Plan a Sustainable Meeting
in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
Sustainability in some form is not just encouraged in the meeting space; it's expected. Whether you meet along Alabama's Beaches or beyond, learn how to take simple steps toward hosting more environmentally conscious meetings.
How to Plan a Sustainable Meeting
Go Paperless
Go Paperless
Digital is key here. Many groups opt for conference apps and digital agendas, significantly reducing the paper needed to produce any size meeting, conference or convention.
Choose Green Venues (or Venues Practicing Sustainability)
Choose Green Venues (or Venues Practicing Sustainability)
Many newer builds incorporate sustainable practices and vie for environmental certifications, but more established properties have upped the ante, too. Along Alabama's Beaches, The Lodge at Gulf State Park was built with ecotourism and sustainability in mind, holding LEED Gold, SITES Platinum and FORTIFIED Commercial certifications. Perdido Beach Resort maintains a large-scale recycling program and has a leading in-house culinary team dedicated to highlighting locally sourced ingredients.
Offer Virtual Options
Offer Virtual Options
While in-person opportunities reign supreme in a post-COVID meetings world, consider a virtual component for those who cannot travel but could benefit from the programming by streaming or recording sessions. Planners can still charge for streaming or recorded access, giving an additional boost to the budget.
Minimize Travel
Minimize Travel
Regional meetings like state associations often host conferences within driving distance, cutting down on carbon emissions. For those who can't avoid air travel to a destination meeting, you can do little things during your meeting to reduce emissions, too! Choose carpooling, biking, walking, and public transportation to explore the area.
Choose Reusable or Compostable Supplies
Choose Reusable or Compostable Supplies
Eliminating individually wrapped items and focusing on buffet and/or plated meals using reusable serving pieces is a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste. Some venues and caterers may offer compostable plates and cutlery for quick grab-and-go meals or boxed lunches.
Serve Sustainable Food Options
Serve Sustainable Food Options
Sustainable food doesn't have to be "blah" or break the bank. Work with your venue to serve local and seasonal items to reduce the carbon footprint of food delivery/service and promote local cuisine.
Reduce Energy Use
Reduce Energy Use
Using natural light and turning off equipment when not in use are simple solutions to conserve energy during meetings and events.
Communicate Sustainability Goals
Communicate Sustainability Goals
Share with attendees before and during the meeting about green initiatives. Whether planning a CSR project in the destination or going paperless, ensure attendees are well aware.
Provide Recycling Stations
Provide Recycling Stations
Properly labeled and placed recycling stations help attendees keep recycling and reducing waste at the forefront of their minds. Some venues may already have processes in place, but see how you can meaningfully promote this practice to attendees.
Track & Share the Impact
Track & Share the Impact
Don't be shy; share your results! Measure waste reduction (like going paperless) and attendee involvement in your sustainability initiatives. A little goes a long way, so share the impact.
Plan Your Next Meeting on Alabama's Beaches
Our best advice when you don't know where to start? Start small. Work with destination marketing organizations to use free digital resources, such as our Meeting Planner Marketing Toolkit. By using digital resources and incorporating sustainable practices, your meeting will stand out and give attendees something to talk about.
Ally Dorrough
As Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events Communications & Marketing Manager, Ally is our guru on all things within the sports destination and conventions and meetings world.
