Getting Ready for 2026 and Setting Our Baseline for Carbon Reductions At ConferenceDirect we committed to the SME Climate Hub for a 30% reduction in our carbon footprint by 2030.  Next year is going to be when we establish our baseline to measure our carbon footprint.  Committing to the SME Climate Hub is a public pledge to cut your company’s carbon footprint in line with climate science. But what does that commitment actually require? Here are the key actions every person/company should look at when committing to something like the SME Climate Hub: 1. Measure Your Carbon Footprint Establish a baseline by measuring Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions using a GHG Protocol–aligned tool. Recalculate emissions annually to track progress. 2. Set Science-Aligned Targets Establish you goals.  IE:  Commit to reducing absolute emissions 30% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050 . These targets must be leadership-approved and publicly visible. 3. Create a Credible R...

Frequently, when I talk with customers about implementing sustainable practices in their meetings and events, they aren’t sure where to begin. My advice is always simple: just get started ! Here are a few quick action items every planner can follow: Go Paperless – Replace printed programs, handouts, and signage with event apps, QR codes, and digital agendas. Choose a Green Venue – Look for hotels or conference centers with sustainability certifications (LEED, Green Key, etc.) and ask about recycling, renewable energy, and water conservation. The Event Industry Council’s RFP template is a great resource. Sustainable Food & Beverage – Partner with caterers to source local, seasonal ingredients, offer more plant-based options, and minimize single-use plastics. Sit down with the chef and get creative! Reduce Waste – Aim to eliminate paper products where possible. Use reusable name badges, provide water refill stations instead of bottled water, and donate leftover food to...

  Let’s Talk Trash (The Good Kind): Why Composting at Your Event is a Big Deal   Less Trash, More Impact Your leftover pizza crusts, half-eaten bagels, and napkins don’t belong in a landfill. Composting turns them into black gold (aka nutrient-rich soil) instead of stinky methane bombs. Boom—climate win! Feed the Earth, Not the Dump That fresh fruit bowl? It could help grow more apples. Composting returns your scraps to the soil, making it healthier and happier— kind of like a spa day for Mother Earth . Shrinks Your Carbon Buttprint Landfills = methane. Composting = fresh air and better karma. Reduce greenhouse gases and feel good knowing your event didn’t just talk green—it walked the green walk . Grows Green Habits When people see compost bins, they think: “Hey, maybe I should do this at home!” One event = thousands of aha moments. It’s eco-education disguised as a trash can.   Make sure to share this information with your attendees! The Cool Kids Are...

  GOOD IDEAS FOR SUSTAINABLE  CATERED EVENT Creating a sustainable menu begins with thoughtful planning and open communication with your venue or caterer. Many meeting professionals assume that sustainable banquet menus will be more expensive—but that’s often not the case. In fact, sustainable choices can be both budget-friendly and impactful. Encourage your hotel or venue to be creative and resourceful. With the right approach, you can craft a menu that is environmentally responsible, cost-effective, and memorable for attendees.  Below are some good ideas to integrate into your menu/planning. 🥗 Sustainable Food Recommendations   Plant-Based Main Dishes (Lower Carbon Footprint) Grilled vegetable skewers with herb-infused olive oil Chickpea or lentil curry with brown rice Stuffed portobello mushrooms with quinoa and spinach Black bean  burgers with whole grain buns  Sustainable Sides Seasonal salad bar with local greens, grains (like farro), and roast...

  Things to Think About When Buying an Electric Car (In regards to Sustainability) I recently bought an electric car. At first, I was mostly focused on how far it could go on a charge. But then I realized there were other important things to consider—like sustainability and how the car is made. After looking into it more, I ended up going with the Volvo EX30. 1. What’s in the battery? EV batteries use stuff like lithium and cobalt, which can be pretty rough on the planet (and people) to mine. Look into brands that get these materials responsibly and have a plan to recycle old batteries. 2. How are you charging it? If you’re plugging into clean energy (like solar or a green electricity plan), that’s awesome. If your electricity still comes mostly from coal, the EV isn’t as green as it could be. 3. How was the car made? Some car companies are doing a better job than others at using recycled materials and cutting emissions during production. It’s worth checking if the car is ...

  Top 5 Ways to Recycle ♻️ Saving the planet doesn’t have to be complicated. Try these: 1️⃣ Blue Bin It Right – Clean cans, bottles, paper. No greasy pizza boxes! 2️⃣ Compost It – Food scraps + yard stuff = plant magic 🌱 3️⃣ E-Waste Drop-Off – Old phones & cables? Recycle 'em properly. 4️⃣ Upcycle Vibes – Turn jars, tees & more into cool DIYs 🧵 5️⃣ Donate, Don’t Dump – Clothes, books, furniture = someone else’s treasure. 🌍 Small moves = big impact. #RecycleRight #EcoTips #SustainableLiving