6 Lessons Learned on My Journey to Bring Sustainability to the Events Industry

Starting out in public relations and marketing, I always loved events. What began as a passion for crafting unique experiences has evolved into a dedicated mission to make events more sustainable and impactful.

When I founded Analog Events over eight years ago, I set out to challenge the norms of the event industry, transforming a simple idea into a force for change. Today, Analog Events is proud to have achieved its B Corp certification, a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation in every activation we undertake.

The Moment of Decision

The decision to pursue B Corp certification was a turning point for the company. We were already incorporating sustainability into our projects, but the B Corp certification process required us to align every aspect of our business with rigorous social and environmental standards. This was no small feat. We faced numerous challenges, from reevaluating our supply chain practices to ensuring our operations were as eco-friendly as possible.

The process began with a comprehensive assessment of our current practices. Realizing the gap between where we were and where we needed to be was daunting. However, it also provided a clear roadmap for improvement. We engaged our team in brainstorming sessions, fostering a culture of transparency and collective responsibility. The commitment to sustainability had to be ingrained at every level of our organization.

The Hard Truth About Event Waste

One pivotal event that underscored the importance of sustainability was a large-scale red carpet premiere we produced early in our journey. It was a stunning success in terms of engagement and client satisfaction, but when the event ended, we were left with an overwhelming amount of waste. It was a wake-up call. We realized that if we were going to preach sustainability, we had to practice it wholeheartedly.

We began researching sustainable materials and partnered with suppliers who shared our vision. This wasn’t without its challenges. Initially, we faced higher costs and limited availability of eco-friendly options. There were mistakes along the way, such as investing in materials that didn’t meet our quality standards or underestimating the logistics of using sustainable alternatives.

However, these obstacles were invaluable learning experiences. We found that by communicating our sustainability goals to suppliers, we could forge partnerships that yielded innovative solutions. This collaboration extended beyond our immediate network, creating a community of like-minded businesses committed to making a positive impact.

Lessons Learned and Best Practices

1. Start with a Clear Vision

Having a clear, well-articulated vision of sustainability is crucial. That vision acts as a guiding star, helping you make decisions that align with your long-term goals. For us, it was about reducing waste, sourcing ethically, and creating meaningful experiences without compromising on environmental responsibility.

2. Transparency is Key

Be transparent with your team, clients, and stakeholders. It will build trust and foster a culture of accountability. At Analog Events, we made it a priority to communicate our sustainability initiatives and progress, both internally and externally. This transparency not only strengthened our brand but also encouraged others to join us in our efforts.

3. Invest in Education and Training

Sustainability is an evolving field. Continuous education and training for your team are essential. We held regular workshops and invited sustainability experts from MUSE to share their insights. That empowered our team to make informed decisions and stay ahead of industry trends.

4. Build Strong Partnerships

Forge strong partnerships with suppliers, clients, and other stakeholders who share your commitment to sustainability. Collaboration can lead to innovative solutions and cost-saving opportunities. Our partnerships have been instrumental in overcoming challenges and driving our sustainability agenda forward.

5. Measure and Communicate Impact

Regularly measure the impact of your sustainability initiatives and communicate the results. It not only validates your efforts but also provides valuable feedback for improvement. We developed metrics to track our progress and shared these with our clients, demonstrating the tangible benefits of our sustainable practices.

6. Be Prepared for Challenges

Implementing sustainable practices is not without its challenges. Be prepared for setbacks and view them as learning opportunities. Flexibility and adaptability are key. There were times when we had to pivot our strategies or find alternative solutions, but each challenge made us more resilient and innovative.

Integrating sustainability into your business is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for future success. For me, the journey with Analog Events has been filled with challenges, learning curves, and invaluable partnerships. The decision to pursue B Corp certification was a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact. By adopting sustainable practices, we have not only differentiated ourselves in the market but also built genuine connections with our audience.

The path to sustainability is not easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. Together, we can make a difference.

Contributed to EO by Jordan Kaye, an EO Los Angeles member who is the founder and CEO of Analog Events.

For more insights and inspiration from today’s leading entrepreneurs, check out EO on Inc. and more articles from the EO blog.