Overcoming the Obstacles of Sustainable Events

As more companies expand their environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies, event audiences are looking for more socially, eco-conscious events. To deliver, event professionals must collaborate across the event ecosystem—from facilities, procurement and waste management, to food and beverage and logistics. Engaging key stakeholders will make all the difference as building sustainable events requires teamwork. Whether you're creating your first sustainable event plan or updating it to better contribute to organization-wide goals, this session explores established industry standards, best practices and innovative ideas. Group discussions will provide opportunities to identify reality-based challenges and peer-driven solutions to use in your sustainable event plans immediately.

Learner Outcomes:

• Event materials and supplies create one of our industry’s biggest challenges—waste. Discover custom-built structures that increase longevity and sustainability, reusable rentals and signage and swag that don’t end up in landfill.
• Catering for meals can be challenging; noone wants to run out of food or beverage. Learn how to right size portions to reduce food waste, move to more veggie-rich options that everyone enjoys—and are good for the planet and use locally sourced food.
• Waste management requires that you know what happens after the event. Learn to reduce landfill waste by using fewer resources without sacrificing quality. Understand why facility waste practices are key to sustainable events and how event partners arrange for materials or supplies to be donated for reuse or repurposing in the host city.