How to create truly sustainable events

In climate tech, our marketing isn't just about what we say, but how we act. The events we host are powerful platforms to demonstrate your company's values in action and walk the sustainable talk.

I have attended a lot of events in the sustainability space and unfortunately, apart from their content, most of them are not really eco-designed.

Having organized everything from my own house parties to webinars, large-scale conferences and exclusive networking dinners, my guiding principle has always been: integrate sustainability into every aspect of your event design and execution.

Here are my top tips for creating impactful and truly sustainable events:

• Choose sustainable venues: This is your foundation. Look for venues that tell a story with strong environmental ethos and policies, renewable energy sources, green space and waste reduction programs.

  
  

• Organise sustainable travel and make it the default option for attendees. If you have to take people on wine tour in the countryside, invite attendees to use local trains and organise a shuttle – EV of course- from the nearest station.

  
  

• Curate diverse speakers. Whenever i see a speaker line up of four white males at a climate event, i'm instantly put off. So please take the time to curate speakers from diverse backgrounds.

  
  

• Embrace plant-based cuisine: Veggie and vegan foods are not only delicious and diverse, but also a clear statement of sustainability. For high-end experiences, seek out Michelin Green Star restaurants – they're a no-brainer for demonstrating culinary excellence alongside environmental responsibility. London has four of them which i can highly recommend, Paris has nine of them, so there’s not shortage of options and the stories of the chefs who run them are usually fascinating!

  
  

• Strive for low waste: 

  • Minimal or no swag: If you must have branded items, ensure they are truly useful, high-quality, and sustainably sourced. Think about other forms such as charity donations or carbon credits. Avoid printing: Go digital for invitations, agendas, and information.

  • Eco-designed banners: Opt for reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.

  • Reduce food waste: Accurately gauge your audience's dietary needs to minimize leftovers. And always be prepared with doggy bags for any surplus!

  
  

• Foster embodied experiences: Less talking, more action! Design events that allow attendees to engage with your mission and technology in a hands-on, tangible way. This creates a deeper connection and understanding. Create a memorable multi-sensory journey! Think about lighting, sound, touch, food ad even scent. A truly immersive experience is more likely to leave a lasting impression.

People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

Let's make sure our climate tech events leave attendees feeling inspired, connected, and ready for #climateactionnow.