Embracing Sustainability & Social Impact in Events

Events are more than just gatherings – they’re opportunities to make a difference. Events, in general, leave a sizable carbon footprint—energy use, transportation, and waste add up. Event planners are redefining their role by adopting more ethical practices. In this blog, we explore how companies adopt to drive sustainability and vFairs’ innovative green initiatives. 

Read ahead as we unfold the simplicity of creating events that leave a positive mark, blending seamless planning with a powerful purpose.

Incorporating Sustainability & Social Responsibility into Event Planning

On a recent episode of the EpicEvents podcast, where the topic of discussion was ‘Business Event as a Force for Good’, Chetan Shah, the CEO of Micebook laid emphasis on the importance of incorporating sustainability into event planning. In the webcast, we learned that the event industry is excited about going green, even though challenges exist due to the lack of knowledge, tools, and money. 

However, many companies are actively making changes. Agencies, in particular, are leading the way. They’re not just talking about sustainability; they’re doing it. They’re convincing clients to think about eco-friendly practices, integrating them into their event plans.

These agencies weave eco-friendly practices into event plans, showing firsthand how to make a real impact. Through persuasive pitches and thoughtful event management, they’re not just advocating for change – they’re making it happen, paving the way for more responsible and greener events. This commitment is more than words; it’s a genuine drive to create meaningful, eco-conscious event experiences.

This year, Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour stepped up for the planet. They took some amazing steps to reduce their impact. During their concerts, they handed out wristbands made from plants that people could reuse. They set up solar panels at the venues and had special floors and bikes that generated energy. Plus, they planted 5 million trees, one for each person at the shows, working with One Tree Planted.

Their efforts had big results. At every concert, they produced solar power to run part of the show and charge crew gadgets. Compared to their last big tour in 2016-17, this time, they made a lot less CO2 emissions. They managed to divert 66% of the waste from the tour away from landfills, showing how committed they are to being eco-friendly.

Measuring the Social & Environmental Impact of Events

In the dynamic landscape of event planning, measuring the social and environmental impact has become crucial. As Shah rightly points out, there’s a collective will to act, even though challenges persist. He emphasizes the growing role of sustainability in events: “It’s almost number one on most people’s agendas.” 

Corporate mandates and agency initiatives are shaping how events are planned, with real examples showing that eco-friendly practices not only benefit the planet but also enhance attendee experiences.

Companies Leading the Charge

Shah points out how big companies and agencies are making a real difference. These companies are now insisting on eco-friendly rules, which is catching on with smaller businesses. Agencies, like Warwick Events in the UK, are showing that going green doesn’t just help the planet—it also makes events more enjoyable for people, making it a smart business move too.

The Future Landscape

As we move forward, some traditional event practices are getting flak for their environmental impact. Think excessive air travel, extravagant decorations, and all that single-use stuff – they’re under the microscope. But there are better options gaining ground, like choosing local venues, going for reusable or recycled materials, and keeping decorations simple yet impactful.

Events are now about more than just having a good time; they’re about giving back to communities and making a real difference. Shah’s advice to event planners is crystal clear: stick to sustainability. It’s a win-win, benefiting both organizers and attendees by making events more meaningful and memorable.

The Role of vFairs in Sustainable Events

Considering the event industry’s global scale, vFairs stands at the forefront. Our ‘Green and Global’ campaign highlights practical steps like reusing materials and planting trees, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. Shah emphasizes the transformative potential, stating, “The more we do it as a sector, the more we can see case studies and what that impact is, the more we will feel great about doing it.”

At vFairs, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our commitment. We’ve embraced eco-conscious practices, notably through the use of reusable portable booths at various in-person events such as CMEE, ABBOTT, & HR Event Tech. Our Green and Global campaign isn’t merely rhetoric; it’s a series of impactful initiatives. These efforts resonate through every event, where we prioritize environmentally friendly choices.

But our dedication doesn’t end there. Even on the consumer side, our sales team actively contributes. By making mindful choices, we’re driving change within the industry, demonstrating that events can be both impactful and environmentally responsible. Find out more about how vFairs is reducing carbon footprint by hosting greener events. 

Conclusion

In wrapping up our discussion, it’s evident that the event industry is undergoing a transformative shift, embracing sustainability and social responsibility. We’ve explored the essential strategies highlighted in the webcast, emphasizing the need for pre-event planning to ensure events make a positive impact. Real-life examples from organizations, including vFairs, have showcased tangible ways to integrate eco-friendly practices into event planning.

As we conclude, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of integrating these principles into every event planner’s agenda. Sustainability isn’t merely a trend; it’s a necessity. By learning from the experiences shared today and the initiatives undertaken by pioneering organizations like vFairs, event organizers and attendees can pave the way for socially responsible and sustainable events. Let’s make conscious choices, prioritize these strategies, and leave a lasting positive mark on our communities and the planet.

Watch the complete webcast here: