As event professionals, we know that every event has a unique purpose, whether it’s a corporate launch, a powerful association conference, or a memorable incentive trip. We believe that incorporating sustainability into our day-to-day routines is a fundamental business practice, deeply connected to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. This guide helps planners implement the best practices and follow the guidelines needed to align with these principles.
Partnering with Purpose
The biggest impact starts with who you choose to work with. Your partners are a direct extension of your brand and your event’s values.
Choose the Right Venue: Look for venues that have strong sustainability certifications. The best ones are already working with energy efficiency, water conservation, and effective recycling programs.
Support Local Communities: From catering to entertainment, prioritize working with local suppliers. This supports the economy and gives attendees a genuine, authentic experience. It also cuts down on transport-related carbon emissions.
Select Suppliers with Shared Values: Ensure your entire network of suppliers, from florists to transportation companies, is committed to reducing their environmental footprint.
Designing Experiences with Impact
An event’s legacy is defined by more than just its content. It is about the positive footprint it leaves behind, both environmentally and socially.
Curate Local Experiences: Involve local artists, artisans, or musicians. Offer activities that engage with the local culture or support a nearby community project.
Manage Food Responsibly: Ask your catering partners about their sustainable sourcing. Choose seasonal produce and explore options for donating surplus food to a local food bank or charity. This helps reduce food waste and provides a direct benefit to the community.
Conscious Consumption without Compromise: When evaluating sustainable practices, it’s important to remember that not everything made of wood or corn is the most sustainable choice. While many events use wooden cutlery or corn-based cups, these materials can sometimes alter the taste of food, compromising the overall gastronomic experience. A more effective solution might be partnering with catering services that use high-quality metal silverware and glassware. With a robust and sustainable process for cleaning and reuse, these items offer a superior guest experience and can have a better long-term environmental impact than disposable alternatives.
That said, when single-use is unavoidable, compostable options like wood or corn-based tableware remain a responsible choice—especially when disposed of correctly.
The key is to evaluate all options with a sustainability mindset and the right information to make a wise decision, which a DMC can provide by having full control over its suppliers.
Simple Shifts, Big Results
Some of the most impactful changes are also the easiest to implement. These small adjustments add up to a significant positive effect.
Go Digital First: Use digital platforms for invitations, registration, and event materials. This simple change drastically cuts down on paper waste.
Rethink Your Materials: Minimize single-use items. Look for alternatives to plastic bottles and use reusable signage. Consider providing attendees with a small, locally-sourced gift instead of generic promotional materials.
Set Up Smart Recycling: Make it easy for attendees to recycle by placing clearly marked bins in convenient locations throughout the venue.
You do not necessarily have to accomplish all these points right away. The key is understanding that you can get closer to them step by step, over time. This approach helps you educate your audience gradually, leading to a final result of flawless excellence in long-term sustainability. For a deeper dive into this topic, be sure to read our guide to Your Event’s ESG Legacy and review the global standards set by the GHG Protocol.
Ready to Create Your Sustainable Event?
At Ovation Global DMC, we are the experts in helping you navigate this path, no matter the type or size of your event. We are here to partner with you to turn your vision into an event that not only meets your goals, but also contributes to a better world.
Contact us today to get started.