Nowadays, sustainable business practices are not a luxury, but a necessity. The pressure on our natural environment and growing awareness amongst guests make organising sustainable events more important than ever. Do you have little experience in this area? At Event Management Group, we manage several unique event venue in the Limburg area and we organise events every day. Read on for five practical tips you can put into practice straight away:
1. Think locally
Make a conscious choice to work with local suppliers. At Event Management Group, for example, we work with local partners wherever possible – from catering to AV technology and hospitality services. This not only reduces transport distances, but also allows you to enjoy the benefits of freshly prepared food and personal contact. Furthermore, sourcing locally boosts the regional economy and guarantees high quality thanks to committed local businesses. A classic win-win for everyone involved, including your guests!
Tip: Although vegetarian or vegan food generally has a lower environmental impact, guests often still ask for meat dishes. If it is not possible to serve a fully vegetarian menu, ask your local catering partner about the origin of the meat products. That way, you can be sure they have been produced responsibly.
2. Avoid single-use products
Although many products are packaged in plastic, sustainable alternatives are often available. For example, avoid using balloons or plastic bunting and, instead, hire sustainable decorations from reliable hire companies. Opt for reusable cups – such as hard cups or, preferably, glassware – and replace wristbands with a stamp wherever possible. These small changes make a big difference in reducing waste (see also point 4).
3. Encourage carpooling and public transport
The choice of venue plays a crucial role in the sustainability of your event. Choose a central venue to encourage guests to travel together or use public transport. Consider, for example, venues such as De Grote Hegge Manor Farm in Thorn – close to the A2 – or Tapijn Maastricht – next to the university campus, where there is a bus stop – which are very easy to reach. This not only reduces CO₂ emissions, but also minimises the risk of drink-driving afterwards.
4. Waste management and energy
Waste management and energy saving are among the biggest challenges when it comes to sustainable events. You should therefore limit the use of air conditioning and heating systems, and ensure you have a waste separation policy in place – both for your guests and behind the scenes. Also, be mindful of your consumption of electricity, water and gas. Has your event purchased more food than is needed? If so, consider donating it to a local food bank to prevent waste.
5. Choose venues with a proven track record
Sustainability is always at the heart of what we do. Let the expertise of our experienced venue managers help you organise a sustainable event. At Event Management Group, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel: we work with you and bring years of experience to the table. By working with a professional, you can be sure of an event that is both environmentally friendly and memorable. Please get in touch with us to discuss the options.
Event Management Group: event venues in Limburg
We are Event Management Group: the leading venue partner for events in the Limburg region. Not only do we manage several unique event venues, such as Stadbroeker Mill in Sittard and Rebelle Maastricht, we also have many years’ experience in organising events for both large and smaller clients. Would you like to find out more about our services or our organisation? Read more here.
