The Art of Upcycling at Events

July 20, 2022

Amanda Simons

Amanda Simons is a Sustainable Event Consultant and Principal at Honeycomb Strategies, a sustainability consulting firm specializing in the events, venue and hospitality industry. Specializing in sustainable business operations for tour operators and hotels, and in the event and trade show industry for more than 16 years, Simons focuses on identifying strategies and helping clients execute successful sustainable event management programs, implement sustainable destination management, lead industry research and analysis projects, and create benchmarking and corporate sustainability reporting programs.

Today we’re talking about upcycled art, and why you should include it in your next event.

Upcycled displays are fun, eco-conscious activations that add buzz to your event while also diverting waste from the landfill. Events can be extremely wasteful, generating more waste per participant than the average person’s daily discards. On the other hand, art displays add beauty and meaning to your event while sparking conversation and giving you some good marketing.

Here are five reasons why upcycled art adds value to your event.

1. Create buzz: Upcycled art is unique and photogenic marketing. 

CLEANPOWER '21 exhibit by Utah Art Alliance

A display or exhibit is a statement piece that attendees will talk about, take pictures of and post and share on social media. Of course, you still have to spend some money to create a buzz-worthy display. But instead of paying corporate giants for ad space, you’re directly supporting local artists and artisans. Now that’s advertising you can feel great about!

Did you know? About one-third of an average dump is made up of packaging material!

 

 

2. Say something important: Who are you? What do you stand for?

All organizations have value statements on paper, and if you’re reading this, you probably have or are developing sustainability commitments. Upcycled art is one way to demonstrate your sustainability values in action, as it metaphorically represents the values of transformation and progress. Display your core values prominently and beautifully for your customers and partners.

Did you know? Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild our entire commercial fleet of airplanes every three months!

3. Grow your audience: Expand into new networks.

If your piece winds up in an exhibition, public building or even (gasp!) museum, people will be exposed to the positive culture of your organization even outside of your event. They will associate your name with positive cultural influence, Earth stewardship and ingenuity. They might be drawn to learn more about you, use your services or attend your next event.

4. Leave an impression: Use excitement, nostalgia, concern and awe to leave an imprint.

Upcycled art at CLEANPOWER '21

Art impacts people in ways that panel discussions and networking events don’t. While those are certainly essential parts to events, you want to leave as much of a lingering impression on your visitors as possible. Art leaves an emotional impression, which makes it personal and relatable. Research has shown that memory associated with emotion is much stronger and easier to recall. If your art is in line with the content and values of your show, you will reinforce your message in multiple ways, creating a multi-faceted impact.

Did you know? The U.S. is the No. 1 trash-producing country in the world at 1,609 pounds per person, per year!

 

 

 

5. Activate: Process is product.

To go even further, create the upcycled art as part of your event. Artists can assemble the piece during a floor show over several hours or days, while attendees are able to watch, document the process and talk with the artists. Alternatively, open a hands-on interactive station where visitors can make their own upcycled masterpieces. Both options give visitors memorable and in-depth engagement with the materials and process of transforming waste into beauty.

Upcycled art at EarthX Expo '22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This blog post was originally published on the Honeycomb Strategies sustainability blog, The Bee’s Knees.


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Partner Voices
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