As society becomes increasingly aware of their impact on the environment, attendees, too, are becoming conscious of the cost of events on the planet. The stats tell us 78% of Americans want to be more sustainable, but what is a sustainable event, exactly?
According to the Events Industry Council, a sustainable event means “taking action towards preserving our natural environment; promoting a healthy, inclusive society; and supporting a thriving economy.”
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword, and attendees are expecting business owners and event organizers alike to step up their game. If you want your event to stay relevant for years to come, make it eco-friendly.
In the rest of this guide, we’ll show you how to organize a successful eco-friendly event.
1. Make the Process Digital
Time to shred the stack of papers and say goodbye to endless paper trails! Choose a registration platform that allows you to manage all of your event registrations and communications digitally. With RegFox, the process is digital from start to finish.
When you use the RegFox scanning app, each attendee gets a personal QR code, allowing them to seamlessly check in from their phones. Attendees can easily access and store their tickets on their devices, eliminating the need for physical printouts and reducing paper waste.
2. Choose the Right Venue
Whether it's energy-efficient lighting, recycling facilities onsite, or green space on the premises, choose a venue that aligns with your eco-friendly goals and sends the right message to your attendees. In addition, partner with sponsors and vendors who hold the same values and support this goal.
Lastly, when you design your registration page, share your commitment to sustainability by highlighting these features.
3. Ask Attendees to Bring Reusable Items
If you tout that you’re a sustainable event but also have hundreds of plastic water bottles, and plastic swag bags, it sends a contradictory message to your attendees. Make a statement by asking attendees to bring their own reusable items: water bottles, canvas bags, etc.
4. Gather Information
Tailor your registration forms to gather information relevant to your eco-friendly initiatives. Ask attendees about their transportation preferences, dietary requirements, or interest in participating in sustainability-focused activities during the event. This not only engages attendees but also helps you make informed decisions.
5. Communicate With Your Attendees
Keep your attendees informed about your sustainability efforts by sharing updates on eco-friendly initiatives and sponsors. Use the RegFox text messaging platform to keep attendees up to date and encourage them to join you in creating a greener event.
Final Takeaways
By incorporating sustainable practices into your event planning, you not only contribute to a healthier planet but also show your attendees that your commitment goes beyond the event itself.
Ready to embark on a journey of eco-conscious event planning? If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team.
Here to help you have the best (and greenest) event ever!
— The RegFox team
