Sustainability in Events: Meydenbauer’s Approach to Sustainable Practices

Kristen Tarbutton

Sustainability has become an important factor in events and gatherings of all sizes. Many people planning an event don’t just look at the aesthetics or technical aspects alone. It is also important to consider the environmental impact of your event, as well as the footprint you leave behind after the last guest heads home. You also need to consider how it affects your vision, from costs to logistics. 

When you choose a sustainability event strategy, you’re refining your efforts to reduce your impact while providing a memorable experience. From corporate conferences to cultural gatherings, the shift is clear. Events that prioritize sustainability tend to resonate more deeply with attendees. They signal the event organizer’s care and a respect for shared resources.

At Meydenbauer Center, we’ve championed sustainability in events by integrating it into our daily operations. Planners can download our Sustainability Toolkit for more information about hosting greener events in our facilities. Through our efforts, we’ve shown how thoughtful choices can support the environment without compromising your event goals. 

Supporting Planners Every Step of the Way

You’re not expected to figure this out alone. One of the strengths of a sustainable venue like Meydenbauer Center is guidance. You can coordinate with our venue team to discuss your event objectives and how you can incorporate sustainability goals.  

Our Sustainability Toolkit guides planners in hosting successful, environmentally-friendly events. From energy efficiency and waste reduction to responsible sourcing, you can make conscious decisions to reduce your event’s impact on the environment. 

Choosing a Venue That Prioritizes Energy Efficiency 

Energy use is often top of mind for event planners who want to host more sustainable gatherings. One of the easiest ways to reduce your event’s environmental impact is to choose a venue that prioritizes energy efficiency.

Look for spaces that use high-efficiency lighting, modern climate control systems, and smart energy monitoring. These work behind the scenes to help reduce energy consumption while keeping guests comfortable and presentations running smoothly. When sustainability is built into the venue itself, you can focus on creating a great event.

 Since 2024, Meydenbauer Center has taken major steps to optimize how our venue uses energy. From improving HVAC efficiency to switching to more sustainable lighting fixtures, we’ve reduced our weather-normalized Energy Usage Index by 24.6 points against our baseline. 

Waste Reduction That Actually Works

Events can generate a lot of waste: program leaflets, single-use signage, catering leftovers – all these can add up fast. A sustainability event plan tackles this head-on.

Meydenbauer Center emphasizes waste reduction through practical steps that don’t disrupt your timeline:

• 🔹Recycling and Compost Stations: Thoughtful waste management helps reduce the amount of material sent to landfills while giving biodegradable items a chance to return to the earth. We’ve installed clearly marked recycling and compost stations throughout the facility. Updated signage makes it easy for guests to sort their waste and compost responsibly during events.
  
  
  
• 🔹Alternative Materials: Reducing printed materials helps cut down event waste. Many organizers share resources, such as schedules and programs, digitally. Our facilities have a stable internet connection, so guests can easily access online materials on their devices. When signage is needed, reusable banners without event-specific details can be repurposed for future events. Recyclable materials like Falconboard and Eaglecell also offer paper-based alternatives to foamcore signage.
  
  

These efforts reduce landfill contributions while keeping your event running smoothly. 

Responsible Sourcing

Another pillar of sustainability in the events industry is sourcing. Where things come from matters. Meydenbauer Center prioritizes partnerships with local and regional vendors whenever possible. We can recommend vendors and suppliers that align with our sustainable efforts. 

Why does this matter to you? Local sourcing reduces transportation emissions and supports the surrounding economy. When your event reflects these values, attendees notice.

For instance, responsible sourcing practices are also reflected in our in-house catering. Our culinary team uses locally sourced ingredients, helping reduce transportation emissions while supporting local businesses. They then transform these ingredients into thoughtfully curated menus catered to your event. 

Designing a Sustainability Event That Still Feels Premium & Enhances Attendee Experience

Sustainable venues don’t limit your vision or how you bring your event to life. Meydenbauer Center proves that sustainability and premium experiences can go hand in hand. 

We collaborate with a network of trusted vendors who share our commitment to sustainable practices. They can help you execute your vision while keeping their environmental impact in mind. This means you don’t have to strip your event of its personality or compromise your vision. We’ve created flexible spaces that let you design an event that feels intentional, down to the smallest details.

Sustainability in events can enhance experience by creating a sense of shared purpose. Guests appreciate transparency and responsibility. They like knowing their presence doesn’t come at an unnecessary cost to the environment.

Small details, like visible recycling efforts or locally sourced catering, spark conversations. They make your event feel thoughtful and current, not stuck in the past.

Where Responsibility Meets Remarkable Events

Sustainability isn’t about checking boxes or following rules. It’s about hosting gatherings that respect people, place, and purpose, all at once. At Meydenbauer Center, our sustainable practices are woven into the experience.

When you choose a sustainable venue, you’re addressing common concerns before they even arise. You’re creating an event that feels relevant, responsible, and genuinely well-considered. And in today’s events landscape, that’s not just appreciated, it’s expected.

Learn more about our sustainability efforts or get in touch with Meydenbauer Center today to plan your next environmentally responsible event. 

FAQs About Sustainability in Events

What makes a venue truly sustainable?

A truly sustainable venue integrates responsible practices into everyday operations. At Meydenbauer Center, we’ve ensured our facility operates with environmentally conscious systems, so planners can host events that are impactful and responsible.

Can sustainability align with corporate branding?

Absolutely. Many organizations value sustainability as part of their brand values. Hosting an event at a venue that shares the same priorities reinforces their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Do attendees really notice sustainability efforts?

They do, especially when those efforts are thoughtfully implemented. From our visible recycling stations to energy-efficient spaces, sustainability is part of the event experience without distracting from the program.