A B2B Guide to Deliver Sustainable Events
Sustainability is no longer a ‘buzzword’ or a trend but an urgent need, especially for the events sector. Creating high amounts of wastage, the average event attendee generates around 1.8kg of waste a day! As businesses demand responsibility from organisers, sustainability has become a necessity for the events sector.
When over 59% of attendees expect sustainability from organisers, being open about your efforts could be what puts you at the top of their list. Naturally, implementing sustainable event practises creates cohesion with brand values of sustainability.
We’re collaborating with our sustainable visuals partner, Imageco, to showcase all the ways that organisers can create sustainable events!
Sustainable Communications: Green From the Go!
Crafting clear communications in the build-up to your B2B event is key to drumming up anticipation, engaging with your audience before the event, and serves as a consistent reminder of the event.
Incorporating sustainability into your communication strategy is essential. Highlighting simple actions such as encouraging attendees to use public transport, informing them about water refill stations at the venue, and prompting them to bring a reusable water bottle promotes responsible behaviour. By communicating the importance of these actions and highlighting your own efforts to prioritise sustainability, you not only support more sustainable choices but also position your organisation as a leader in sustainability.
Our team specialises in crafting clear, targeted messaging that puts sustainability front and centre. Whether it’s through pre-event materials or on-the-day communications, we help you establish your priorities early and communicate them effectively to your audience, building strong, value-led foundations for your B2B event.
Bespoke Builds: Event Apps
As the 3 Rs signify, your first step to sustainable change is to reduce. An excellent way of reducing unnecessary materials, is to implement digital marketing formats as an alternative to the use of physical copies.
Utilising digital materials is an excellent way to reduce paper waste and improve engagement at events. One of the most effective ways do this, is by creating a bespoke event app, which has all the information attendees would need for the event. Instead of handing out timetables, or leaflets (which often end up in the bin) bespoke apps allow attendees to instantly access all event information with ease.
To optimise attendee experience, we created a no-code event app for Nexus, as part of their fifth anniversary Gala Dinner event. The event brought together over 300 guests to celebrate a thriving community of innovators, as Nexus continues to support spin-out SMEs from the University of Leeds.
Our experts developed a sleek, smooth-running app, that held all the key information. Acting as a central hub for the event information, the app included the menu for the night, outlined the entertainment, and provided an agenda for the evening as well as speaker information. We also provided an FAQ section, keeping attendees well-informed.
The app not only minimised printing waste, but also enhanced the user experience by providing visitors with instant, paper-free access to key information before and during the event. This digital approach supports sustainability while being convenient for both attendees and organisers.
“For Nexus’s 5th Anniversary Dinner, the app proved to be an invaluable asset. It streamlined everything from the evening’s agenda and seating arrangements to providing real-time event information. The feedback from our attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on how user-friendly and informative it was. It truly enhanced the overall experience and contributed significantly to the evening’s success. We were thoroughly impressed with its capabilities.” -Alan Gallacher, Senior Strategic Events Manager at Nexus
Sustainable Events: Choosing the Right Supplier
When thinking about your brand’s event materials, proper planning is pivotal to a green execution. Organising your event displays in advance can reduce waste, streamline logistics, and even help you save money.
Choosing a supplier who shares your sustainable vision is a key to reducing your event’s environmental impact. Working with a partner that understands green design can make all the difference. Imageco are green to the core, committed to creating high-quality event displays that leave a lasting impression on your audience, not the planet. From stage backdrops and entrance archways to vinyl-wrapped stages, their experienced team offers expert advice and solutions, to ensure your event visuals are both eye-catching and environmentally responsible.
Partnering with certified suppliers brings transparency to your materials and processes, something event attendees increasingly value. Imageco offers clients the option to receive a detailed carbon emissions report, providing accurate data on the environmental impact of their print build. This not only supports more informed, sustainable decisions but also equips organisers with credible data to present to stakeholders and use as a benchmark for shaping future events.
Materials that Matter
When it comes to bringing your event to life, choosing the right materials can make a huge difference. Opting for sustainable options is a smart way to minimise your environmental impact. Understanding how different materials affect the environment is a key part of planning responsibly.
Creating impactful visuals with sustainable materials is where Imageco excels. They specialise in using green alternatives such as Xanita board (a lightweight, recyclable fibreboard the perfect base for ultra-sleek prints) kraft board, and PVC-free Kavalan banners. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also offer exceptional durability and design flexibility.
. Using sustainable materials shows attendees and event sponsors that you’re serious about walking the walk when it comes to sustainability.
Planning your next B2B event? Build sustainability into your plans from the very beginning. Partner with our experts to deliver your next sustainable B2B event.