Going green with meetings is no longer trendy, it's standard practice. Learn 20 ways to incorporate green practices in to your meetings and events.

1. 20 Ways to Sustainable Meetings

2. 1. Choose a LEED certified hotel/venue
LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is an
independent, non-profit, third-party rating system established by the U.S. Green Building
Council (USGBC).
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3. 2. Work reminder linen cards into your eco-friendly contract
Not everyone needs towels washed daily. Reduce water & energy usage with linen cards.
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4. 3. Create green menu – use local & seasonal items
Local CSAs, farmers, vineyards, and breweries will appreciate the business and by using local
items, you reduce the travel distance for delivery.
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5. 4. Use a mobile app
Dramatically reduce your printing fees and make your attendee’s lives easier with a mobile appl.
Virtual content is the way to go!
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6. 5. Develop a recycling plan to include in your contract
Make sure the hotel team is aware of your plan. Offer recycling points, signage and volunteers
to help promote your initiative. Include bins in hotel rooms and throughout exhibit area.
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7. 6. Recycle badges and giveaways
Plan to donate to local charities, schools & non-profits. Set-up bins throughout exhibit area.
Offer incentives for attendees to participate.
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8. 7. Donate left-over food to local soup kitchens
The food that would otherwise be thrown out can be given to staff or attendees to take home or
donated to local charities and soup kitchens. Check first, as some do not accept prepared food.
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9. 8. Promote your green initiative
Write a press release (or 2), contact local papers and news stations. Spread the word and bring
more attention to your event for a low cost.
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10. 9. Use linens as opposed to paper products
Consider using cloth napkins, glasses instead of disposable cups, as well as flatware and
silverware. If you’re at an eco-friendly location the laundering will also be dramatically reduced
with low energy and water plans already in place.
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11. 10. Create a beverage station
Move away from wasteful water bottles and work with F&B to have strategically placed
beverage stations throughout the exhibit location.

12. 11. Implement green transportation
Review attendees’ travel plans and try to make as few trips as possible to reduce your carbon
footprint. Find hybrid shuttles or create maps (within your mobile app) helping attendees
navigate through public transportation options.

13. 12. Chose a location compatible with your demographic
If you have an invitation list, consider the time of year as well as a centralized location for your
attendees. Reduce travel and pollution while making the trip more convenient for your guests.

14. 13. Ask local CVBs & DMCs for environmentally friendly venues
If you’re unfamiliar with the territory, ask for help. Call local Convention & Visitor Bureaus or
Destination Management Companies for referrals of green properties.

15. 14. Use compostable products when available
Some hotels are composting. When building out your contract be sure to add this requirement.

16. 15. Ask exhibitors to participate
You’ve worked up this fantastic sustainable meeting but don’t forget one of the most important
parts … get your exhibitors to join you. With every email communication provide tips & best
practices.

17. 16. Use recyclable signage and displays
There are plenty of reusable sign vendors so shop around. Think reusable banners, pull-up
screens, standard company logos and signage and for those custom pieces, create a branded
sign with a re-usable content area.

18. 17. Create green tip of the day emails for attendees
With the hustle & bustle of your event, breakout sessions and networking attendees (and
exhibitors) can easily forget about your green strategy. Use email, as a means of
communication and move away from print (which defeats the purpose), to keep everyone
involved.

19. 18. Avoid individually wrapped products
Work with catering or F&B manager to order items in bulk and eliminate all of those
tiny wrappers. For example, mints, candy, jelly, butter, water, etc.

20. 19. Create in-room reminders
Make it easy for them! Offer reminders and any supplies or containers within the attendees’
rooms. Don’t forget, you also want to advertise throughout the exhibit hall and venue. Work this
agreement into your contract.

21. 20. Incorporate ice sculptures or edible arrangements
Don’t waste a large portion of your budget on beautiful floral arrangements that cannot be
recycled. Think of more creative ideas like ice sculptures and edible arrangements – work with
your F&B manager for creative solutions.

22. Want to learn more?
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20. Incorporate ice sculptures or edible arrangements
Don’t waste a large portion of your budget on beautiful floral arrangements that cannot be
recycled. Think of more creative ideas like ice sculptures and edible arrangements – work with
your F&B manager for creative solutions.