filmfest, and the Bremer Startup Summit. With our unique event venues, city marketing activities for Unternehmen für Bremen e.V. and MICE initiatives, we also strengthen Bremen as a business and event location.

Employer Responsibility

Diversity, proximity, fairness, and communication at eye level shape the JOKE spirit – the result: a team with colleagues from over a dozen nations and long-term employment. Diversity, including women from the boardroom to production jobs, is just as important to us as fostering young talent through our own training program and apprentice practical projects like CoLabo. Plus: sustainability FOR the team, from gym membership contributions and eco-friendly mobility options (job ticket, bike) to resource-efficient workplaces (e.g., green data hosting with Windcloud).

Democracy, Industry, and Partnerships

Freedom, equality, solidarity, and justice are the foundations of our society and our industry, which we must protect and strengthen together. Through the “Creative Network Against the AfD,” we raise awareness with impactful actions Projektion für AfDNee fighting the dangers of anti-democratic movements, or support initiatives like “Laut gegen Rechts” to send a clear message for democracy and diversity.

As members of national and international event associations such as fwd and ILEA, we actively shape the event industry. During the COVID-19 crisis, we also acted as co-initiators of AlarmstufeRot, advocating for comprehensive industry support and a safe comeback for live events.

For us, strong, fair partnerships with suppliers, agencies, and partners are essential — built on reliability, integrity, and mutual trust. We believe that sustainable change can only be achieved together, and we actively contribute to this, as recently demonstrated at the change event wtf25 held at our Bremen location, Alte Werft.

Would you like to know more about corporate social responsibility at JOKE or sustainable events? Just contact our sustainability team

Fotos: wtf25 / OneVibe.de, wtf24 / Johannes Artlt