Upstream UNWRAPPED
A LOW-WASTE, SUSTAINABLE CONFERENCE
The Ask: UNWRAPPED is a collaboration between UPSTREAM and several other like-minded organizations looking to eliminate plastic from our food packaging. Naturally, their conference had to be highly sustainable; eliminating much of the waste that these kinds of gatherings often produce.
The Answer: Sustainability around every turn! We optimized to eliminate single-use-plastics or common items that produce lots of waste. This included using clip-on, mini chalk boards for name badges and larger chalkboards for directional signage instead of printed. We also utilized water refill stations and offered many vegan food choices. With attendees arriving from around the world, creating a bussing option that brought them to the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains in California was one of logistical and sustainable importance!
The Venue: 1440 Multiversity, Scotts Valley, California
Photo Credit: Brian Byllesby
THE DELIVERABLES
Venue research and management
AV management
All vendor management
Food and beverage management
Print management
Budget consulting
Sponsor management
Registration
Transportation
Hotel blocks
Load-in logistics
Unique vendor and activation sourcing
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We always strive to match the venue with our client’s goals and brand. For a conference bringing together an international crowd working toward innovative solutions to plastic pollution, we found a beautiful retreat in the redwoods. With lots of outdoor space—many with fire pits, we knew this would be the perfect location to foster important conversations and solutions.
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For a conference focused on reducing single-use plastics, we sourced chalkboard name badges that attendees returned after the conference so they could be used at the next event. PRO TIP: If you’re going with chalkboard signage or nametags, hire an artist to help you create something both beautiful and functional.
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When you have a beautiful outdoor space to play with, it makes sense to send your guests on a scavenger hunt. In this case, it played directly into the client’s mission of reducing plastic, as well as connecting everyone as we kicked off the conference.
