Sponsored by MCI 

As a corporate event organizer, hosting sustainable events is no longer a trend — it’s an essential part of the industry’s best practices. Event sustainability not only helps reduce your environmental impact but also enhances your brand’s reputation, particularly among eco-conscious sponsors, partners and attendees. Beyond benefiting the planet, organizing eco-friendly events can streamline processes and reduce costs. Here’s how you can incorporate green strategies into your next corporate event, ensuring it stands out as a sustainable success.

1. Go paperless. In the digital age, paperless events are easier than ever to implement. Most corporate events rely on email, websites, apps, and social media for registration and promotion, but many still use printed materials at the venue. Fully transitioning to paperless options — from marketing to onsite information — can significantly reduce your environmental impact. Consider using digital event apps for check-ins, schedules and maps, and minimize printed handouts. Where physical materials are unavoidable, ensure they are printed on recycled paper and encourage attendees to recycle them.

2. Compost and recycle. Corporate events often generate large amounts of waste, from paper to food leftovers. Partner with your venue to set up designated compost bins for food waste and biodegradable materials. Recycling bins for paper, aluminum and glass should be strategically placed throughout the event space. Consider working with caterers who use compostable cutlery, plates and napkins, reducing the need for single-use plastics.

3. Choose an eco-friendly venue. Selecting the right venue is crucial to your sustainability efforts. Look for venues that already have green certifications or established eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures and locally sourced food options. Choose venues close to public transportation and offer shuttle services using electric or hybrid vehicles to minimize carbon emissions.

4. Eliminate onsite waste. Single-use products are one of the biggest sources of event waste. Avoid using plastic water bottles or aluminum cans by providing reusable water stations where attendees can refill their bottles. Use glassware for drinks and meals where possible. For badges, consider using recyclable materials or allowing attendees to return lanyards for future events. Whenever possible, use reusable signage and props that can be repurposed for future corporate events. Use digital giveaways or sustainable products such as reusable tote bags or bamboo utensils.

5. Reduce energy consumption. Corporate events often require significant energy for lighting, audiovisual equipment and climate control. To reduce the carbon footprint of your event, choose energy-efficient equipment and request that your venue uses LED lighting and programmable thermostats. Consider hosting outdoor or hybrid events during daylight hours to minimize artificial lighting needs. Additionally, encourage speakers and performers to use energy-efficient AV solutions, such as projectors that consume less power.

6. Offer sustainable food choices. Cater your event with eco-friendly food options by working with local vendors who use organic, sustainable or farm-to-table ingredients. Serve plant-based meals, which have a lower environmental impact than meat-based options. When planning the menu, consider portion control to minimize food waste. Providing sustainable options also enhances the guest experience, as more attendees are likely to value and appreciate environmentally conscious choices.

7. Get everyone on board. A successful green event requires everyone involved to understand and commit to the sustainability initiatives in place. From vendors and sponsors to attendees, communicate the importance of eco-friendly practices and how everyone can contribute. Ensure vendors package leftover food for donation and encourage sponsors to avoid handing out disposable promotional items. Provide clear signage and reminders to attendees about recycling options, reusable items and the overall green initiatives of your event.

By following these steps, corporate event organizers can make their events more sustainable, reducing both costs and environmental impact while showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly practices. Incorporating these strategies into your planning process ensures that your corporate event aligns with growing environmental expectations and sets a positive example for future events.

Connect with MCI USA to learn more about how you can make your next corporate event sustainable.