Achieve Event Sustainability: Tips From an Expert
02.12.2024
Achieve Event Sustainability: Tips From an Expert
We recently shared nine practical tips and insights event professionals can put into practice today towards building sustainable events. In Xcast podcast episode, “Exploring the Path to Sustainable Events,” Paul Salinger, former VP of Marketing at Oracle and sustainability advocate, joined the conversation to highlight his journey and emphasize the integration of sustainability into corporate event planning for a greener future. Read on for tips and key points from the conversation.
A trailblazer for event sustainability
Paul first took us back over 15 years ago when he advocated for Oracle, a multinational computer technology company, to adopt a greener perspective after recognizing the imperative need for waste and emission reductions. While Oracle’s many events were successful in terms of engagement and economics, they also left a significant environmental impact. Paul recognized the potential for both prosperity and eco-friendliness, spearheading a distinctive approach: initiating sustainability efforts from the bottom up.
Instead of waiting for mandates, Paul and the events team acknowledged their areas of improvement and solidified their goals. The team increasingly received support as their initiatives reduced costs while also reducing environmental effects. This success was not only rewarding, it also required little effort. Simple yet mindful actions were the first steps in making a difference; working towards attaining net-zero emissions.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
Corporate Impact
While integrating sustainability practices into the structure of events may seem daunting, data can inform strategy to reduce costs in the long run. Aligning events around corporate sustainability goals results in data that proves how initial costs are eventually offset by reduced waste. With the increase in the availability of sustainability data tools, event professionals should use these resources alongside suppliers and venues. Setting sustainability goals with these partners from the beginning leads to commitment from a united front and an expectation for continuous improvement.
Taking decisive action to reach sustainability goals through events not only dispels corporate greenwashing, it also illustrates tangible commitment. Examples include garnering positive brand consequences, press and awards, thus offsetting the perceived negative impacts of big company events. As sustainability efforts become increasingly more necessary and expected, the “why” behind sustainability must guide event decisions. Ultimately, sustainability goals should be integrated fundamentally into event practices to the extent that they become intrinsic, eliminating the need for a separate budget line item.
Evolving for the Future
Reaching net-zero events is only possible through making mindful behavior changes. Do we need to eliminate all in-person experiential events? We don’t think so. The key is to consider conducting virtual events, when possible, to reduce emissions and waste.
As the in-person event demographic shifts to younger generations, sustainability integration will be expected and embraced by clients and audiences alike. Observing how they respond to swag, food, and experiences will mitigate the risk of appearing unconscientious in decision-making. The shift towards prioritizing environmental and social conscientiousness in the corporate world will only continue to push the events industry towards more sustainable practices. By evolving with this, live events can continue to thrive.
Fortunately, companies won’t have to navigate integration of these changes on their own. There are a number of resources that provide education and advocacy for sustainable events. The Society for Sustainable Events, a California-local group providing data resources, provides information-rich content and other sustainability expertise. Additional organizations that provide support include the Sustainable Event Alliance and the Events Industry Council. Working with these resources to integrate sustainability practices into event strategies will undoubtedly make a substantial difference, protecting the environment while evolving with the ever-changing event landscape
Essential tips you can start today for more sustainable events
- Eliminate bottled water
- Digitize everything, while ensuring inclusivity and accessibility
- Utilize public transportation
- Be mindful of venue and facility energy usage
- Reuse and repurpose materials, including plastic, signage, fabrics, and carpet
- Measure waste, carbon, energy, and water to continuously learn and improve
If you’re seeking to elevate your upcoming brand experience while ensuring a positive impact on sustainability, InVision is here to help you. We are dedicated to creating impactful, environmentally conscious events. Contact your InVision Account Director or info@iv.com to learn more.