Client Success Story
Marriott Association Masters Brings Reuse to Life with the Build & Give Experience
At the Marriott Association Masters, sustainability took center stage through the Build & Give Activation experience by Fill it Forward. Rather than offering a standard event giveaway, Marriott invited attendees to create something unique, interactive, and impactful: a personalized Cupanion Bottle designed to be reused long after the event ended.
Guests were guided through a fun customization process where they could choose from a variety of lid colors, decorate with stickers, and add a convenient bottle clip. This hands-on experience turned the bottle into more than just a reusable product—it became a reflection of each attendee’s style and a memorable part of their conference journey. They also loved comparing their designs, sharing photos, and leaving with a product they felt proud to carry.
Before leaving the activation, attendees were also encouraged to give back by scanning their bottles and supporting a charitable project in their local community.
Making Reuse Engaging and Impactful
Each Cupanion Bottle was equipped with a Fill it Forward Tag, transforming a simple reuse into an act of giving. Guests were encouraged to scan their tags throughout the event, unlocking charitable donations that supported one of Fill it Forward’s nine global giving partners. These organizations provide life-changing resources such as clean water, sanitation, education, and ocean cleanup projects worldwide.
Through the Fill it Forward app, attendees could also track their environmental footprint, from the number of single-use plastic bottles they diverted from landfills to the emissions and water saved. This combination of digital engagement and real-world impact allowed participants to see how small, everyday actions can add up to meaningful change.
Why Associations Love Activations That Give Back
Because the Marriott Association Masters brings together association executives and event planners from across the country, the Build & Give Activation resonated deeply with this audience. Attendees saw firsthand how easy it is to introduce sustainability into meetings, conferences, and member gatherings in a way that is both engaging and impactful.
Instead of simply talking about sustainability, participants experienced it in action. They left with a new perspective on how simple, reusable products paired with digital tools can help associations reduce event waste, enhance member engagement, and demonstrate leadership in corporate social responsibility.
Aligning with Marriott’s Sustainability Commitment
For Marriott, hosting the Build & Give was a natural extension of their ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and reusability through their Serve 360 initiative: creating positive and sustainable impact wherever they do business. By weaving sustainability into an event experience, Marriott demonstrated that eco-conscious initiatives don’t have to be passive—they can be interactive, enjoyable, and memorable.
The activation highlighted Marriott’s leadership in driving forward creative sustainability solutions. Instead of handing out disposable products or traditional swag, the organization provided something that guests would not only use during the event but would also reuse again and again. This helps to carry Marriott’s message of sustainability beyond the walls of the conference.
Lasting Value Beyond the Event
The Build & Give Activation experience left attendees with more than just a bottle. It gave them a story to share, a habit to continue, and a tool to reduce waste in their daily lives. Every reuse moving forward contributes to positive global change and reinforces Marriott’s role in fostering responsible, sustainable practices in the hospitality and events industry.
By combining customization, digital engagement, and measurable impact, the Marriott Association Masters proved that sustainability initiatives can be both practical and inspiring. Guests walked away with a product they loved, memories of a fun and engaging experience, and the knowledge that their choices made a difference for people and the planet.
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