When organising the Connections Travel Group conference, Ubuntu Thrive 24, we consciously prioritised sustainability at every touchpoint. Working with clients to prioritise their sustainability initiatives is not just our mission—it’s our passion.
From choosing eco-friendly venues to integrating local, sustainable resources, every aspect of Ubuntu Thrive 24′ reflected our commitment to reducing environmental impact while delivering exceptional experiences. Together, we’re proving that impactful events can also be environmentally responsible. Here are a few examples of our top initiatives at Ubuntu Thrive:
Local Location:
When building out your conference agenda, it’s important to partner with the right venue. Finding a venue that is all-inclusive and can support your agenda requirements means that delegates can enjoy all the activities on site. We minimised our overall footprint by hosting all conference sessions, activities, welcome dinner, supplier showcase and gala dinner around the one, local precinct with no additional transportation required! Thank you again Pentridge Coburg for ticking all the boxes and hosting us this year.
Digital Communications & Digital Signage:
From Save-the-Dates to Check-ins, to on-the-ground Notifications and everything in between, we communicated to the delegates via our bespoke event website, registration and custom-built app. The Totem team builds all the digital communication from the ground up, tailored to each event to offer real-time comms, gamify aspects of the event, as well as provide our teams with tracking and reporting visibility.
Signage & Print:
We primarily opt for digital signage over printed alternatives. However, when we must use print options, we ask ourselves the following questions:
- Is this truly necessary? Can the message be communicated elsewhere, in another way?
- Is there a better material alternative out there?
- Does this material come from a recycled source?
- Does it go back to a recycled source?
- How can we get as much use out of this as possible? (in terms of the artwork chosen, the materials’ flexibility to be packed/transported to other events, ability to be used in the future, etc)?
You may have seen the Media Wall feature multiple times throughout the Ubuntu Thrive event (that bad boy needs a name badge and lanyard of their own!). We also selected wristbands of organic/eco-friendly materials, used recycled end-to-end paper for the prize envelopes, and gifted the delegates water bottles to promote multi-use and cancel single-use plastics at the event.
Seed Paper Menus:
Considering that menus are typically only used once (at the Gala Dinner for example), we looked at ways to give them a second life beyond the event. The Ubuntu Thrive menus were crafted from handmade paper, featuring quality seeds of Mixed Herbs from Aussie farms. Delegates can plant their menus to grow something beautiful!
Native Plant Centrepieces:
To further align with our sustainability goal, we curated native Australian plant arrangements as the hero of our gala dinner tables and encouraged our delegates to take them home. These plants served not only as event decor but also as a sustainable gift, replacing traditional goodie bags or printed merchandise. It’s about using items that come from a natural source, and ensuring they return to a natural source and do not contribute to waste.
Incorporating sustainable practices such as these into your conferences and events is not just a trend but a necessary step toward a greener, more thriving future. Whether it’s reducing waste, opting for eco-friendly materials, or supporting local vendors, every small action contributes to a larger impact. We hope the tips shared inspire you to make your next event more environmentally conscious.
If you’re ready to create a beautiful and sustainable event, we’d love to collaborate with you. Get in touch with our team at inquire@totemgroup.com.au, and together, let’s bring your vision to life.
