Simple Ways to Make Your Events More Sustainable
Green Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
No longer just a buzzword, “sustainability” is something that Kennedy Events incorporates into every event, which means both our team and our clients are conscious of our effect on the environment. Even the smallest step is a step in the right direction.
When we worked with UPSTREAM, a US nonprofit empowering a plastic-free future, on their UNWRAPPED Conference, we faced the challenge of creating a nearly plastic-free event. Obviously, you can’t bring together leaders in public health protection and plastic pollution advocacy to discuss the health risks of plastics and not provide them with a very eco-conscious event. This was a great opportunity to get creative with materials (like chalkboard signage and name badges), environmentally responsible swag (like stainless steel water bottles) that will not only be appreciated but used over and over! Our team learned some new tricks and came away armed with many ideas for future clients.
Here are just a few tips to help you create a more sustainable event.
Find Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics
One step we can all make toward increased sustainability at corporate events is being more aware of opportunities to replace single-use plastics.
Avoid individual packaging in your catering service. Think about setting up a morning breakfast bar replacing single-serving yogurt containers with a large bowl to serve everyone from. An afternoon snack bar can get an eco-friendly makeover if you forego the individually-wrapped snacks and provide guests with a make-your-own granola bar. Offer your sponsors the opportunity to provide a branded item, like cookies or other snacks on trays. Fresh-made popcorn with compostable bags featuring your event logo is always a hit.
Create water stations in multiple locations throughout your venue using glass bottles, pitchers to avoid plastic water bottles. You might also consider including a reusable bottle or cup (another great sponsor opportunity!) with your registration packet—and don’t forget the reusable straw!
Step up your meal presentation with ceramic tableware and glassware. Not only will this take your tablescape to the next level but it will also keep those plastic options out of the trash. If you opt for paper products, be sure to use a recycled option that’s also compostable.
Consider alternatives to printed name badges. While definitely a necessity at corporate events, printed badges aren’t the only game in town. For your next event, try chalkboard name badges with a return station at the end of your festivities so attendees can “recycle” them for you to use again at your next event.
Think About Plastic Packaging
After planning events around the country for over two decades, you can imagine the amount of waste we’ve seen generated from all those packing materials. Asking the right questions of your vendors ahead of time about small details can make a big impact.
Talk to vendors about the materials any bulk items may be shipped in and have them leave off the packaging if possible. We’ve seen this a lot with swag: hundreds of pens individually wrapped in plastic, reusable water bottles wrapped in plastic AND packaged in individual boxes. Check with the supplier to find out if they have a more eco-friendly option.
Renting 1,000 chairs? Choose a company like Bright Event Rentals or Found Rentals who use individual fabric chair covers and wrap larger items with furniture pads instead of plastic.
At Kennedy Events, we pride ourselves on taking a macro to micro look at every aspect of your event. We never overlook the amount of waste that a corporate event can generate and we always look for new, creative ways to reduce, recycle, and reuse.
Plant-Based Catering
Vegan options are definitely on-trend when it comes to event catering. We’re seeing more and more clients requesting vegan options for their guests because everyone wants to eat healthier—and attendees are loving it! Plant-based options are not only a smart choice for your guests, but they’re also a more mindful choice when considering the impact of a large event on the environment.
For their annual fundraising gala, we worked with the Marin Humane Society to create a delicious and completely plant-based dinner for their guests. It was important for them to show their commitment not only to the environment but also to the welfare of all animals.
Whether a client's choice is about health, animal rights activism, or a concern for the environment, we work creatively with caterers to pre-think the meal. From planning the menu to considerations during service, we’re excited to see more clients embracing plant-based catering.
Check out part one of our “green” event series for more suggestions on how you can easily bring sustainability to the forefront of your next event—while keeping an eye on your budget and the planet. Read the post here!
Are You Hosting an Event Soon?
Are you looking for ways to make your next conference more earth-friendly and sustainable? We’d love to brainstorm some creative alternatives with you! Drop us a note and we’ll be in touch right away!
Maggie Kennedy is the co-owner of Kennedy Events; a large-scale event management company based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York City. Our team creates stress-free conferences and events with a positive impact, which allow our clients to resonate with their audience. Kennedy Events specializes in producing flawless product launches, award ceremonies, fundraisers and multi-day conferences while keeping our eye on retention and engagement goals
MAGGIE KENNEDY
