How to Make Your Event More Green in 2015!

February 8, 2015

Shane Shirley

Shane Shirley is CMO for SBS Brands, a 90-year-old global brand leader focused on creating digital and print business solutions that offers traditional and eco-friendly customized promotional products to accelerate trade show marketing.

A new year means new ways to make your events even more green. Going green is a constant progression and as technologies change and your goals transform there are going to be new ways to up your green game. From incorporating tech aspects to engaging your customers and finding ways to use recycled materials, here are some ways you can make your event more green in 2015.

Create an App

Whether your goal is to make the ordering process easier or just to engage with your customers an app will get the job done and cut down on paper in the form of order forms, handouts and catalogs. Creating an app gives your customers a way to interact with your brand, learn about your business and your green goals.  It’s not as difficult as it might seem and I have a great team that specializes in app development. Find a good team and the process will actually be fun and will leave you with a great green ROI.

Spread the Word and Engage Your Customers

You can easily spend a lot of time making your event green, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t let everyone know! There are several perks to transparency: first, your customers know that you don’t just talk about being green, but you actually are green and second, sharing your green story can also inspire others to follow your lead. Reducing your environmental impact clearly helps the planet, but if you can motivate others to incorporate green changes into their events and daily routines that will extend your green impact even further.

Utilize Reusable Takeaways Made From Recycled Materials

When you can get a branded takeaway into your customer’s hands it will continue to engage your clientele and keep you relevant and strengthen the relationship long after the show is over. When this takeaway is made from recycled materials it will reduce your company’s environmental impact while also finding a new use for previously discarded materials. Reusable takeaways will increase your brand awareness and recognition since your customers will be exposed to your branding info on a regular basis, and it will also help your customers incorporate green changes into their lives.

Create a Green Plan That Fits Your Company’s Needs

Ultimately, you need green improvements that are suitable for your brand and your needs. Look for areas you want improve a processes to streamline and when brainstorming solutions to these issues, consider ways to incorporate green resolutions. If you need new flooring, furniture or framing look for items made from recycled or sustainable materials. If you want to find a better way to demonstrate your product line or illustrate the services you provide try to work in green options whenever possible, maybe that means you reduce the number of staff members attending the show and you have key team members attend via video conference.

There are a lot of things you can do to make your event green, but you need to find the solutions that best work for your brand and the show you are attending. Remember that even minor green improvements can add up and have a huge impact. 

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact