Five Tips to Being an Event Changemaker
In a world where sustainability and social responsibility are increasingly important, events can be a powerful tool for driving positive change. We have shared how event planners can step up to become changemakers and make a lasting impact:
- Eliminate Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles
- Choose Partners who Share Your Vision
- Educate and Raise Awareness
- Incorporate a Give-Back
- Measure and Share Your Impact
“At Fill it Forward, we believe that events offer a unique opportunity to create experiences that go beyond the ordinary. They have the potential to inspire change, bring communities together, and leave a positive impression on your attendees. We’ve seen firsthand how impactful these events can be when they focus on both people and the planet.” – Matt Wittek, Founder & CEO
Step #1: Eliminate Single-Use Plastic Water Bottles
One of the most effective ways to minimize your event’s environmental footprint is by eliminating single-use plastics. By taking a stand against single-use plastics, you not only reduce waste but also send a powerful message about the importance of sustainability.
- Encourage attendees to bring their reusable water bottles or provide branded alternatives like the customizable Fill it Forward Cupanion Bottles.
- Set up water refill stations to make it easy for participants to stay hydrated without contributing to plastic waste.
Check out how Salesforce diverted over 200,000 single-use plastic water bottles when partnering with Fill it Forward.
Tip #2: Choose Partners who Share Your Vision
By surrounding yourself with like-minded partners, you can amplify the impact of your event and inspire attendees to support businesses that share a commitment to positive change. Collaborate with vendors, sponsors, and organizations that align with your values.
- Look for partners committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
- Work with suppliers who offer compostable, reusable or recyclable materials.
- Partner with suppliers who hold recognized certifications.
Read more about what to look for when sourcing sustainable merchandise here.
Tip #3: Educate and Raise Awareness
By prioritizing education on sustainability, you can cultivate an atmosphere that inspires attendees and empowers them to implement positive changes outside your event. This commitment to awareness helps foster a sense of responsibility, encouraging participants to adopt eco-friendly practices and champion sustainable initiatives.
- Utilize social media campaigns and targeted emails to share tips on sustainability.
- Set up interactive displays to engage attendees and facilitate discussions.
Explore how we worked with PCMA Convening leaders to position their event as a transformative experience, with attendees leaving motivated to contribute to a healthier planet.
Tip #4: Incorporate a Give-Back
Engage your attendees in making a difference by integrating a charitable or community-focused element into your event. Create interactive experiences that allow attendees to contribute easily.
- This could involve partnering with a local charity, offering volunteer opportunities, or allocating a portion of sales to a good cause.
- Fill it Forward’s products can be scanned to give back to custom-giving projects worldwide.
See how HPE Aruba Networking incorporated a give-back component to foster a sense of purpose among attendees and inspire them to continue supporting meaningful causes beyond the event.
Tip #5: Measure and Share Your Impact
Measure your events’ social and environmental impact to celebrate your collective contributions. Transparency builds trust and reinforces your commitment to sustainability. By celebrating successes and learning from challenges, you can continually improve your events and inspire others in the industry to follow suit.
- Track key metrics like waste reduction, carbon footprint, charitable contributions, or attendee participation in sustainability efforts.
- After the event, share these results with attendees and stakeholders, highlighting the positive change they helped create.
Discover how Brother USA and Brandito celebrated their environmental and social impact.
Today’s event organizers have the to bring people together and inspire action that benefits both people and the planet. By embracing forward-thinking approaches, you can create innovative experiences that leave a legacy of positive contributions and foster a shared responsibility among attendees.
Learn more about how other event changemakers are making a difference by partnering with Fill it Forward. Click here to get inspired by their stories of impact.
