• Choose a location that is close to the majority of attendees, easy to travel to, and has direct flights.
• Select a city that has a good public transport system.
• Opt for a venue that already has sustainable practices in place and has environmental certifications that ensure it is water-efficient, and meets eco heating and air conditioning requirements.
• Find out whether the venue sources electricity from renewable sources.
• If possible, allow attendees to attend the event via videoconferencing.
• Set up a shuttle service to the event, even better, use fuel efficient/ electric vehicles.
• Offer free public transport passes to attendees.
• Recommend taxi companies that have fuel efficient vehicles.
• Offset the outstanding emissions associated with transport with Carbon Neutral.

Catering

• Select catering providers that prepare organic, locally produced food and drinks.
• Choose companies that don’t use a lot of packaging with their products.
• Don’t use disposable cups, plates and cutlery.
• Compost all food waste.
• Arrange for leftover food to be donated to charity.
• Provide plenty of vegetarian food options.
• Instead of providing attendees with bottled water, ensure there are bulk water dispensers or jugs of water at the event.
• Use Fairtrade tea, coffee and chocolate to give growers a better deal.

• Source environmentally responsible accommodations with certifications or green policies set up and provide a list of these to attendees. 
• Recommend accommodation close to the event or close to public transport.

• Consider the environmental credentials of all suppliers and the environmental policies they have in place.
• Ensure that ‘green policies’ are put into supplier contracts so that they follow through with environmental promises.

• Use printers, photocopiers and other office equipment that are ‘energy star’ rated.
• Try to utilise electronic or paperless communication, and for marketing materials that must be printed, use recycled paper and products.
• Register attendees electronically.
• Don’t brand materials with the date - they can be reused at future events.
• Reduce give-aways that may end up in landfill.

• Give exhibitors information on how they can design stands in a sustainable way.
• Provide facilities at the end of the show for recycling and the collection of stand equipment.

• Set up a recycling program for glass, metals, plastic and paper and provide the appropriate bins.
• Create a waste plan that includes who is responsible for disposing of the waste or picking up the goods to be recycled.
• Appoint a Waste Management Co-ordinator.

• If you are providing your attendees with portable toilets, ensure you source them from a company which can supply water efficient toilets and provide recycled toilet paper.

• The event’s website, social media, marketing materials, press releases, signage and publications can all deliver the message.
• Encourage other exhibitors and attendees to take action and offset their emissions – perhaps include an option upon registering or via ticketing.
• Contribute something more personal on attendees behalf – for example, many of our clients like to donate a tree for every attendee.
• Set up a stand or include a presentation to promote environmental initiatives.