Sustainable Event Production: How to Go Green Without Blowing Your Budget

• Virtual Events

Going virtual is hands down the best way to make your event eco-friendly. No travel, no hotels, no catering, virtual events cut down on so many resources, making them a super sustainable choice. Research even shows that one online event produced 66 times fewer greenhouse gases than its in-person counterpart!

If you choose a virtual format for environmental reasons, be sure to let your audience know. Thank them for joining the sustainability movement and share how much of a difference they’re making. You could even calculate and share the environmental savings to boost engagement around going green.

Budget Tip: Virtual events save on travel, venues, and food, so they’re not just eco-friendly, they’re budget-friendly too!

• Hybrid Events

The next best thing for sustainability? Hybrid events! In modern Event Production, a hybrid setup lets a big chunk of your audience attend virtually or at smaller local venues, reducing the need for travel. But adding a virtual audience doesn’t automatically make the event sustainable; more people can mean more impact, so consider your venue choices carefully. Studio-Produced Hybrid Events: These are the greenest, with mostly virtual attendees and minimal in-person crowds. This reduces the need for travel and big venue setups.

• Regional Hubs: Instead of one big venue, consider hosting smaller gatherings in different regions. This cuts down on air travel and lowers the overall carbon footprint.

Budget Tip: Regional hubs can help reduce the cost of large venues and the need for travel accommodations.

• Sustainable Event Equipment

Using modern tech can help reduce both energy use and costs while making your event more sustainable:

• LED Video Walls: These are energy-efficient and pack a punch with stunning visuals, perfect for large-scale events while using less power than projectors.
  
  
• Professional Sound Systems: Eco-friendly sound systems give you great audio without wasting energy.
  
  
• Wireless Microphones & Digital Mixing Consoles: These keep the sound crisp without the hassle of wired systems, reducing energy use.
  
  
• Advanced Stage Lighting: Moving heads, beams, and colour washes create dramatic effects with minimal power consumption.
  
  
• Livestreaming & Hybrid Broadcast Solutions: These options allow remote participation, cutting down on travel while extending your reach.

Budget Tip: While these technologies might cost a bit more upfront, their energy efficiency will save you money in the long run.

• Curbing Food Waste

Food waste is the biggest issue in the events world, but there are simple ways to cut it down:

• Serve more vegan and vegetarian options. They have a lower carbon footprint than meat-heavy dishes.
• Avoid over-ordering by getting a good guest count in advance.
• Partner with local food programs to donate leftover food.
• Use reusable water bottles and biodegradable cups instead of plastic.

Budget Tip: Reducing food waste can help you save on catering costs and minimize environmental impact.

• Go Paperless With Event Technology

Thanks to event tech, you no longer need paper signs, printed schedules, or promo materials. Use RFID technology, event platforms, and social media to keep everyone in the loop in real time. You can even dedicate a page on your event platform to show off your sustainability efforts.

Budget Tip: Going paperless saves money on printing, distribution, and labour, all while helping the environment!