Sustainability in event production and management

Events are used to connect people from a range of locations, launch new ideas, celebrate achievements, and discuss important findings. Having seen how effectively they can communicate a message, the events industry is looking for ways to do this bigger, bolder and better.

Despite the intricacy and scope of modern production, our pledge to host sustainable events remains the same. It’s essential for good management and creating unforgettable experiences that don’t leave a negative stamp on the environment.

This blog outlines the importance of sustainable event production and management, why picking a sustainable event partner is a good reflection of your brand, and how TechPro prioritise green across every technical aspect we deliver.

The growing demand for eco-friendly events

Naturally, the live events industry leaves a much larger environmental footprint than virtual or hybrid events. International travel, energy consumption, and material use are all resources required to stage even a single large-scale conference. But as attendees and stakeholders become more environmentally conscious, they expect the events they participate in to reflect their values.

Ignoring this isn’t just a missed opportunity, but something that could impose risk to brand reputation if expectations aren’t met. Embracing eco-friendly events is a proactive strategy that works to address real world challenges relating to climate change, resource scarcity, and regulatory pressure.

By adopting greener practices, event planners and their partners, like us, can future-proof their operations, innovate their delivery, and build a brand that openly takes environmental responsibility.

How to organise a sustainable event

In the world of events, true sustainability is built on three core themes: environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability.

A production strategy done well balances all three, minimising the ecological footprint by reducing waste, conserving water, and cutting carbon emissions. It also promotes social good by supporting local communities, ensuring accessibility, and creating an atmosphere that is positive and inclusive.

There is a common misconception that going green is expensive, but it’s known to have the opposite effect. Efficient resource management, reduced energy use, and minimal waste can lead to significant cost savings when implemented from the start of the strategy.

It’s all about getting into the habit of thinking sustainably and embedding this into the foundation of the event’s design and execution. It can’t be an afterthought or attempted halfheartedly, otherwise it won’t reach its full potential.

TechPro’s commitment to sustainable practices

As a technical event production partner, we are in a unique position to influence an event’s environmental impact. The equipment we specify, the logistics we plan, and the solutions we design all have consequences.

TechPro take this responsibility seriously, shaping our entire approach around the delivery of flawless technical production whilst minimising environmental impact. We constantly evaluate our processes to ensure we are compliant with the latest protocol, and so our clients trust us to deliver results that are responsibly operated. This is how we do it:

Smarter logistics and greener packaging

Logistics underpin any live event, but they can also be a major contributor to carbon emissions and waste. Our sustainability begins in our warehouse, where we meticulously prepare and pack equipment in our custom, reusable flight cases. This has virtually eliminated the need for single-use packaging like shrink wrap and cardboard.

Our logistical planning also includes transport, in which we optimise delivery routes to reduce fuel consumption and consolidate shipments where possible. For events across the UK and Europe, this careful planning makes a huge difference to an event’s overall carbon footprint.

Setting aside some time for research and planning ensures the journey we take to your venue is as sustainable as the technology we deploy.

Virtual and hybrid events

Possibly the most significant step towards sustainable event management has been the rise of virtual and hybrid formats. By allowing attendees to participate remotely, these events drastically reduce the carbon emissions associated with travel, accommodation, and venue consumption.

TechPro were an early adopter of these technologies, recognising their potential not just for accessibility, but for sustainability. The solutions we provide create equally engaging and seamless experiences for in-person and remote audiences – this case study being an example of how we helped a client transition their annual conference to a virtual format.

From experience, engagement levels are still high despite the event not being in person. This is because we don’t try to replace live events, but instead provide flexible, sustainable alternatives that meet the needs of our clients and the environment.

Investing in energy-efficient technology

The audio-visual industry is known for its power-hungry equipment. However, technology is constantly adapting, and we are making a conscious effort to invest in the most energy-efficient solutions on the market.

Modern LED lighting, for example, consumes significantly less power than traditional Tungsten fixtures, without compromising on brightness or quality. In the same way, newer projectors and sound systems are designed for lower power draw.

Our warehouse is filled with state-of-the-art equipment, selected for its performance as much as its efficiency. Specifying energy-conscious technology during the AV design phase helps our clients reduce their event’s overall power requirements. This helps lower energy bills for the venue and produce a smaller carbon footprint for the event, demonstrating that high-quality production and sustainability can coexist.

Your event partner for a sustainable future is here

Choosing the right partner to support your event is a crucial decision – and that’s becoming even more important sustainably speaking. A team that shares your vision and has the expertise to execute it sets your event up for optimum performance.

We want our clients to see us as an extension of their team, working collaboratively to find the most effective and eco-friendly solutions. Our advice on how to make your technical production greener is transparent, whether that means you need smarter equipment, better logistics, or a different event format.

Partnering with TechPro positions your business not only as a supporter of sustainability, but as a brand who is actively contributing to a more environmentally sound future. Our team is here to help you through every stage of the event process, ensuring impact isn’t lost when adapting to this new era of events.