Entertaining and giveaways

Green Giveaways
Environmentally-friendly promotional giveaways and gifts can match eco- (and fair-trade) criteria, and demonstrate the thoughtfulness of the organisation concerned. Examples from the World Wildlife Fund (www.wwf.org.uk). include biodegradable household bags, recycled stationery, plants grown in peat-free compost, and adoption boxes for a range of wild animals. Another source is the online store of the Soil Association (www.naturalcollection.com). For £25 a thoughtful gift can be the purchase of an acre of rainforest, or an acre of corridor forest that enables Indian elephants to roam in safety (www.worldlandtrust.org). Instead of sending cut flowers as a thank-you gesture, a longer term gift could be a donation that helps protect traditional wildflower meadows and the bluebells and blossoms of ancient meadows.

Delegate bags (for conference agendas, programmes, hand-outs etc.) can be made from 100% recycled material. Alternatively, use cotton bags which are re-useable and biodegradable (www.supreme-creations.co.uk). Select an environmentally-aware carrier-bag supplier (e.g. Rose Packaging supports recycling and re-usable packaging, and the planting of trees throughout the world through Tree Aid: www.rosepackaging.co.uk).  

Greener Golf
Golf can be a popular add-on to a business event, but some courses are ‘greener’ than others. Such environmental sensitivity can embrace the use of recycled products (e.g. green waste for composting; recycled plastic for seats and waste bins; processed sand for bunkers – made from recycled glass); and research suggests that players welcome eco-friendly initiatives (www.bigga.co.uk). Important too is the growing use of nature’s own solutions instead of chemical pesticides or fertilisers, and also the computerised use of sprinkler systems to reduce water consumption. Some courses support measures to help wildlife (e.g. with nesting boxes; or allowing the rough to grow wild). A small gesture can be to use biodegradable tees. At De Vere Belton Woods, Grantham, the woodland belonging to the hotel, and close to the golf course, has become a designated nature trail, with varying lengths of walks and interpretation (www.devere.co.uk).

Green Gym
Focusing as much on health as conservation, but with a mission ‘to improve the local environment’ and ‘civic amenity’ is the well-being organisation, Green Gym. Participants get fitter and become more energised, whilst, for example, restoring ancient Downland, fostering rare plants, or constructing dry stone walls. (www.greengym.org.uk). Scope exists to make conference colleagues fitter at the same time as helping the countryside! The Conference People can work alongside to Green Gym to make this a valuable addition to your conference.

A “Legacy” Initiative
A successful business event can be marked with a ‘legacy’ initiative, for example with a corporate donation to a sustainable initiative, or by fund-raising among delegates (possibly with top-ups by the venue, agency, and other suppliers). A local wildlife initiative could be the beneficiary (bats, birds, butterflies, otters, owls etc.), or an overseas project of the kind organised by www.climatecare.org (e.g. protecting the habitat of tigers in India, or chimpanzees in Uganda). Most popular in our work in the Caribbean and Africa is donations to local schools and youth projects. Involving delegates in this and actually meeting the beneficiaries can provide wonderful memories of your event.

Call us now on 01323 644644 or email info@confpeople.co.uk