Over 160+ individuals came out on February 22nd at Lowlands 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.

3:30 - 4:30 pm || Designing More Sustainable & Inclusive Events

+ Ashleyn Przedwiecki, LUUM Collective
+ Megan Dobratz, Native Sustainability
+ Reena Maheshwari, Kahani Events & Design
+ Ryan Kroening, Convening Toward Liberation (Formerly, Events by Lady K)
+ Katie Battis-Troyer, Convening Toward Liberation (Formerly, Claim Our Space)

5:00 - 6:30 pm || Fireside Chats: Sustainability for Vendors

Drop into these quick dives with industry leaders on how they integrate sustainability into their businesses and events including venues, caterers, photographers, and more.

Moderator: Kastina Morris, Kastina & Co + Bigger Picture Solutions
Planners: Michaella Holden, Lucent Blue Events + Design
Caterers: Liz Mullen and Meghan Larsen, Chowgirls Catering
Florists: Ashley Fox, Ashley Fox Designs
Photographers: J Olson Weddings, Jessica Knighton Photography

6:30 - 7:15 pm || Panel: Sustainable Wedding Planning Tips

+Kallan Klassen, Realm Planning
+Cassie Ogren, HoneyHill Weddings
+Marlo Munch, PAIKKA
+Carmen Duerr, The White Room

 

THE MARKETPLACE

5:00 - 8 pm: Open Marketplace

Seasonal Tastings & Locally-Sourced Bites
Sustainability Table Talks with Vendors & Creatives

 
 

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

  • Providing locally sourced, organic, seasonal foods and samples from woman-owned caterers

  • Providing 85% vegan and vegetarian options for menu design

  • 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