Sustainable Events in 2025: A Practical Guide for Corporate Planners

grace2563
55 minutes ago
2 min read

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a priority for many of our clients. That means it’s time to rethink how events are planned, delivered, and measured.

Whether you’re managing a leadership offsite, an incentive trip, or an annual conference, making your event more sustainable is no longer just “nice to have”, it’s expected. It’s also easier (and often cheaper) than you might think!

Here’s a practical guide to planning greener events in 2025, without sacrificing experience, impact, or budget.

The Venue
The venue can make or break your sustainability efforts. Look for places with green certifications (like ISO 20121 or B Corp), strong recycling programs, energy-efficient systems, and a commitment to sustainable practices.
Ask about:
- Local sourcing for food and materials
- Energy usage and carbon offsetting programs
- Accessibility by public transport
If they can’t answer these questions confidently, it might be time to keep looking.
Go Digital Where It Counts
You don’t have to print 300 glossy programs anymore. In fact, your attendees probably prefer a sleek event app or digital agenda.
Here’s what to digitise:
- Agendas and maps
- Name badges (QR codes)
- Feedback surveys and registration
Digital tools give you better data to measure ROI and impact later on.
Rethink Catering
Catering is one of the biggest sources of waste at corporate events. Small tweaks can have a huge impact:
- Opt for local, seasonal menus
- Reduce single-use packaging
- Offer plant-forward meals (meatless doesn’t mean joyless!)
- Partner with food recovery programs for leftovers
Ask caterers about composting and recycling policies, they should have answers ready.
Make Swag Smarter
Let’s be honest; no one really needs another branded stress ball or pen.
Instead of giving out throwaway swag, consider:
- Digital gift cards
- Charitable donations in attendees’ names
- Useful, eco-conscious items like reusable bottles or bamboo tech accessories
If you do go physical, think local and low-waste.
Measure What Matters
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Track the sustainability impact of your event
with simple metrics:
- Carbon footprint (ask Chew for vendors who can help you calculate this)
- Waste diverted from landfill
- Digital vs. printed materials
- Attendee transport methods
More and more companies are including these stats in annual ESG reports, help your stakeholders tell a stronger story.

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. The most impactful changes often start with one or two smart shifts. Whether it’s cutting down on printing or switching to compostable items, each decision adds up.

The key is to start early, work with the right partners, and keep your team (and attendees!) in the loop.

Ready to plan greener? If you need a hand getting started, the team at Chew is here to help you bring sustainability to life in a way that’s practical, creative, and tailored to your event goals.