Sustainability has been a buzzword in the events industry for years. While integrating sustainable solutions into events hasn’t always been a priority, brand leaders have shifted toward recognising its importance. Organisations are now making bold social impact pledges around responsible consumption, clean water initiatives, and actively fighting world hunger.

For event professionals, delivering sustainable event practices — like sourcing and waste reduction — should be as essential as great food and drinks. Moving from promises to action starts with all of us:

• Clients holding event agencies responsible

• Event agencies holding supplier partners accountable

Developing strong action plans with supplier partners is critical for ensuring high-level goals translate into on-the-ground action.

Planning, Partnerships & Practices to Encourage Sustainable Operations

“Going green” should never be an afterthought. Yet with so many details to manage, it can be difficult to integrate sustainable practices once on site. The solution is to build sustainability into the event design from the start.

Establish ways to measure and report impact against key business imperatives, such as:

• Carbon offset

• Amount of food donated

• Value of donations/fees paid to local organisations

From destination selection and menu planning to giveaways and give-backs, every element can be viewed through a sustainability lens.

Partnering for Sustainable Impact

B Corporations

Choose suppliers with aligned values, such as Certified B Corporations™. These for-profit companies meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. For example, if you need logoed clothing, a B Corp supplier ensures products are ethically made.

Social Impact Organisations or NGOs

Work with credible organisations to produce giveback activities without unintended “voluntourism” drawbacks.

At ITA Group, we’ve woven social impact stories throughout domestic and international events — from partnering with a school in Tanzania, to an elephant sanctuary in Thailand, to a homeless shelter in Dallas. These efforts engaged attendees while creating meaningful community impact.

Venue & Transportation

An event agency or DMC can:

• Vet partners based on sustainability goals

• Document your sustainability plan

• Ensure front-line staff honour commitments

• Provide accurate reporting from airlines and transport partners about carbon use

Food Waste Reduction

Reducing and recovering food waste is a practical step toward more sustainable events. Many food service vendors already have waste diversion programmes in place but often need client support to activate them.

Recovered food can help alleviate local food insecurity through organisations like the Food Rescue Hero Network, which redistributes leftovers to shelters and community fridges.

Wrapping Up the Series

As we enter the final stages of this series on Incentive Travel, Part 6 will conclude with insights on what’s hot, how to make it personal, what to do, what not to do, and of course, how to do it sustainably.

ITA Group helps organisations captivate, motivate, and celebrate employees, partners, and clients through engagement, performance, incentive, and event solutions.

For further information: itagroup.com