Responsible event planning in today’s time goes beyond being accountable for event incidents; it also involves caring for the planet's future through sustainable event management. If you're an environmentally conscious planner striving to make your events more sustainable, this post is written to help boost your efforts. Here, we define sustainable event management and share seven ideas worth exploring and implementing in your next event.
Sustainable event management is the practice of organizing events with a focus on environmental considerations. Its goal is to minimize the ecological footprint of events and promoting social responsibility.
Did you know that four in five (80%) of meetings and events professionals say their organization considers sustainability when planning meetings and events? In the present event scene, it is evident how sustainability is influencing today’s and future events. To help you get started in organizing your own sustainable events, here are 7 eco-conscious ideas to take note of.
Events continue to generate significant amounts of waste, with a typical conference attendee producing more than 1.89 kg of waste per day. Implementing a waste management plan is an important step in reducing this waste. Through this initiative, you can decrease the amount of waste generated at your event, organize your resources more effectively, and ultimately reduce the environmental impact of your event.
Here are specific ways in which you can improve waste management in your event.
Selecting eco-friendly venues not only communicates your commitment to sustainability but also ensures that your sustainability efforts receive support. But how can you determine an eco-friendly venue? It's easier than you think. Here are some indicators to look for when selecting an eco-friendly venue.
Through consideration of these factors and conducting thorough research, you can assess whether a venue aligns with your sustainability values and objectives for hosting an eco-friendly event.
By collaborating with equally eco-conscious individuals and organizations, you can ensure that your sustainability efforts are comprehensive and well-supported throughout every aspect of event planning and execution. This alignment fosters a shared commitment to reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting social responsibility.
Additionally, partnering with like-minded stakeholders creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collective action. Together, you can explore new ideas, implement best practices, and address sustainability challenges more effectively.
Sustainable event planning is not complete without switching to biodegradable event items. Biodegradable items are those that naturally decompose over time. They offer a crucial alternative to traditional plastics that contribute to long-term pollution. Additionally, their production typically consumes less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional plastics, thus helping mitigate climate change impacts. What's more, utilizing biodegradable event items presents an opportunity to educate attendees about sustainable practices.
Energy-efficient lighting and equipment consume less electricity, resulting in reduced energy usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Lower electricity consumption can also lead to cost savings, which can be redirected towards other sustainable initiatives or invested back into the event itself.
Virtual and hybrid event formats are undoubtedly worth considering when organizing sustainable events. Virtual events, conducted entirely online, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional in-person gatherings. By eliminating the need for attendees to travel, virtual events drastically reduce carbon emissions associated with transportation. Moreover, virtual events require fewer physical resources such as paper, signage, and catering supplies, leading to reduced waste production.
On the other hand, hybrid events, blending virtual and in-person elements, provide a flexible approach that accommodates diverse attendee preferences while still promoting sustainability. In this event format, attendees have the option to participate remotely, minimizing travel-related emissions and reducing the event's carbon footprint. This also helps reduce resource consumption compared to traditional events as organizers prepare fewer event materials and can leverage digital event solutions.
Technology doesn't just make events better, it can also help the environment in many ways. With the help of technology, you can replace printed materials with digital apps, reducing paper waste. Additionally, technology allows people to join events remotely, cutting down on travel and lowering carbon emissions from transportation.
Another important example of how technology makes event planning and management more sustainable and easier is through event management software. Event management software automates tasks like event staff onboarding, scheduling, and communication, making things more efficient and reducing the need for manual work. This not only saves time but also reduces the resources and energy used.
Looking for event management software that can support you in planning sustainable events? StaffConnect is the solution for you.
StaffConnect is an event management software that is tailored to support the planning of sustainable events. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, StaffConnect streamlines the entire event planning process, from initial organization to execution and follow-up, enabling you to boost event planning processes while saving on time and resources.
StaffConnect users can benefit from sustainable event planning features such as a centralized database, which eliminates the need for physical files. Additionally, our platform offers efficient communication tools, including automated notifications, live chat, and a centralized communications hub, all designed to save you valuable travel time and energy.
Eager to learn more about StaffConnect’s features and experience how it can make your events more eco-friendly? Don't think twice, and book your free demo here today!