The goal of pulling off a killer event is that you can really make an impression on your audience and connect with them. You can also generate leads, convert prospects into customers, motivate employees, increase followers, and even land sponsors.
As you can gather, it's important to get your event right. In today's world, there's one thing that consumers are caring more and more about, and that's sustainability. Branded events have the potential to be quite wasteful (think: disposable dinnerware, nametags, drink cups, pamphlets, etc). A company who's conscious of its impact and cares about going green can really set them apart.
So, how do you throw a sustainable event? Here are 5 ideas on how to make the switch to sustainability and make your events more eco-friendly.
1. Get Help From Partners For Your Sustainable Event
When in doubt, partner with some brands that really know sustainability. Corporate partners will not only make your event more enticing to your audience, but it can bring aboard ideas and strategies that you may have never thought of.
Spend some time carefully choosing your caterers, vendors, and concessionaires for the event and pick ones that message sustainability. After all, food & drink service is one of the biggest areas of opportunity to go green!
2. Set Up Recycling and Composting Stations
Setting up recycling and composting will ensure that the unavoidable disposable drinkware and utensils at least don't end up in a landfill. Many times, no matter how well you plan, you'll end up with tons of leftover and uneaten food.
Instead of throwing it all away, try to donate any un-served food to a local food pantry or homeless shelter. If that's not an option, compost it.
3. Opt Out of Plastic
Plastic. 4.8 million metric tons of the stuff ends up in the world's oceans from land each year, and that number is only growing.
You can make a big impact by opting out of plastic for your event. The #1 way to do this us choosing alternatives to water bottles. Set up a hydration station at your event that consists of a water pitcher and glass cups. Bonus: it'll feel much more classy too!
Use washable ceramic, metal, and glass dinnerware wherever possible. If your event is in a place without a dishwasher handy, try to use recycled paper/corn-based plasticware and make sure your attendees know where they can recycle/compost it when they're done!
4. Go Organic
When choosing your caterer, make sure you're picking one with high quality, organic (or even better, locally sourced!) ingredients. Your attendees will love it and it's better for the earth and your health.
5. Location, Location, Location
One major contributor to global warming and environmental degradation is transportation.
Think carefully about the location of your event, and try to choose places that will be easily accessible by public transportation or walking to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you know a lot of people will be flying in for your event, chose something closer to the airport or provide a shuttle service instead of encouraging private cars.
Final Thoughts
Help lead the way for an eco-friendly future and inspire other brands to make the switch to sustainability with your next branded event.
Need some help planning your next sustainable event? Contact us!
