Skip to main content
search
0

Creating a More Sustainable Events Industry from the Inside Out

By January 15, 2025Projection

Events are temporary––but their impact on the environment is not.

Because our industry thrives on travel and high resource use, environmental responsibility has been a challenge. Technology greatly enhances large-scale events, but can amplify sustainability issues, with energy-intensive setups and high-waste output. While many organizations are doing their part by achieving certifications and implementing offset programs, there is a huge opportunity to drive further change through sustainable practices within the AV sector. By rethinking internal processes, adopting greener technologies, and collaborating with partners, we have the power to drive meaningful, industry-wide change from the inside out.

Shifting Standards

As sustainability becomes a growing priority in the meetings and events industry, more organizations are requiring specific environmental practices from their partners. Planning organizations are increasingly asking vendors to demonstrate their efforts in areas like reducing energy use, utilizing eco-friendly materials, and offsetting carbon emissions from travel and transportation. In fact, nearly every RFP we receive asks what we are doing as a company to minimize our environmental impact.

As more organizations look to their vendor partners for actionable sustainability practices, the AV industry must rise to the occasion. We understand that sustainability isn’t just a requirement; it’s an opportunity to collaborate with our partners to make a difference and leave a positive legacy for the planet. And we take that responsibility seriously.

Driving Change Together

At Projection, we are committed to driving sustainability forward, not just by meeting industry demands, but by leading the charge. Our sustainability committee, made up of team members from various departments—including creative, operations, warehouse, and account management—is working together to identify and implement impactful changes. This diverse group allows us to approach sustainability from all angles, ensuring that every part of our company is aligned toward a common goal.

The committee’s focus goes beyond certifications and compliance. We’re taking a proactive approach to understanding our environmental impact, from energy use to waste reduction, and setting clear, measurable goals for improvement. By reevaluating processes, adopting greener technologies, educating employees, and fostering collaboration across departments, Projection is actively working towards more sustainable practices. This collective effort is driving real, long-term change that will have a lasting positive impact on the events we support.

Projecting a Sustainable Future

In 2025, the Projection sustainability committee is dedicated to implementing specific, impactful changes across key areas:

Energy Reduction

For example, upgrading to laser projectors and LED lighting to significantly lower energy consumption and replacing older, more power-hungry video wall systems with energy-efficient LED panels.

Waste Management

For example, transitioning from disposable batteries to rechargeable alternatives to minimize waste and working closely with logistics partners to minimize packaging and improve transportation efficiency.

Carbon Offsetting

For example, evaluating travel logistics and, where possible, deploying smaller teams for certain events to reduce our overall carbon footprint as well as partnering with carbon offset programs to balance the emissions generated by our operations.

Partnerships

For example, evaluating our vendors’ and subcontractors’ sustainability standards and practices, as well as partnering with the venues where we are in-house, many of whom adhere to the highest standards of sustainability in our industry.

Setting the Stage for the Future

The whole world is changing. Audiences are more conscious than ever about the impact of the events they attend and the companies they support. They expect organizations to make responsible, sustainable choices. As both an in-house and national partner to our clients for the past five decades, Projection is in a unique position to be a key player in this movement. By embracing sustainability, we can help shape the future of events, offering solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also set new standards for the entire industry.

Looking ahead, we see a future where sustainability becomes an integral part of every event decision, from the technology we choose to how we design and execute event experiences. The demand for greener solutions will only grow, and as a leader in the industry, Projection is committed to driving this change. Our sustainability committee is at the forefront of these efforts, working across departments to incorporate eco-friendly technologies, streamline logistics to reduce waste, and collaborate with like-minded partners. Through their leadership, we’re ensuring that the events we support not only create exceptional experiences, but also leave a more positive, lasting impact on the planet.