Sustainable Events: All you need to know
The need to recognize the seriousness of the environmental situation is becoming increasingly urgent. Faced with this situation, the meetings industry has been among the first to propose different solutions to reduce the environmental impact its activities generate directly and indirectly on the environment.
The use of recycled or biodegradable materials, eco-friendly venues, renewable energy, and sustainable events are just a few of the implemented methods among event planners. These solutions have added actions to actively confront the environmental crisis while continuing to contribute to the international economy.
In addition to this, the MICE industry has been able to incorporate environmental criteria into its events regardless of the type: social, corporate, pharmaceutical, or even sports events, Some of them are:
- Waste Management
While generating waste is an unavoidable result of any type and size of event, you can focus on the amount it is producing and, most importantly, what to do about it.
Although it may seem complex, waste management actually starts with fairly simple actions. The most obvious is the reduction of single-use plastics, as they take years to degrade. Likewise, separating waste and using biodegradable or compostable materials instead of recyclable ones can have a much greater impact, as these materials are usually easier to handle and have faster effects.
- Accessibility
Although it may not be an obvious point, location is key, as the "how to get to the event" options can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, it is more sustainable to have a venue close to where the guests are staying, especially if the guests have the option of using public transportation or a vehicle is designated to transport them in groups, instead of them using individual vehicles to arrive.
Similarly, accessibility within the venue is of utmost importance: wheelchair ramps, sign language interpreters, and a percentage of printed materials in braille are just some of the options you can implement to ensure that all attendees can move around and communicate without complications.
- Energy consumption
Taking advantage of natural light in the venue will not only help you reduce costs, but also give the venue a new perspective. Additionally, with some knowledge about lighting, you can make it look more elegant, relaxed, or energetic by taking advantage of every color on the decoration, and even without the need to use any type of spotlights.
In fact, cooling or heating can use renewable energies, just like lighting, although the idea is to take full advantage of natural light.
Local economy
Giving priority to local products is a key point for promoting sustainability. If the providers of flowers, food ingredients, and even some services are located close to the event, you are reducing the travel time for personnel and resources. Consequently, you are reducing your impact too. In addition, this action promotes the local economy, which means that you are giving back to the country or region where everything is developed, increasing your positive impact.
Similarly, it is possible to look for a local initiative that seeks to raise awareness about the same topics as your brand. In these cases, an alliance will be beneficial for both parties: for you as a visitor, it will provide a greater vote of confidence by presenting yourself as a friend of a project they know, and enhance your position in the industry. On the other hand, the local initiative of the destination will be boosted by being part of the management of a national or international event.
- Digital tools
The evolution of technology has reached the meetings industry, and the results are more than beneficial. Nowadays, it is possible to organize pending tasks, create to-do lists, and even calculate the carbon footprint of your event from your cell phone or a digital tablet. Due to the enormous variety of existing apps, portable devices can be a very useful tool for every event planner.
On the other hand, informative papers can be equally useful if done through digital media, reaching the target audience more effectively without increasing the amount of event waste. Screens at stands, QR codes, and access to specialized content are just a few examples of efficient dissemination that do not generate waste.
- Cause-related elements
Handcrafted products, made with biodegradable materials or local manufacture, are one of the best ways to stay in your customer's memory in the long term, as they leave the message of a socially responsible brand.
By being handmade and/or with local products, the environmental impact of transportation and mass production is eliminated. In addition, biodegradable products significantly reduce the amount of waste. All these options also contribute to boosting the local economy.
You can even go one step further and choose cause-related products to align with your company's values. This way, your commitment to the ideals that your company communicates is strengthened, while also generating a long-term conscious thought in most attendees.
To sum up, there are many ways to transform a social, business, incentive, or any type of event, to make it sustainable and raise awareness about important issues without detracting from its presence or essence of the main message.
Sustainability programs at IBTM 2024
If you are an exhibitor or are interested in being part of the event, we would like to invite you to join the Change Maker initiative, which seeks to create sustainability and social impact actions in this year's stands. Learn the details of the call here and remember that you can register until July 31st through this form.
If you are interested in learning more about the existing options to achieve sustainability, you cannot miss the Sustainable Mindset conferences during IBTM Americas 2024. Join us on August 21 and 22 at Centro Citibanamex.
In the meantime, you can keep up with news and updates through our blog and social media profiles: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.