According to environmental studies in the events industry, digital alternatives can save up to 80% of the paper when replacing things like traditional paper invitations, programmes and itineraries. At Skyline Whitespace, we’ve invested in new printing technologies that enable us to print on a broader range of eco-friendly materials, reducing our reliance on non-recyclable products by 82%. Here’s how technology can help you to reduce the environmental impact from your events.
Digital tools that help streamline event processes
Planning and organisation
Think about using planning tools such as Trello and Monday.com to help your team organise tasks. You can also consider Google Sheets to help stay on top of budgeting.
Registration and ticketing
Ticketing platforms such as Eventbrite and Cvent to help you manage attendees. Google Forms is a great tool to use for registrations and RSVP.
Printed materials
At Skyline Whitespace we use non-solvent, water-based inks that are less harmful to the environment, minimising the release of hazardous chemicals. We have also transitioned to digital job packs, eliminating the need for paper and saving the equivalent of 68 trees annually. A printer code system also reduces unnecessary printing, further decreasing paper consumption. For more information on how we can implement these strategies at your business, get in touch with one of our experts today.
Marketing
When it comes to promotion, there are many digital tools available to help you market your event. Tools like Hootsuite can help you to schedule your social media so that you don’t have to stay on top of schedules. For email campaigns, MailChimp can help streamline your email campaigns as well as provide insights and data. If you’re looking to build your website, you can use platforms like Wix Events and WordPress. Canva is a great tool to help you create visuals, too.
Communication and virtual events
Managing a team virtually has become easier with the help of Microsoft Teams and Zoom. You can share screens, present slides and host meeting with your whole team virtually. In addition, you can run your virtual and hybrid events over Teams and Zoom. These tools also have the ability to create break-out rooms for smaller discussions.
Post event analysis
So, you’re able to plan and execute your event digitally, but how about post event analysis? Tools like SurveyMonkey and Google Forms can provide valuable insight into your guest experiences. They can collate information and create graphics and charts to help you spot trends.
Smart energy management
To help reduce energy consumption at events, smart lighting, energy tracking and efficient power systems are helping to manage energy waste.
- Smart lighting uses LED technology, to help reduce energy use, as well as motion sensors to ensure lighting is only used when needed. This can help to save up to 70% on energy.
- Energy tracking can provide real-time monitoring and analytics to help find inefficiencies. This can help with energy budgeting as well as help you identify when you should use energy.
- Efficient power systems such as solar panels, microgrids and battery storage can help you to source energy more efficiently, rather than sources like diesel generators.
These solutions can also help with positive brand association as it puts you forward as an eco-conscious event business.
Emerging technologies
AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things) and VR (Virtual Reality) is helping to create eco-friendly event experiences, as well as create efficiencies and promote sustainable event practises in the industry.
AI
AI can help minimise waste and carbon footprints by analysing past data to predict attendance and helping organisers plan for the right quantity of food, materials, and energy. By using smart transportation, AI can recommend eco-friendly transportation options for attendees such as car sharing or public transit routes, as well as finding sustainable event partners and vendors. It can also minor emissions and provide real-time analytics on an event’s environmental impact to help planners make quick adjustments.
IoT
IoT enables interconnected devices to manage resources efficiently during events through IoT-powered sensors and systems. Examples include:
- It can use sensors to monitor and regulate lighting, heating and cooling systems
- Smart bins can track waste levels and separate waste for recycling
- Attendee movement can be monitored to help reduce energy needs
VR
VR can provide immersive experiences without the need to physically travel to them. For example, virtual conferences and exhibitions where attendees can take part in interactive virtual environments. VR is becoming more popular in hybrid and virtual events too, as it allows remote attendees to experience the main aspects of the event. This can help reduce the overall size of the event and therefore the energy consumption.
Conclusion
As technology develops, the way events are planned, executed and evaluated will enable them to become more sustainable. By embracing digital tools and innovations, organisers can help to significantly reduce their carbon footprint, whilst enhancing attendee experience.
