Photo by Nylon Saddle
Over 150+ individuals came out on November 16th to Paikka for an exploration of the many ways to make our events more sustainable and socially conscious. The Sustainable Event and Wedding Showcase, welcomed planners and event industry professionals alike to learn more about sustainable and inclusive event design from expert speakers and curation of niche vendors.
All were welcomed, wherever they are on their sustainability journey, to join in taking small actions that when done collectively can lead to powerful change.
Explore the speaker line up and vendor expertise below.
Events for 100 people can produce upwards of 400 pounds of waste. With 2.4 million weddings annually in the US, that adds up to about
1 billion pounds of single-use materials that end up in landfills.
Much of which can be recycled, composted, or reduced with a little intention and planning.
Together we can design the world we want to see!
The Schedule
THE SESSIONS: FOR PLANNERS & INDUSTRY LEADERS
We heard from event industry leaders on how they have incorporated sustainability and social good into their businesses and events.
2 - 3 pm: Perspectives on Sustainable Events
+ Ashleyn Przedwiecki, LUUM Collective
+ Angie Trygg & Marlo Munch, founders of Paikka
+ Heidi Andermack, co-founder of Chowgirls
+ Christine Hoffman, Founder & CEO of TC Flower Exchange
+ Hannah Bohn, Senior Sustainability Specialist at Waste Wise Foundation
3:15 - 4:15 pm: Designing Inclusive and Welcoming Spaces
+ Alec Fisher, Fichr Media
+ Celisia Stanton, Founder at Celisia Stanton Photo
+ Erinn Farrell, Co-founder and Partner at The Coven, Principal at Erinn Farrell Design
+ Mary & Chelsey, Co-founders at Sober Sallys
+ Anna Treimer, Founder at Wildly Connected Photo, LGTBQIA+ advocate
4:15 - 5:30 pm: Industry Networking Hour hosted by Steady Pour
5:30 - 8 pm: Open Marketplace
Seasonal Tastings & Locally-Sourced Bites
Sustainability Table Talks with Vendors & Creatives
Foam-free, seasonal floral design with Kindred Blooms & Minne Floral Co.
Craft Mocktails featuring Steady Pour and Sober Sallys
THE MARKETPLACE
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Chowgirls Catering
Common Roots Catering
Gastro Truck
Root to Rise Kitchen
Amys Cupcake Shoppe
Sober Sallys
SK Coffee
Steady Pour
PHOTOGRAPHY & PRINT
J Olson Photography
Jessica Knighton Photography
Wildly Connected Photo
Smart Set
ATTIRE
The White Room
Saint Strange
VENUE & DECOR
PAIKKA
The Fond Collective
Revelyn
Boho Rental Co.
FLORAL
Minne Floral Co.
Kindred Blooms
JNY Studios
Silk & Stem Collective
PLANNING & DESIGN
LUUM COLLECTIVE
Realm Planning
Kahani Events & Design
Lucent Blue Events
Photo by Sage E Imagery
We highlighted vendors for their unique focus and expertise around sustainability and design.
SENDING PREPARED FOOD TO TABLES, NOT LANDFILLS
In an effort to prioritize accessibility when it comes to sustainability, we’ve made this event a pay-what-you-can model with a suggested donation. Proceeds from the event supported our food rescue program through Meal Connect in partnership with Second Harvest Heartland, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing food waste and hunger.
Photo by Nylon Saddle
Photo by Nylon Saddle
Our Sustainability Commitments.
Through this event we are prioritizing sustainability in the following ways:
Requiring all reusable and compostable materials for food and beverage services
Purchasing locally sourced appetizers from woman-owned business
Providing recycling and organics on-site for vendors + properly labeling for guests
Designed biodegradable nametags and papers
Digital program and minimizing unnecessary printing
Skipping swag bags and giveaway products + providing digital
Encouraging guests and attendees to carpool
Planting One Tree for every in-person attendee through One Tree Planted
Gathering matters because it is through each other that we figure out what we believe.
-Priya Parker