How Can Event Tech Provide a Greener, More Sustainable Experience?

Associations are working towards a greener future and technology needs to play a central role. A huge part of this will include how digitalisation and climate-related targets can work together to combat the negative impacts of the events.

This is something that ExpoPlatform, as an event tech provider, takes seriously – with its Meetings Make Trees programme helping associations to plant trees to cut their carbon footprint. Thankfully, there is also a host of tech tools that can power sustainable shows, which is increasingly important for brand reputation.

Your starting point should be to create a mobile app for round-the-clock engagement, eliminating the need for printed materials, such as brochures, schedules, and maps. Delegates can access all relevant information on the app, from event agendas and profiles to real-time communication and updates. This significantly reduces the reliance on paperwork in traditional event set-ups, lowering your carbon footprint.

Tools such as a dedicated event website or event app have features to enable delegates to customise their agendas. Users can indicate their preferences, select specific sessions or presentations they would like to attend and mark their preferred time slots. These can be easily updated and communicated in case of any last-minute changes. As a result, you no longer have to use printed schedules while providing a tailored experience that is also more environment-friendly.

Following this theme, digital pre-reads allow associations to avoid printing large quantities of materials. This eliminates the need for physical handouts and again lowers your show’s carbon footprint. Digital pre-reads can be easily updated and customised, creating a more personalised experience.
 

Meanwhile, online registration facilitates electronic check-ins and removes the need for paper-based forms and other materials like ink and envelopes. Participants can register and provide the necessary information digitally – saving time so more delegates can get through the doors quickly. Using an online registration also eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors and excessive paperwork.

Another online feature that eliminates the need for paper is an interactive floor plan. This tool does away with the need for physical maps of the venues, reducing waste. Associations can also reduce the use of printed signage on the conference floor. Additionally, the data collected from the floor plan helps identify bottlenecks and improves traffic flow, helping streamline movement and minimising energy consumption.

One area where event tech can help associations boost green credentials and expand monetisation streams is through online ads and banners. The digital nature of these means they can be edited, repurposed, targeted and utilised repeatedly. Associations don’t have to deal with the production, transportation and disposal of paperbased materials.

Moreover, using event tech to display ads, such as splash screens on apps, provides valuable insights into the audience’s interactions and preferences. Data analytics can provide information on click-through rates, views and engagement levels.

Finally, delegates can provide their input and opinions through digital forms, polls and surveys. This feedback is collected, organised and analysed in real time, enabling quicker insights into attendee satisfaction, preferences and areas for improvement. This not only enhances the efficiency of the feedback management process but also minimises the need for physical paper, printing resources and manual data entry – contributing to a more eco-friendly event.