In today’s climate-conscious world, businesses must move beyond simple carbon pledges and actively integrate sustainability into every operational layer—including how we manage events. As a committed Salesforce partner, our organization has embraced a sustainable approach to event planning and execution, ensuring that every touchpoint reflects our environmental values.
From reducing waste and energy consumption to promoting digital alternatives and carbon-neutral experiences, our focus on sustainable event management is not just a statement—it’s a responsibility. Here’s how we do it and why it matters.
Why Sustainable Event Management Matters
Corporate events—from summits and webinars to trade shows and workshops—often carry an unseen carbon cost. They generate waste, increase travel-related emissions, and consume vast amounts of paper, plastic, and energy. According to MeetGreen, a typical three-day, 1,000-person conference can produce over 5,670 kg of waste and 530 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
These figures highlight the pressing need to rethink how events are designed and delivered. As a Salesforce ecosystem contributor, we see our events as an opportunity to model what a low-impact, high-engagement experience looks like in practice.
Our Sustainable Event Practices
Here’s a look at the sustainable practices we’ve adopted across physical, hybrid, and virtual events:
1. Virtual First Approach
Whenever feasible, we opt for virtual and hybrid formats to drastically reduce carbon emissions related to travel, accommodations, and venue energy usage. Our online event platforms are optimized for accessibility, interactivity, and scale—allowing global participation with minimal environmental impact.
2. Paperless Events
We’ve gone completely paper-free in our event execution. Agendas, tickets, brochures, and feedback forms are all digital—delivered through email, QR codes, mobile apps, or the event platform itself. Not only does this cut down on paper waste, but it also streamlines data collection and analysis.
3. Eco-Conscious Venues
For in-person gatherings, we prioritize green-certified venues that demonstrate energy efficiency, proper waste segregation, LED lighting, and renewable energy usage. We also choose locations easily accessible by public transport to minimize car travel.
4. Waste Reduction Strategy
We avoid single-use plastics entirely. Our partners and vendors are briefed on our sustainability policies, and we provide reusable name badges, compostable utensils, and bulk water dispensers instead of plastic bottles. Signage is made from recyclable or rented materials.
5. Sustainable Giveaways
Instead of generic plastic swag, we provide eco-conscious giveaways like seed-paper notebooks, bamboo pens, or donation vouchers to environmental NGOs—offering lasting value while reinforcing our sustainability mission.
6. Catering with a Conscience
Catering is sourced from local suppliers who use seasonal produce and offer plant-based meal options. We also partner with food rescue programs to donate leftovers to local charities instead of letting them go to waste.
7. Carbon Offset Integration
For every event, we calculate our carbon footprint using tools like Salesforce Net Zero Cloud or external partners. We then invest in certified carbon offset projects, including afforestation and renewable energy, to neutralize the remaining impact.
Measurable Impact
We’ve started integrating sustainability metrics into our post-event analytics. Here are just a few tangible outcomes from our recent events:
- Saved over 25,000 sheets of paper across 6 events by going digital.
- Prevented the use of 3,500+ single-use plastic items through reusable alternatives.
- Reduced estimated CO2 emissions by over 70% through hybrid event adoption.
- Donated 400+ meals through post-event food recovery partnerships.
Educating Attendees and Partners
Sustainability is a collective effort. During each event, we make it a point to educate attendees about the sustainability steps we’ve taken and how they can contribute—whether it’s by carpooling, using reusable bottles, or simply switching off their devices during breaks.
We also extend these principles to our event partners, sponsors, and vendors, ensuring they’re aligned with our green objectives.
What’s Next?
As the demand for environmentally conscious business practices grows, we continue to innovate and evolve. Our roadmap includes:
- Embedding AI to optimize virtual energy loads and attendee time zones
- Deep integration with Salesforce Net Zero Cloud for smarter emissions tracking
- Creating sustainability certifications for our hosted events
- Offering carbon-neutral sponsorships for brands
We believe sustainable event management isn’t just a best practice—it’s the future of responsible business.
Final Thoughts
Being a Salesforce partner means holding ourselves to a higher standard of innovation and responsibility. Through thoughtful event planning, transparent reporting, and long-term green strategies, we’re helping shape a future where events leave a lasting impression—on people, not the planet.
By embedding sustainability at the core of our events, we not only reduce our ecological footprint but also inspire others in the Salesforce community and beyond to follow suit. Because when we build better events, we build a better world.
