Event Management and Sustainability: 8 Easy Ways to be Eco-Friendly

Event management and sustainability, also known as green events, may not seem too sexy of a topic, but it’s not a fleeting fad in the event industry. To stay in the game as an event professional, you need to include efforts like reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting sustainable practices. Not only will you gain more event business by making green efforts but you also might save some cost in the process. This article will give you some straightforward and impactful action items to implement in your event program at your restaurant, hotel, or venue. We’ll have you feeling like a responsible event professional before you know it!

What Does Sustainability Mean in Event Management?

Event sustainability refers to the process of organizing and managing events in a way that minimizes their negative impact on the environment, society, and economy. It’s all about throwing amazing events while giving a big high-five to our planet and people. The great thing about green events is that not only do they meet the expectations of planners and guests, but as a venue, you can save money!

Green Vibes Only (Environmental Sustainability)

This is how we can be kinder to Mother Nature. Think less waste, more recycling, and using stuff that’s good for the earth. We’ll also reduce energy use, shrink our carbon footprint (maybe even offset it by doing good elsewhere), and cherish our natural resources.

Community Cheer (Social Sustainability)

This is about ensuring our event supports our greater community. We’re talking about welcoming everyone, making it easy for all to join in, teaming up with local folks, supporting neighborhood businesses, and ensuring our fun doesn’t rain on anyone’s parade.

Money Matters (Economic Sustainability)

Here, we make sure our event is a win-win for the wallet. We’ll boost the local economy, play fair with jobs and pay, and maybe even sprinkle some economic magic in the area.

Cultural High-Fives (Cultural Sustainability)

Sometimes, we also think about how our event can respect and celebrate local culture and traditions. It’s about embracing the local vibe without stepping on cultural toes.

Event sustainability means planning carefully and thinking about how everyone gets affected. It’s like a balancing act to pull off amazing events while taking action to meet sustainability goals.

How Do You Implement Sustainability in Events?

1. Go Digital with Marketing

Say goodbye to paper flyers and hello to digital marketing! It’s a great way to cut down on paper waste and makes sharing your event info a breeze. Plus, who doesn’t love a bit of social media buzz to get people excited?

2. Eco-Friendly Eats

Food waste can be a real party pooper for the environment. Why not try sustainable menu items with locally sourced, organic goodies? It’s delicious and is better for the planet. And for serving, think reusable or compostable – your future self will thank you!

3. Give Your Respect to All

Event management and sustainability is all about fairness and respect! When organizing an event, remember, everyone counts – from your team to your attendees, and even the local community. For your team and vendors, practice fair labor standards, prioritize health and safety, provide work-life balance, and make your business pleasant to work with. As for your event guests, make event management easy, create valuable and memorable events, and give back to your local area.

4. Encourage Smart Travel

We all know cars can be carbon-heavy, so why not encourage your guests to travel in eco-friendlier ways? Public transport, carpooling, biking – these are all great options. You could consider having charging stations at your restaurant or hotel. Maybe even offer a little perk for those who choose green travel, like a discount or special recognition.

5. Tech that Cares

Tech is a big part of events, so pick options that love the planet as much as you do. Energy-efficient gadgets and paper-saving software can make a huge difference. Plus, using event management software, like industry powerhouse Tripleseat, can streamline things and keep it all digital.

6. Diversity and Inclusion

Throw a party where everyone’s invited and feels super welcome! We’re talking ramps for wheelchairs, elevators for those who need them, and sign language experts to make sure everyone’s in the loop. Having a team with all sorts of amazing people from different backgrounds is like having a secret superpower. They bring in a mix of ideas, which means we get super creative, can solve problems in cool ways, and adapt like champs. And let’s not forget the food – it’s not just about being delicious (though that’s super important, of course!), but also about celebrating all the different tastes and menu preferences out there.

7. Waste Not, Want Not

Good waste management is key. Set up recycling and compost bins with clear signs so everyone knows what goes where. Chat with your vendors about reducing packaging and using eco-friendly materials. Start by saying ‘no’ to single-use items and instead think reusable where you can.

8. Spread the Green Love

Don’t keep the sustainability secret yourself – share it with your prospective customers and event peers! Use signs and announcements to encourage everyone to join in on the green fun. It’s a great way to show off your event’s eco-efforts and inspire others to be more sustainable daily.

So, there you have it – super ways to make your event eco-friendly and amazing. You’ll not only be doing your bit for the planet, but also you’ll attract more business and potentially save some cash in the process. Let’s make your next event a green dream!

Are you ready to grow your event business? Schedule a Tripleseat demo to take a closer look at our event management features.