Five Ways to Create a Sustainable Corporate Event

Event planning can be time-consuming and stressful, though usually worth it if you pull it all together in time and it’s a success. With everything to contend with, sustainability sometimes takes a back seat with more focus on marketing, entertainment, and guest lists (all important things), but sustainability should be a priority, too. 

At Stokes, sustainability has always been at the heart of everything we do and stand for from the beginning. We’ve put on some significant events, so here are our top five ways to create a sustainable corporate event. 

 

  1. Choose one location that can do it all.

Opting for a venue such as The Blue Room allows you to source your food, drink, and space from one supplier, reducing carbon emissions. Picking a central location means people can use public transportation. Again, the proximity to the Charlotte House Hotel makes it easier for guests who’ve travelled far to stay close to the event. 

Charlotte House Hotel offers a stunning retreat beside the iconic West Gate of Lincoln Castle. Just moments from the majestic Cathedral, this beautifully appointed hotel provides a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. Step outside to discover the timeless charm of Bailgate and Steep Hill, where cobbled streets wind through a delightful mix of independent shops, inviting restaurants, and cosy cafés.

The Blue Room is a unique venue. Housed within a Grade II listed Georgian building set in lavish grounds, it was originally built as a Victorian ballroom. The space has been beautifully refurbished with amazing period features, including an eye-catching stained-glass, arched window that provides a stunning backdrop for any event.

Hosting your event at a venue that has clear, responsible, ethical, and sustainability visions and values will ensure that the event planner will be more than happy to discuss ways you can make your event more sustainable and will enjoy this rather than finding it a hindrance. 

 

  1. Make the menu seasonal. 

A seasonal menu reduces the need to import fruits and vegetables and reduces food waste. It’s not only good for the environment but can also be cost-effective, which means the food tastes even better because it’s fresh. Go a step further and ensure organic produce from local farmers and butchers is used where possible. 


  1. Ditch the unessential freebies. 

Everyone loves something for free, and corporate events are full of them. Branded sweets that get eaten within minutes and the wrappers discarded, destined for landfill. Plastic keychains that get forgotten at the bottom of weekend bags. Notebooks to add to the pile of twenty already adorning most office desks. It’s a sweet touch, but it’s not sustainable, and it’s really not needed. 

If you want to give a free gift, opt for something guests will use: a month-long free trial of your service, an email giving them 20% off their favourite coffee (50% off if they take a reusable cup), or you could even white label your favourite coffee for a gift that will actually get used and recycled.   

 

  1. One bin doesn’t fit all. 

At an event, there can often be a lot of waste. Disposable coffee cups, tissues, pop cans, snack wrappers, paper plates, and so much more. Quite often, they get left on tables for the people running the event to go round with a black bag and fill it, then it all goes in the general waste bin without a second thought. 

Having marked bins for ‘paper/card’, ‘can and plastic bottles’, ‘food waste’, and ‘general waste’ and asking participants to use these bins would equate to less waste going to landfill at the end of the event. 

 

  1. Limit Energy Use. 

Schedule the event during daylight hours to reduce the need for lights. When presenting, reduce the number of slides; instead, opt for audience participation to keep people engaged and use less energy. 

Planning a corporate event involves countless parts, from logistics and guest experience to branding and entertainment. But as we navigate all these elements, it’s crucial not to let sustainability fall by the wayside. With a bit of foresight and creativity, sustainable choices can seamlessly align with your event goals.

Hosting a memorable event and protecting the planet can go hand in hand. Whether it's selecting a venue like The Blue Room that offers ethical, all-in-one solutions, curating a fresh seasonal menu, cutting down on unnecessary freebies, setting up smart waste stations, or simply limiting energy use, each decision has a ripple effect.

Sustainability doesn't have to be complex or costly; it just needs to be intentional. By making conscious choices, you’ll not only reduce your event’s environmental impact but also inspire your guests to do the same. For more information, contact a member of our team on 0 1522 523 548.

 

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