At i3 Events, we know that putting on a great event means more than creating memorable moments—it means taking responsibility for how our choices impact the planet and our communities. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for practical, actionable strategies to help planners meet their sustainability goals. And thanks to The Sustainable Event Guide – 2025 from our industry friends at Event Planner News, we’ve got a powerful new resource to share.
Full credit to Adam and the team for creating the guide. This is a must-read if you plan meetings, conferences, or any gathering.
A Quick Personal Note on Green Meetings
Before we dig into the guide, a quick bit of context: sustainability in the events industry isn’t new. I (Keith, the voice behind Plannerwire and co-founder of i3 Events) have been talking about the importance of green meetings for a long time. One of my earliest posts on the topic—Don’t Fall for Greenwashing—dates back to 2011 and called out the dangers of performative sustainability in our industry. You can read it here.
Back then, it was about raising awareness. Today, it’s about raising the bar.
1. Green Is the New Baseline
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore. With rising expectations from attendees, tighter regulations, and a global shift toward climate responsibility, eco-conscious planning has become a core competency for today’s event pros. The 2025 guide offers a detailed breakdown of how to implement greener practices across venues, food service, AV, decor, and even transportation.
2. Small Changes, Big Impact
From choosing locally sourced, plant-forward menus to using modular, reusable stage elements, the guide shows that you don’t have to overhaul everything to make a difference. It’s about progress, not perfection—and integrating sustainability into every stage of planning.
3. Rethinking Swag and Gifting
One of our favorite sections is the guide’s fresh take on zero-waste gifting. Forget the landfill-bound tchotchkes. Think reusable items, locally made goods, or better yet, experiences. Curated, meaningful gifts that reflect your organization’s values can deepen attendee engagement and reduce waste.
4. Community Matters
Truly sustainable events don’t just reduce harm, they actively do good. That could mean partnering with local nonprofits, hiring vendors from underrepresented communities, or choosing venues committed to ethical practices and environmental stewardship.
5. Measurement Is Motivation
Tools like TRACE, BOSS, and the onboard:earth carbon calculator are highlighted in the guide to help planners track, report, and reduce their events’ environmental footprints. Because what gets measured gets improved, and clients are increasingly asking for the data.
Looking Ahead
Sustainable event planning isn’t about sacrificing quality. It’s about elevating experiences while leaving a lighter footprint—and making every event an opportunity to lead by example.
It is cool that Adam and the entire team behind the 2025 Sustainable Event Guide took the time to create such a practical, forward-thinking playbook.
At i3 Events, we’ve been championing sustainability long before it became a headline issue—and we’re ready to help you put meaningful strategies into action. Let’s build events that are unforgettable and undeniably green.