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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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.