As the event industry continues to grow, so does the responsibility of event professionals to prioritize sustainability and minimize environmental impact. From reducing waste to rethinking transportation and catering, there are countless ways to host eco-friendly events. Here's what event professionals can do to ensure their events are both sustainable and successful.

1. Rethink Materials: Go Digital Where Possible

One of the simplest ways to make events more sustainable is by reducing reliance on physical materials. Eddie Going, a Senior Producer with Sparks, highlights that events can be incredibly wasteful, particularly with printed materials. Asking yourself, "Do we really need this?" can help eliminate unnecessary paper waste. Going recommends replacing printed items, such as signage and event programs, with digital alternatives. Not only does this reduce physical waste, but it also allows for real-time updates and a more dynamic attendee experience.

Additionally, eco-friendly measures like going plastic-free are easily achievable with good communication. Informing attendees ahead of time about plastic-free policies can encourage them to bring their own reusable water bottles, cutting down on single-use plastics at your event.

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Basics Still Matter

Romina Kwong, founder of Eco-Friendly Events, emphasizes the importance of sticking to the basics—the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. In the context of event planning, this might mean:

• Reduce: Limit unnecessary swag or promotional materials that will likely end up in the trash.
• Reuse: Repurpose event decor across multiple stages of the event. For example, flowers used during a conference can be reused for post-event receptions. Renting items like AV equipment and furniture also helps reduce the environmental footprint.
• Recycle: Ensure proper waste management protocols are in place. Speak with your venue or waste management company to ensure that materials used can be recycled or composted properly.

By sticking to these principles, event professionals can dramatically reduce waste without compromising the event experience.

3. Partner with Eco-Friendly Vendors

Partnering with vendors who share a commitment to sustainability is crucial. Satabdi Bhattacharjee, Branding & Communications Business Partner at Cvent, suggests that event professionals work closely with eco-conscious vendors when it comes to everything from catering to transportation. This might include sourcing food locally or working with caterers that prioritize organic, sustainable ingredients.

In addition, choosing vendors who are aligned with eco-friendly initiatives allows for more mindful event planning, whether it's through sustainable decor options or energy-efficient AV equipment. The right partnerships make it easier to incorporate eco-friendly practices without overhauling your entire event process.

4. Implement Creative Recycling Solutions

Simple yet effective recycling measures can have a big impact. Stacie Resnik from Gather Voices recommends offering recycling bins in high-traffic areas and even recycling event badges to ensure they don't end up in landfills. She also suggests offering attendees the option to purchase carbon offsets in place of traditional goody bags, which often contribute to event waste.

Carbon offsets are a great way to reduce the environmental impact of attendee travel—often one of the biggest sustainability challenges for large conferences or international events.

5. Encourage Attendees to Participate in Sustainable Practices

Engaging attendees in sustainability efforts can make a significant difference. Dan Piva from Gather Voices shares a simple but effective strategy: encouraging attendees to bring their own coffee cups. This reduces the number of disposable cups used throughout the event and gives attendees a sense of involvement in the sustainability efforts.

Small actions like this can resonate with attendees and create a more eco-conscious event atmosphere, encouraging everyone to do their part.

6. Education and Industry-Wide Commitment to Sustainability

The long-term success of sustainable events will rely on ongoing education and a commitment across the industry. Marley Finnegan, Founder of PURPOSE Sustainability Strategy, a sustainability consultant with over 20 years of experience, points out that sustainability should be embedded into the event industry's core values. From addressing sustainable travel and energy consumption to water management and corporate social responsibility, educating event professionals on these topics is crucial for moving the industry forward.

Finnegan highlights that addressing sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about mitigating the risks associated with inaction. By making conscious decisions around travel, procurement, and waste management, the event industry can build resilience and adapt to future challenges.

Watch Expert Tips in Action

Want to hear directly from industry experts on how to make your next event more sustainable? Watch the video submissions in our gallery for more in-depth insights and practical tips from event professionals who are leading the charge in eco-friendly event planning.

At Gather Voices, we empower event professionals to harness the power of video content to drive meaningful engagement. Whether you’re looking to create sustainable events or amplify the voices of your attendees, our platform makes it easy to co-create impactful video content that aligns with your goals. Let's make your next event both memorable and environmentally responsible.