On March 18th, hundreds of event industry professionals and creatives gathered to celebrate the 3rd annual Cultivate: A Sustainable Event and Wedding Showcase. All were welcome to join in the conversation about sustainable and inclusive event design from expert speakers and curation of niche vendors.

Explore the speaker line-up and vendor expertise below.

  • The annual carbon footprint for the global event industry is the same as the Green House Gas emissions of the entire United States!

    Nature Communications, 2021

  • About 15–20% of food served at events goes to waste while 1 in 7 families nationwide struggle with hunger.

    Lime Venue Portfolio, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

  • Almost one-quarter of swag items are thrown away immediately after the event.

    Advertising Specialty Institute

  • The average wedding produces around 400 pounds of trash.

    Green Bride Guide

  • 62% of event attendees said that clearly marking recycling receptacles would make them feel like event organizers are committed to making an event sustainable.

    Eventbrite Trends

  • Swapping out a daily serving of beef for anything else – including white meat – slashes a menu item’s carbon footprint by half.

    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

The Schedule

THE SESSIONS: FOR PLANNERS & INDUSTRY LEADERS

We heard from event industry leaders on how they have incorporated sustainability and inclusivity into their businesses and events.

2:15 - 3:30 || Taking Action on Sustainability & Inclusivity in Events

+ Catherine Eckert, Gastrotruck and The Luminare
+ Heidi Andermack, Chowgirls Catering
+ Hannah Ampe, Minne Floral Co.
+ Jessica Knighton, Jessica Knighton Photography
+ Tiffany Dismuke, Queerly Beloved Events
Moderated by Ashleyn Przedwiecki, LUUM Collective

After the conversation, attendees broke out for deeper discussion and talkbacks with speakers and one another.

3:45 - 5 pm || The Art of Waste: What Every Business Can Do to Build a Sustainable Future

One of the most impactful approaches to a sustainable event includes reducing and managing waste. We know that waste can be confusing, so we invited expert Hannah Jenkins for a quick 101 on all things waste. Followed by industry leaders sharing how reducing waste can be a part of your business and event no matter your role.

Speakers:
Presenter: Hannah Jenkins, North Star Sustainability
+ Liz Mullen, Chowgirls Catering
+ Catherine Eckert, Gastrotruck and The Luminare
+ Megan Barker, The Tiny Florist
+ Michaella Holden, Lucent Blue Events + Design
+ Kevin Brown, Smart Set Inc. Print Shop

THE MARKETPLACE

5:30 - 7:30 pm: Open Marketplace & Table Talks

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

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Photo by Mr Bernt

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 75% 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