More than just a trending buzzword, the concept of sustainability was first introduced to the United States at the turn of the century, alongside the start of the Industrial Revolution.
Since then, society’s concern for the environment and our impact on it has continued to grow exponentially, most recently reaching a fever pitch in 2019 with the introduction of Greta Thunberg’s annual Climate Strikes.
As of 2022, 78 percent of consumers agreed that a sustainable lifestyle is important to them.
The Importance of Sustainability in Events
The events industry is no exception. According to Bizzabo’s 2023 State of In-Person B2B Conferences Report, 58 percent of potential event attendees give utmost importance to sustainability while deciding whether to attend an in-person event or not.
And with Climate Trade reporting that the event industry’s annual carbon footprint is responsible for more than 10 percent of global CO2 emissions, event professionals are pivoting their planning strategies to include sustainable vendor partners, venue locations, and more, driven not only by the desire to appeal to potential attendees but also by a commitment to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.
In fact, AMEX’s 2023 Global Meetings & Events Forecast found that 80 percent of respondents (meetings and events professionals) say their organization takes sustainability into account when planning meetings and events, and of these organizations, 76 percent have a defined sustainable events and meetings program strategy in place.
By neglecting to incorporate sustainability into your meeting and event planning, you risk falling behind industry standards and losing both valuable attendees and potential revenue streams.
Here are seven important and easy-to-implement sustainability strategies to incorporate when planning your next meeting or event.
7 Sustainable Meeting and Event Ideas
1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Venue
When selecting a venue, prioritize those with green certifications like LEED or those that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability practices. Look for venues located near public transportation to reduce attendees’ carbon footprint.
Arch Meetings & Events offers several LEED and Energy Star-certified locations within walking distance from public transportation options, particularly in New York City. If a venue offers catering, ensure they partner with local and sustainable food vendors to minimize food miles and support local businesses.
2. Utilize Digital Communications Instead of Paper
Embrace technology to reduce paper waste. Conference apps, QR codes, and digital screens can effectively communicate event information without relying on printed materials.
Ensure your venue has adequate Wi-Fi bandwidth to accommodate attendees taking notes on their phones, tablets, or laptops.
Consider providing a shared note hub or online collaboration platform where attendees can share digital notes, collaborate on ideas, and access event resources. This not only reduces paper consumption but also provides attendees with a more convenient and efficient experience.
3. Invest in Sustainable Event Supplies
Choose reusable, recyclable, or compostable materials for event supplies like cups, plates, cutlery, and decorations. Avoid single-use plastics and opt for eco-friendly alternatives.
By selecting a venue that offers reusable catering options and stylish, permanent décor, you can eliminate the need for single-use disposable items altogether, further reducing your event’s environmental footprint.
4. Be Mindful of “Swag”
Forbes reports just 21 percent of branded and promotional items are kept for any length of time, more than half is given away and 23 percent is thrown away.
Rethink the traditional practice of distributing branded promotional items, as most end up in landfills. Opt for high-quality, reusable items that attendees will actually use, or consider donating a portion of the event proceeds to a sustainable cause instead.
5. Create a Zero-Waste Strategy and Challenge
Prior to your event, let attendees know that in the spirit of sustainability, you’ll be hosting a “Zero-Waste Challenge.”
Encourage attendees to reduce their overall waste production during the event by bringing a reusable water bottle, recycling on-site, or not taking more food than they plan to eat.
The individual or team that produces the least amount of waste during the event can win a sustainable prize, such as a reusable tote bag or a plant. This challenge is a fun and engaging way to promote sustainability and encourage attendees to adopt more eco-friendly habits.
6. Share Eco-Friendly Messaging with Attendees and Stakeholders
Educate attendees and stakeholders about the environmental impact of events and the steps you’re taking to make your event more sustainable.
Share information about sustainable events practices, encourage them to participate in eco-friendly initiatives, and highlight the positive impact of their actions.
This often increases attendee engagement, and in turn, increases event revenue, increasing both attendee and stakeholder satisfaction.
7. Enlist the Help of Professional Teams
When in doubt, don’t do it all on your own. Venues that offer event planners like Arch Meetings & Events are dedicated to creating your ideal event, whether that includes prioritizing sustainability, creating unique activations for attendees, or tailoring the experience to your specific goals and preferences.
Their expertise and local connections can ensure a seamless event experience from start to finish.
The Future of Meetings and Events
The future of the meetings and events industry is bright. The global events industry is expected to reach $2 Trillion by 2028 and in-person events are returning to their pre-COVID normal pace.
Don’t let outdated practices or a lack of knowledge about sustainability hold you back from hosting a memorable event.
Whether it’s a brand launch, a corporate offsite, or a company celebration, incorporating sustainable practices demonstrates your commitment to the environment and can enhance attendee engagement.
By embracing innovation and partnering with experienced professionals, you can create a successful and impactful event that leaves a positive footprint on the world.
About Arch Meetings & Events
Arch Meetings & Events is your destination for exceptional business meetings and events. With eight premier locations in New York City and Austin, Texas, each Arch Meetings & Events venue offers best-in-class technology, flexible floorplans, gourmet culinary offerings, and professional day-of staff.
With our thoughtfully curated meeting and event packages and dedicated planners, from set-up to clean-up, we take care of every detail to make event planning easy. Inquire today about Arch Meetings & Events flexible corporate meeting and upscale private event locations.
