Mission

“To advocate and educate around sustainability in the meetings and events industry.”

History
Our Northern California Chapter of the Society For Sustainable Events formed a chapter in 2010 with a passionate  President, Eve Schmidt.  Eve rallied  event professionals, including the likes of  Tom McCarter, Paul Salinger, Johanna Walsh, Todd Smith and Linda Mansouria all whom wanted to be a part of the catalyst for change to inspire our industry into becoming caretakers of our planet by adopting green standards.  Over the years we’ve morphed  into a recognized sustainability network partnering with local associations and providing relevant educational events and resources for our industry.   Our highly coveted Green awards celebrate leaders in our industry. 

Principles for Sustainable Events
Definition for event sustainability: Sustainability for events means taking action towards preserving our natural environment promoting a healthy, inclusive society; and supporting a thriving economy.

​Four Principles of Event Sustainability:
  • Event organizers and suppliers share responsibility for implementing and communicating sustainable practices to their stakeholders
  • Basic environmental practices include:
    • Conservation of resources, including water, energy and natural resources
    • Waste management
    • Carbon emissions reduction and management
    • Supply chain management and responsible purchasing
    • Biodiversity preservation
  • Basic social considerations include:
    • Universal human rights
    • Community impacts
    • Labour practices
    • Respect for culture
    • Safety and security
    • Health and well-being
  • Sustainable events support thriving economic practices through:
    • Collaboration and partnerships
    • Local support, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
    • Stakeholder participation
    • Equitable economic impact
    • Transparency
    • Responsible governance
 
Endorsement of the principles: By signing on to these principles we agree to support the adoption of the Principles for Sustainable Events. We commit to endorsing these Principles as a foundation to sustainable event practices. In addition, we agree to integrate sustainable event practices into your events.

Past Green Award Winners
2018 - 2019

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​Sustainable Supplier: RF | Binder

​RF|Binder, a leading communications consultancy works with business non-profits to explore how to deepen their commitment to sustainability through thoughtful, intentional communication strategies. Their efforts were brought to life at the Grounded Summit 2019.
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​Sustainable Supplier: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
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Turning dreams into reality for a sustainable future. Converting tennis courts into a hydroponic garden to grow lettuce for the resort’s restaurants and events producing over 300 pounds per week of the seven types of lettuces grown.
Sustainable Event: Grounded Summit 2019
 
​An immersive,  two-day experience where leaders on climate change solutions from 10+ countries met to change conversation into action at this Zero waste event. Held in Sonoma at the Jackson family estate.
2017 - 2018

Sustainable Facility

Bluestem Brasserie​

​​This year’s nominee is one of our city’s best kept secrets for an alternative meeting and event venue. This establishment embodies sustainability at its core, from concept, design, construction,  daily operations and lifestyle. Green principles such as attention to the embodied energy & life cycle of hand picked products from floor coverings, repurposed décor, to whole product utilization when developing menus and Barrel Wines resulting in 99% of their waste is either recyclables or compostable.

Sustainable Supplier

MGM Resorts International​

​MGM Resorts International has a growing repertoire involving their sustainable efforts. Most recently this supplier has been lauded as a key player in hotel renewables. They are in phase two of their solar power expansion spanning 20+ acres of rooftop solar panels that powers 25% of their electrical use.


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Sustainable Event

Streamlineevents Inc.

This company’s culture embraces the concept of creating a sustainable environment for their entire staff. Committing to a 12 month program, The Potential Project group worked with this agency to teach the techniques of creating mindfulness and help employees reach their true potential in a way that is personally meaningful and apply this to everything from creativity, inter personal communication, sleep habits and to perpetuate a SUSTAINABLE environment for employees.

Sustainable Planner

Marissa LaMagna
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Known as the “Queen of Green” this nominee has been an environmental activist and sustainable educator for over 10 years. Her passion and dedication is infectious. Her non profit organization showcases local green change makers in green businesses, food & agriculture, water, green building, alternative transportation, renewable energy and zero waste . These excursions are not to be missed. Sustainability in Action!

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Society For Sustainable Events
info@societyforsustainableevents.com