Sustainable events: top 3 tips to plan a sustainable conference

Are you tired of attending events that generate excessive waste and harm the environment?  
In recent years, sustainability has become a critical consideration in every aspect of life, including event planning. As more and more people become environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable events has increased significantly. So, as an event planner, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of your events and find ways to minimise it. 
Planning a sustainable conference not only benefits the environment but it also sends a message to attendees that you value sustainability and are committed to making a positive impact.  
In this blog, we will share the top three tips to plan a sustainable conference that will impress your attendees and leave a lasting positive impact on the planet. So, let’s dive in and learn how to plan an eco-friendly, socially responsible, and engaging event for all attendees. 

Selecting a sustainable venue is one of the most critical aspects of planning a sustainable conference. A green venue is one that has a minimal environmental impact, uses renewable energy, and has a recycling programme in place.  Therefore, it is essential to conduct research and choose a venue that aligns with your sustainability goals. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a sustainable venue: 

Location: Choose a location easily accessible by public transport to minimise the carbon footprint of attendees travelling to the venue. 
Energy Efficiency: Choose a venue with energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems. This will help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. 
Waste Management: Choose a venue that has a recycling programme in place and encourages waste reduction practices, such as using reusable cups and plates. 
Water Conservation: Choose a venue with water-saving measures, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads. 
Sustainable Catering: Choose a venue that offers sustainable catering options. This could include locally sourced food and beverages or plant-based alternatives. 

By selecting a sustainable venue, you will not only reduce the environmental impact of your conference but also set an example for others in the industry. 

The next step in planning a sustainable conference is to implement sustainable practices. Sustainable practices are actions that minimise the environmental impact of the meeting, such as: 

Paperless Communication: Use digital communication methods like email and social media to reduce paper waste. Send invitations, registration forms, and conference materials electronically. 
Sustainable Materials: Use sustainable materials for conference materials, such as recycled paper and eco-friendly ink. Avoid using plastic materials and opt for reusable bags and water bottles. 
Sustainable Transportation: Encourage attendees to use sustainable transportation options, such as carpooling, cycling, or public transportation. Provide information about public transportation and arrange shuttle buses to reduce the number of cars on the road. 
Sustainable Catering: Choose sustainable catering options, such as locally sourced food and beverages, plant-based options, and reusable cups and plates. Avoid using single-use plastics and disposable materials. 
Sustainable Activities: Plan sustainable activities for the conference, such as workshops or sustainability-themed exhibits. This will help raise awareness about sustainability and encourage attendees to adopt sustainable practices. 

By implementing sustainable practices, you will not only reduce the environmental impact of the conference but also educate attendees about sustainability and encourage them to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. 

The final step in planning a sustainable conference is to measure and report on your environmental impact. Measuring and reporting on your environmental impact are critical in planning a sustainable meeting. This step involves tracking and analyzing the environmental impact of your event, such as energy use, water consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions. By measuring your environmental impact, you can identify areas where you can reduce waste and resource consumption, set targets for improvement, and track your progress over time. 
Reporting on your sustainability achievements is also important to showcase your commitment to sustainability to attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders. You can do this by sharing your sustainability goals and progress through social media, email newsletters, or sustainability reports. By communicating your sustainability efforts, you can inspire others in the event industry to follow your example and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Planning a sustainable conference requires a conscious effort to reduce the event’s environmental impact. Choosing a green venue, implementing sustainable practices, and measuring and reporting on your environmental impact are three critical steps to planning a sustainable conference. By adopting these practices, you will help not only to reduce the carbon footprint of your event but also set an example for others in the industry.  

So, now that you have learned the top three tips for planning a sustainable conference, it is time to put them into action for your next event. At Black Book, we are committed to helping you plan a sustainable and memorable event.  

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in planning a sustainable conference that aligns with your values and meets your goals.