Many corporate event clients are passionate about showing their commitment to caring for the environment, and they expect event planners to do the same. So, if you’re not offering eco-friendly corporate event options, you’re missing out on a big source of revenue. Cement your reputation as one of the go-to New York event planners for all things sustainable by following our complete NYC guide to hosting eco-friendly corporate events.
Book an Eco-Friendly Venue
One of the most important decisions for any event is your venue, but it’s especially critical to get the venue right when you’re hosting eco-friendly corporate events. Fortunately, NYC has recently put a focus on making more green spaces in the city, meaning it’s easier than ever to find an eco-friendly venue for your corporate event.
An outdoor venue is a great choice if it will work for your event. Alternatively, try one of the city’s many rooftop gardens or a venue, such as The Altman Building, that places an emphasis on sustainability. Remember to get any available statistics on sustainability measures from your venue so you can highlight them for your client and guests, too.
Reuse or Rent Supplies
All too often, event materials, from decorations to booths, are discarded at the end of events. This leads to a huge amount of waste, which is not what your eco-conscious clients want to see. Instead, rent or reuse as many event materials as you can.
If you regularly host eco-friendly events and have enough storage space available, it makes sense to reuse items like furniture, stands, decorations, carpets, and dishes for your events. However, it’s also possible to rent these items instead. You can even rent live plants for your event from vendors like Greenery NYC.
Choose Eco-Friendly Materials
The types of materials you choose for your events matter, too. For example, your client isn’t going to be happy with a display of mylar balloons or drinks served in plastic cups. So, choose eco-friendly materials, especially for things you can’t reuse.
Bamboo is a popular eco-friendly choice for everything from decor to building materials because its rapid growth rate makes it an easily renewable resource. Recycled paper, compostable dishes, and plant-based alternatives to plastic are also great options.
Focus on Sustainability in Catering
Food waste is a big problem in America, and corporate events are no exception. Plus, food choices have a huge impact on the environment. Purchases that support intensive livestock farming, monocultures, pesticides, deforestation, or transporting food over long distances contribute to environmental harm. That’s why catering can’t be overlooked when planning eco-friendly corporate events.
Thankfully, we have an abundance of eco-conscious caterers in NYC, so it’s easy to focus on sustainability in catering. Opt for plant-based, organic, and locally-grown foods whenever possible. Additionally, ask your caterer to offer smaller portions to reduce food waste at the event. It’s fine for guests to eat their fill, but they’re less likely to throw food away if plates don’t come loaded with too much food.
Go Digital to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
In the event industry, as in life, we sometimes hold on to outdated practices simply out of tradition. However, when your client wants to focus on being eco-friendly, it’s important to take a hard look at how everything from advertising to attendance impacts the environment. Often, switching to a digital approach is a simple way to make your event more eco-friendly.
Try printing recyclable ID badges or purchasing reusable lanyards to reduce your reliance on single-use plastics, and conduct all advertising and ticket sales through a digital platform to eliminate excess paper use. Additionally, consider offering virtual attendance options, especially for guests who would have to travel long distances to attend in person.
Think Critically About Swag
It’s common to present guests with swag bags and other giveaways at corporate events, but often, these end up being a significant source of waste. Although swag bags create an opportunity for corporate branding, guests frequently discard anything they don’t find useful. So, while you don’t have to eschew event swag altogether, it’s important to think critically about what you give away, how it is made, and whether it is truly useful.
Aim for products that are expected to last at least three years and/or are made from sustainable, renewable, and compostable resources, such as bamboo, steel, glass, cork, or cotton. For example, a commemorative glass with the event name on it is a great choice, while a foam can cooler is not.
Recycle, Compost, and Donate to Manage Waste
No matter how sustainable you try to be, events inevitably generate waste, so it’s important to have a plan to manage it. The best way to keep your event eco-friendly is to recycle, compost, or donate anything you won’t reuse, and encourage your guests to do the same!
Set up clearly marked containers for recycling and compost, along with a list of what can be put in each. Encourage your guests to leave any swag items they won’t use rather than disposing of them. Then, donate whatever you can to good causes. Leftover food, swag items, and even building materials frequently can be donated to local charities instead of ending up in a landfill.
Communicate Your Goals and Achievements
Finally, be sure to communicate your goals and achievements with both your clients and guests. It helps to know that you’ve made an impact, so quantify it. Ask your guests to participate in your eco-friendly initiatives before and during the event. Then, let all your attendees know how much energy, waste, carbon, etc., your event saved by turning to eco-friendly alternatives.
Build Your Reputation as an Eco-Friendly Planner at The Expo
NYC event planners who excel at planning eco-friendly corporate events are always in high demand. Make sure everyone knows you, as one of the best by exhibiting at The Event Planner Expo 2025. Reserve your booth today!
