Events & Webinars

Sustainability at NASPO Events

• NASPO is committed to planning events thoughtfully and responsibly by reducing unnecessary waste, making intentional sourcing decisions, and working with venues and partners that support more sustainable event practices. While each event and destination is different, NASPO continues to identify practical ways to reduce environmental impact while maintaining a high-quality attendee experience.

Our Approach. Sustainability is considered throughout the event planning process, from venue selection and food and beverage planning to signage, transportation, exhibitor participation, and attendee communications. NASPO’s approach focuses on practical, achievable steps that support responsible event operations and continuous improvement.

Reducing Waste. NASPO works to reduce unnecessary waste at events by using digital tools and limiting printed materials whenever practical. This may include digital agendas, event apps, online registration materials, electronic communications, and reduced printed handouts. NASPO also looks for opportunities to reuse or repurpose event materials, minimize single-use items, and encourage responsible disposal through available recycling or collection programs.

Responsible Food and Beverage Planning. Food and beverage planning is an important part of NASPO’s sustainability efforts. NASPO works with venues to make thoughtful menu and guarantee decisions that help reduce food waste while still providing a positive attendee experience. NASPO may also incorporate water stations in place of individual plastic bottles, bulk beverage service, locally sourced or seasonal menu items, vegetarian or plant-forward options, and food donation opportunities permitted by the venue and local regulations.

Venue and Partner Practices. NASPO recognizes that venues and vendor partners play an important role in sustainable event planning. When planning events, NASPO considers venue practices such as recycling programs, energy-efficiency efforts, food donation policies, water conservation, composting availability, and overall operational sustainability. NASPO also works with production, décor, transportation, and event service partners to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary materials, reuse event assets, and make responsible planning decisions where practical.

Signage, Décor, and Production. NASPO strives to make intentional decisions around signage, décor, and production. This may include using digital signage when available, designing signage for reuse when appropriate, limiting single-use décor, and repurposing branded materials across events when feasible.

Transportation and Site Selection. NASPO considers walkability, hotel proximity, airport access, and the need for ground transportation during the site selection and planning process. For events requiring attendee movement, NASPO may use group transportation to reduce the number of individual trips.

Exhibitor and Supplier Participation. NASPO encourages exhibitors, sponsors, and supplier partners to support event sustainability efforts by limiting printed handouts, avoiding excessive giveaways, selecting reusable or responsibly sourced booth materials, and participating in recycling or donation opportunities when available.

Attendee Participation. Attendees also play an important role in supporting more sustainable events. NASPO encourages attendees to use digital event resources, recycle materials in designated areas, return badge holders or lanyards when collection is available, and be intentional with printed materials and giveaways.

Community Impact. NASPO looks for ways to create a positive impact in the communities where events are hosted. Through initiatives such as NASPO Cares, donation opportunities, and partnerships with local organizations, NASPO seeks to extend the value of its events beyond the meeting experience.

Our Ongoing Commitment. Sustainability is an ongoing effort. NASPO will continue to evaluate event practices, venue partnerships, supplier participation, and attendee experience to identify responsible, practical improvements for future meetings and conferences.