Guides & Tools

Sustainable events require collaboration, knowledge, and action. Below, you’ll find key resources to help you implement sustainability strategies in the events industry.

• Dr. Renée Lertzman addressed climate anxiety, including grief over current losses or anticipated changes.
• Alyah Salma Kanso explored how emotions can help us connect with diverse stakeholders, show up authentically, and lead with impact.
• Marley Finnegan walked us through how her team successfully prioritized and reframed high-carbon-emitting practices at the Democratic National Convention.

Sustainability Guides & Standards
GO ROGUE: A Supplier Diversity Mandate – Inspired by the SFSE Leadership Series and authored by Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton, this mandate explores the importance of supplier diversity in the events industry.

Events Industry Council (EIC) Principles of Event Sustainability (PDF Download) – A foundational framework outlining sustainability principles for events, covering environmental, social, and economic responsibility.

Global Sustainability Initiatives & Tools
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – A global blueprint for sustainability, the 17 SDGs serve as a guiding framework for the event industry to contribute to environmental and social responsibility.

MeetGreen – A sustainable event management agency that helps organizations plan events that are both environmentally responsible and aligned with their broader business goals.

Cool Effect – A nonprofit organization that helps individuals and businesses offset carbon emissions by supporting high-quality carbon reduction projects.

Industry-Specific Sustainability Organizations
Clean the World – A global organization dedicated to reducing waste in the hospitality industry by repurposing discarded soap and plastic amenities for communities in need.

Zero Foodprint – Zero Foodprint is a 501(c)(3) organization that collaborates with restaurants and other food businesses to create climate-beneficial food systems by funding regenerative farming practices.

San Francisco Environment Department (SF Environment) – A department within the City and County of San Francisco that promotes climate protection and improves quality of life through policies and programs focused on zero waste, clean energy, sustainable transportation, environmental justice, and urban greening.

Thought Leadership & Articles
“Admit It: The Events Industry Is Missing the Mark on Sustainability” – Written by Chance Thompson and Paul Salinger, this article examines the current gaps in sustainability efforts within the events industry and provides recommendations for making meaningful progress.