How Can Conferences Be More Sustainable?: Part One

Published on:

December 11, 2023

Published in:

Part One, Sustainability

Each week, we delve into the realm of artificial intelligence, posing one burning question to three prominent AI programs about the dynamic event industry.

We’ve asked three prominent AI programs—ChatGPT by Open AI, Bard from Google, and Bing’s Co-Pilot—our question for this week:

How Can Conferences Be More Sustainable?

First, here’s what ChatGPT had to say:

Conferences can be made more sustainable by implementing various strategies and practices that reduce their environmental and social impact. Here are some ways to make conferences more sustainable:

  1. Choose eco-friendly venues: Select conference venues that have strong sustainability practices in place, such as LEED-certified buildings or those with renewable energy sources. Consider locations accessible by public transportation to reduce attendees’ reliance on individual cars.
  2. Reduce waste: Minimize paper usage by providing electronic materials, name badges, and schedules. Encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles and provide water refill stations to reduce plastic bottle waste. Implement a comprehensive recycling and composting program.
  3. Sustainable catering: Choose caterers that source local, organic, and sustainably produced food. Offer vegetarian and vegan options, which have a lower environmental impact. Avoid single-use plastics and disposable utensils.
  4. Carbon offsetting: Calculate the conference’s carbon footprint and invest in projects that offset the emissions, such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.
  5. Energy-efficient technology: Use energy-efficient lighting and AV equipment. Encourage speakers to use digital presentations and limit the use of printed materials.
  6. Transportation options: Promote carpooling, biking, walking, and public transportation options for attendees. Consider providing shuttle services from transportation hubs.
  7. Virtual or hybrid options: Offer virtual attendance options for those who cannot travel to the conference. Hybrid events that combine in-person and virtual components can reduce the carbon footprint and make the conference more accessible.
  8. Sustainable materials and swag: Choose eco-friendly promotional materials and swag items, or consider skipping them altogether. If giveaways are necessary, opt for items like reusable bags, bamboo or recycled pens, or plantable seed paper.
  9. Reduce water usage: Implement water-saving measures in the conference facilities, such as low-flow toilets and faucets. Encourage attendees to use water wisely.
  10. Engage local communities: Partner with local organizations and businesses to support the community where the conference is held. This can include sourcing products and services locally and involving community members in the event.
  11. Green transportation for speakers and organizers: Arrange eco-friendly transportation for keynote speakers and conference organizers, such as electric or hybrid vehicles.
  12. Sustainable event promotion: Use digital marketing and social media to promote the conference, reducing the need for printed promotional materials.
  13. Waste reduction and recycling: Implement a robust waste reduction and recycling program, including clearly marked recycling bins and signage to encourage proper disposal.
  14. Sustainable accommodations: Encourage attendees to stay in eco-friendly hotels or accommodations with green certification programs.
  15. Education and engagement: Raise awareness about sustainability among attendees through workshops, sessions, or information booths. Encourage them to adopt sustainable practices during and after the conference.
  16. Measurement and reporting: Track and measure the environmental and social impact of the conference, and report on sustainability initiatives and achievements. Share this information with attendees and stakeholders.

By implementing these practices, conferences can significantly reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. It’s essential for event organizers, sponsors, and attendees to collaborate in making these changes for a more sustainable conference experience.

If you’d like to learn more about how to make the most out of your event, reach out to us at customerservice@tpni.com for a customized consultation!

Don’t forget to come back later this week for Part Two and Part Three! We’ll be sharing what the other two AI programs had to say in response to this week’s question.