To plan a sustainable event in the UK, set clear green goals, use energy-efficient AV tech like LED video walls, reduce paper, pick venues with strong eco credentials, encourage sustainable travel, and measure your impact.
From trade shows in London’s ExCeL to exhibitions at Birmingham’s NEC and conferences across Manchester, organisers are under growing pressure to deliver unforgettable events without leaving behind an environmental hangover. Attendees want better choices, sponsors demand accountability, and the UK events industry itself is embracing greener standards.
“VIBE Founder Valerie Bihet says, Sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a responsibility.”
Based on industry experience and UK event trends, here are six practical tips to plan a sustainable event.
1. Set Measurable Sustainability Goals
Decide what “sustainable” means for your event and set targets you can measure.
Every sustainable event begins with a definition. What does “green” mean for you? And how will you prove it? Without targets, sustainability is just a word. With targets, it’s a plan.
Do you want to reduce single-use plastics by 70%? Cut energy consumption by 30%? Go fully paperless? Each goal becomes a north star for your team, your suppliers, and your sponsors.
Take London: a financial conference might choose to eliminate printed programmes and go all-digital. In Birmingham, a large exhibition may focus on food waste reduction through smarter catering and composting.
Start with KPIs. Share them widely. When you make them public, you create accountability. And accountability builds trust.
2. Pick Venues And AV With Strong Green Credentials
Choose venues with environmental policies and pair them with reusable, energy-efficient AV solutions.
UK venues are stepping up. Manchester Central is powered by renewable energy. ExCeL London runs low-carbon catering. Recycling points are becoming standard. By choosing a venue with a proven sustainability policy, you gain a partner, not just a space. AV is the other half of the picture. Too many events still rely on single-use banners, temporary staging, and printed backdrops that end up in a skip.
LED video walls solve all that. They’re reusable, scalable, and energy-efficient. Content updates in seconds without reprints. For trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences, they deliver high impact with a fraction of the footprint.
Looking for eco-friendly AV? LED Video Wall Hire helps UK organisers cut out waste-heavy staging with flexible, sustainable LED solutions.
3. Minimise Print And Paper
Use apps, QR codes, and LED screens instead of printed schedules and signage.
Printing feels familiar. But in sustainability terms, it’s a silent culprit. Modern audiences are comfortable without it. They expect QR codes for speaker bios. They’re used to mobile apps for schedules. They prefer LED screens for updates.
The benefits are clear:
- Less waste.
- Lower costs.
- More flexibility.
Instead of thousands of brochures gathering dust, exhibitors can share digital catalogues; instead of reprinting programmes when the schedule shifts, organisers can update apps or LED walls in seconds.
Digital signage isn’t just efficient; it adds impact. A bright, dynamic LED screen communicates urgency, excitement, and authority in a way no poster can. And when the event ends, there’s no pile of paper headed for landfill.
4. Encourage Sustainable Travel And Hybrid Access
Make it easy for guests to use trains, buses, or virtual options.
Transport is the single largest source of emissions for most UK events. Tackle it head-on.
Choose locations with strong public transport links. London’s King’s Cross, Birmingham’s New Street, and Manchester’s Piccadilly all make the train the easy, obvious option.
Add incentives where you can: shuttle buses, bike racks, discounts for rail tickets.
And don’t overlook hybrid access. Not every delegate has to attend in person. Broadcasting sessions online or to satellite venues reduces unnecessary travel while extending your reach. LED walls make this easy: content can be streamed, shared, or replayed with no extra print or build-out.
It’s practical, greener, and inclusive.
5. Use Reusable Materials And Manage Waste Responsibly
Swap single-use materials for reusable solutions and plan ahead for waste.
Every detail matters.
- Badges: reusable or digital.
- Decor: eco-certified, not disposable.
- Staging: LED walls instead of printed backdrops.
The goal is to design an event that doesn’t rely on throwaway items.
Waste planning should also be visible. Recycling stations, composting for food, and clear signage encourage participation. Guests notice. Sponsors notice. Everyone sees the difference between “greenwashing” and a system that actually works.
And the effect is cumulative. When people are prompted to recycle on-site, they’re more likely to carry those habits forward. That ripple effect is part of your legacy.
6. Track, Report, And Improve
Measure your event’s footprint and share results to build trust.
Here’s the real test: can you prove it?
Sustainability without measurement is just talk. That’s why reporting matters.
Use carbon calculators. Collect supplier data. Track your recycling rate, paper savings, or energy usage. Each number adds weight to your story.
And don’t keep it hidden. Share your results with attendees, partners, and stakeholders. Transparency builds trust.
If LED video walls saved 10,000 posters from the landfill, say so. If hybrid access cuts 20% of expected travel emissions, highlight it. These are the numbers that show your event isn’t just greener in theory; it’s greener in practice.
Need help tracking the AV side of your impact? LED Video Wall Hire provides guidance on how digital displays cut waste and reduce carbon emissions.
Sustainable Event Checklist
To keep planning sharp and simple, here’s a quick list for UK organisers:
- Write down measurable sustainability goals
- Choose venues with green certifications and strong transport links
- Replace print signage with reusable LED video walls
- Use QR codes, apps, and digital tools instead of paper
- Source seasonal catering and local suppliers
- Provide recycling, composting, and clear waste systems
- Track, report, and share results
Wrap Up
Sustainability isn’t a box to tick. It’s the standard for UK events going forward.
The organisers who succeed will be those who set measurable goals, choose eco-conscious venues, cut paper waste, and adopt reusable AV solutions. They’ll make smarter travel choices, partner with local suppliers, and commit to honest reporting.
LED video walls are one of the simplest, most effective switches: less print, less waste, more impact. They save energy, reduce single-use staging, and engage audiences in real time. Pair them with greener catering, smarter transport, and transparent measurement, and your event will stand out, not only for its content but for its conscience.
Ready to make your event greener? LED Video Wall-Hire supports trade shows, exhibitions, and corporate events across London, Manchester, Birmingham, and beyond with eco-friendly AV solutions.
