Sustainable meetings

Always
Prioritize
Sustainability
in Your Event

An event that not only has a strong environmental profile but also contributes to improvements in the local and global community – and perhaps even leaves lasting positive changes behind – that is what we call sustainable. When hosting a sustainable event, there are a quite a few things to consider. Let us guide you through the three steps of 1. Planning, 2. Execution, and 3. Follow-up.

While most event planners would say that the main benefit of hosting a green event is to protect the environment. However, the benefits go far beyond protecting the planet. In fact, eco-conscious events can be an incredible asset to your organization.

1

While it is true that some eco-friendly options may seem expensive at first, they can help you cut down on costs over the long run. For example, collecting name badge holders and reusing them at other events can save you a lot of money.

2

Many people today care about decreasing their environmental footprint. Hosting a sustainable event is a great way to position your organization as a leader in sustainable event planning. You want to show attendees that you’ve taken active steps to decrease waste or “leave no trace.”

3

Events of any size can generate a massive amount of unnecessary waste. Hosting an eco-conscious event can be fun, fulfilling, and meaningful — not just for your organization, but also for your attendees. You’ll also find satisfaction in knowing that you’re changing the industry, one event at a time. In a world where single-use plastics and water waste have become the norm, now is the time to challenge this mindset for a better tomorrow.

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STEP 1:

SUSTAINABLE PLANNING​

This planning phase lays the groundwork for the event’s sustainability journey, emphasizing clear goals, collaboration, and environmental responsibility.

Organizing Sustainability Management

  • Appoint a sustainability coordinator.
  • Ensure organizational support for sustainability efforts.

Defining Purpose and Goals

  • Clearly define the purpose and overall goals of the event.
  • Set realistic, measurable, and achievable sustainability goals.
  • Obtain necessary permits.

Venue and Date Selection

Considerations:
  • Align with the event’s purpose and goals.
  • Prioritize safety and security.
  • Ensure accessibility for all attendees.
  • Plan transportation logistics.
  • Be mindful of concurrent events.
  • Consider local community and environmental impact.
  • Address noise levels and access to power sources.
  • Adhere to budget constraints.

Setting Sustainable Goals and Compliance

  • Formulate measurable and evaluable sustainability goals.
  • Ensure achievability of goals.
  • Emphasize goals and outcomes post-event.
  • Comply with safety, environmental, and legal regulations.

Communications and Marketing

  • Prioritize digital marketing.
  • Follow city guidelines for exposure.
  • Utilize environmentally friendly materials.
  • Use storytelling to explain sustainability efforts.
  • Maintain dialogue with local residents.
  • Establish manned information stations for visitor assistance.

Cooperation

  • Conduct sustainability analyses of potential partners.
  • Collaborate on sustainability goals.
  • Prioritize travel-free or online meetings.
  • Highlight successful sustainability cooperation.

Booking and Ordering

  • Perform sustainability analyses of suppliers for various aspects.
    • Establishing materials, sound, lighting, stages, and fences.
    • Marketing materials such as programs, banners, and clothing.
    • Food and beverage suppliers.
    • Program participants, including artists and speakers.
    • Transportation providers.
    • Accommodation options.

STEP 2:

SUSTAINABILITY, SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY

The execution phase focuses on implementing sustainability measures, ensuring safety, and effectively managing resources during the event.

1. Establishment

  • Ensure a safe working environment at the site.
  • Provide necessary information and staffing for a smooth establishment phase.

2. Information

  • Prioritize digital communication and manned information stations.
  • Inform visitors about your sustainability management and address issues promptly during the event.

3. Registration

  • Share information about the event’s sustainability efforts to enhance understanding and guide attendees in making eco-friendly choices.

4. Information During the Event

  • Communicate information digitally to reduce printed materials.
  • Ensure inclusivity with multi-lingual, hearing loops, and sign language interpretation.
  • Provide clear information for increased efficiency.
  • Inform visitors about safety measures, emergency exits, and accessibility options.

5. Safety and Security

  • Provide information about the event’s safety and security measures to staff and relevant parties during the event.

6. Accessibility

  • Continuously assess the accessibility of the event and promptly address any issues, incorporating feedback into the upcoming evaluation.

7. Food and Drink

  • Ensure those serving food and drinks adhere to agreed sustainability perspectives.
  • Comply with permits and regulations for handling food and drink.
  • Monitor and adjust waste management during the event.

8. Waste Management

  • Adhere to the waste management structure developed during the planning phase.
  • Make necessary adjustments and address any issues that arise.
  • Align waste management with local provisions to minimize waste.

9. Measure and Estimate

  • Continuously review the project plan during execution and make revisions as necessary.
  • Compile measurements specified in the event plan for the upcoming evaluation and report.

10. Cleanup

  • Ensure a safe working environment during cleanup and adhere to the cleanup schedule.
  • Develop a plan for the transport, storage, and management of leftover materials post-event.

STEP 3:

sustainable follow-up

Promoting successful sustainability outcomes enhances the event’s brand, drawing more participants to future editions. Key achievements like lowered climate impact, job creation, local business engagement, and audience perceptions (measured through post-event surveys) contribute to your success.

1. Plan

  • Assess if the goals and purpose of the event were achieved.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the planning phase.

2. Execution

  • Review whether the event was executed as planned.
  • Evaluate aspects like information dissemination, establishment, registration, safety, security, accessibility, food and drink, waste management, measuring tools, and cleanup.

3. Measurements

  • Process collected materials and draw conclusions from measurements.
  • Identify areas for improvement and propose measures for a more sustainable event.

4. Dialogue with Partners

  • Seek feedback on the event’s results from partners.
  • Share experiences to enhance future events.

5. Communicating the Results

  • Clearly communicate both successes and areas for improvement.
  • Emphasize ongoing development towards more sustainable events.
  • Relate the event results to Agenda 2030 for strengthened sustainability communication.

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