It’s time to get green! Welcome to the new horizon of event planning, where sustainability is more than a buzzword. We are in the era of creating green-friendly gatherings and making events more sustainable. From locally sourced food, cutting-edge technology, and thoughtful centerpieces, we’ve got your latest tips and tricks to make your events kinder to the planet. Join us as we share a few eco-effective ways to add a little green to your groups.
Planet-Friendly Places: Selecting Sustainable Spaces
Every event starts from the ground up. Choosing your venue can be a significant move to making your events more sustainable. The days of picking a space based solely on aesthetics are over. Today’s event planners scout locations with a sharper eye—looking beyond the chandeliers and city views to find venues prioritizing the planet. The best sustainable venues don’t just talk the talk; they walk the emerald path with energy-efficient lighting, robust recycling programs, and water-saving fixtures. It’s a bonus if the venue partners with local farms and caterers, keeping food miles low and the menu fresh.
Whether it’s a sun-drenched outdoor space that minimizes electricity use or a repurposed industrial loft that breathes new life into an old structure, choosing a consciously sourced venue is one of the most significant ways to make events more sustainable (without sacrificing style or experience.) When sourcing space, ask your Connect Event Group planning partner to look for venues with LEED certification or standard eco-practices.
Green on the Go: More Sustainable Transportation Choices
But sustainability isn’t just about what’s inside the building. Getting to and from your event or activities shouldn’t leave a massive carbon footprint. Choosing a walkable, transit-friendly venue will help make your events more sustainable. Chattanooga’s vibrant downtown area is bubbling with local restaurants, historic buildings, and live music venues within strolling distance.
When you need to take motorized transportation, selecting group transfers will reduce your carbon footprint compared to individual vehicles. Our organized charter transfers ensure that the maximum number of guests is maneuvered seamlessly and sustainably through the city. Fewer cars on the road equals reduced emissions and traffic congestion, making our event transportation a more planet-friendly choice.
Go Digital: Embrace Eco-Friendly Event Technology
Ditch the paper and go digital! Embracing technology is one of the easiest ways to make events more sustainable without sacrificing engagement. Keep attendees informed with web-based event details. Utilize digital signage and eliminate the need for printed banners.
Networking gets a green upgrade, too. Skip the business cards and utilize digital networking tools, allowing attendees to connect seamlessly via QR codes or event apps. When it comes to marketing, let social media do the heavy lifting to create buzz and foster real-time communication without a single handout.
At Connect Event Group, we support your event sustainability choices. We can assist with paperless registration and tablet-based check-ins and source your ideal registration websites. By integrating digital solutions, event planners can create a seamless, engaging experience that is more environmentally sound.
Sustainable Decor: Style That Speaks for the Planet
The decor sets the stage for unforgettable gatherings, but thoughtful choices can make events more sustainable without sacrificing beauty. Swap disposable décor for reusable elements like LED lighting, rental tables and chairs, and upcycled materials that add character and reduce waste.
Centerpieces, often a one-night spectacle, can also embrace sustainability. Living arrangements, like lush succulents or potted herbs, outshine cut flowers by lasting well beyond the event. Edible centerpieces – like artisanal bread, fruit, or charcuterie displays – double as décor and part of your meal.
Recently, we curated stunning, water-sipping succulent centerpieces for a climate-conscious client. We hand-picked items that were high on style and low on impact. These hardy centerpieces made a beautiful statement on the table and aligned with the event’s eco-friendly mission. Simple centerpiece swaps prove that conscientious decor can be both striking and sustainable.
Feast with Purpose: Sustainable Catering Selections
Food fuels connection at any gathering, but thoughtful catering choices can make your events more sustainable. Subtle shifts in your menu planning will have a greater impact.
One of the first steps is to have a handle on your guest count. Providing your planner with a clear picture of your attendance will allow them to order appropriately with your caterer or convention service manager. Planning based on accurate guest counts prevents over-ordering, eliminates food waste, and saves money.
Swap your bottled water for water refill stations. This easy move eliminates the need for single-use plastic bottles while keeping guests hydrated. Select menus that support a “farm-to-fork” approach. These menus bring locally grown, seasonal ingredients to the table, reducing transportation emissions while supporting regional farmers and artisans. Plant-based options take sustainability a step further, offering delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes with a lower carbon footprint than their meat-heavy counterparts.
When sustainability meets strategy, catering transforms from an indulgence into an eco-conscious experience that guests—and the planet—will appreciate.
Sustainable Swag: Thoughtful Giveaways for More Sustainable Events
Event swag shouldn’t end up in a landfill. By reimagining giveaways, planners can make their events more sustainable while giving attendees something they’ll actually use. Instead of disposable trinkets, opt for practical, multi-use items like branded refillable water bottles, stylish cloth tote bags, or sleek bamboo cutlery sets. These eco-friendly gifts reduce waste and keep your brand in attendees’ hands long after the event ends.
For an even greener approach, go digital. Digital swag bags let guests access exclusive content, discounts, and event resources—all without the excess packaging. Whether a QR code unlocks VIP perks or a virtual promotion replaces paper brochures, sustainable swag proves that the best giveaways don’t just leave an impression—they leave the planet better off.
Want to take sustainability a step further? Swap swag for a meaningful teambuilding experience. Our CSR teambuilding events combine charitable organizations with your company’s philanthropy spirit. Assemble care kits for local charities, plant trees, or get hands-on with community engagement. By harnessing teamwork, we create a lasting impact in your destination city. The giveback is a far more powerful takeaway than another branded keychain.
Beyond the Event: Creating a Lasting Green Legacy
Sustainability isn’t a passing trend. Every eco-conscious choice you make – from venue selection to responsible transportation – makes events more sustainable. The smallest changes today can spark a greener, more responsible tomorrow. Our Connect Event Group team is ready to help you plan your next green-friendly gathering!
