In 2022, ConferenceDirect committed, through the SME Climate Hub, to reducing our carbon footprint by 30% by 2030. As one of the larger companies in the meetings industry, we recognized the need to set clear sustainability standards for our associates, customers, and partners. To achieve this, we adopted a multi-tiered approach.
Training Our Team
We began by identifying the best available training for our team. The Events Industry Council (EIC) Centre for Sustainability & Social Impact emerged as the gold standard for sustainable meetings and events. We implemented programs using EIC tools and resources.
- Sustainable Event Program Certification (SEPC): This became the standard certification for our meeting planners, with a core team completing the program successfully.
- Internal Training: We developed a training program guiding planners through every step of a meeting, from inception to completion, incorporating EIC templates, principles, and checklists. This ensures our team can integrate sustainability into every aspect of event planning.
Walking the Walk
Our next step was implementing EIC’s sustainable standards in our own meetings and events. ConferenceDirect hosts six internal meetings annually, ranging from 150 to 1,000 attendees.
- In 2023, we fully integrated EIC standards into all events.
- In 2024, we hosted our first carbon-neutral event, the Annual Partner Meeting for 1,000 attendees at the Loews Arlington Hotel, audited by the Alliance for Audited Media and earning a Silver Award.
- Carbon neutrality was achieved by partnering with Evergreen for carbon offsets and establishing a ConferenceDirect forest in Brazil.
- The 2025 Annual Partner Meeting we once again achieved a full carbon neutral event.
Sharing Best Practices
As an industry leader, we recognize the importance of sharing our sustainability journey. Sustainability is a focus at both customer-facing and internal events, where we provide educational sessions and actionable insights.
Key channels we use include:
- MeetingMentor: A magazine reaching over 14,000 planners, providing insights on sustainable events.
- Green Meetings Blog: Sustainable Events with Larry is promoted on our website and newsletters. Sustainable Events with Larry
- CDLive Podcast: Our YouTube podcast shares sustainability conversations and interviews, (3) CD Live Podcast: EP 12 with Nancy Prowda – YouTube
- Industry Partners: Through our Preferred Program, we share sustainability resources and goals, track vendors who support sustainable events or are certified minority vendors, and provide customers with guidance for their own journeys.
Next Steps
In 2026, we will begin tracking our carbon footprint baseline, covering both our corporate office in Folsom, CA, and our events. We will use the SME Climate Hub reporting tool and hold monthly meetings to ensure progress is on track. Updates will be shared with our associates.
Roadmap: 2026–2030
| Year | Key Focus Areas | Initiatives / Actions | Impact Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Energy & Operations | Continue transition to renewable energy in our corporate office; LED lighting & energy-efficient systems; Improve event carbon footprint | % office energy from renewable sources, waste reduction 30% |
| 2027 | Travel & Transportation | Launch sustainable travel policy; Incentivize public transport, EVs, carpooling; Create sustainable travel guidelines for flights, rental cars, and hotels | Target: 60% staff using sustainable travel options; carbon offsets purchased |
| 2028 | Procurement & Supply Chain | Prioritize sustainable vendors; Source locally where possible | Target: 50% sustainable vendors |
| 2029 | Events & Engagement | Increase hybrid/virtual participation; Choose green-certified venues; Track per-attendee emissions; Conduct all internal events carbon-neutral | 100% green venues |
| 2030 | Measurement & Reporting | Publicly report reductions; Compare results against 2030 target; Identify remaining opportunities | Total carbon footprint reduction 30% vs 2026 baseline |
Potential Challenges
Achieving a 30% carbon reduction by 2030 will require sustained focus and continuous improvement. Air travel represents the largest contributor to event emissions, accounting for 50–80% of total impact. Our focus will be on developing clear standards and guidelines for attendees when booking flights, helping them make sustainable choices and reducing the overall carbon impact of our events. We will partner with our Travel Management Company to assist in tracking and implementing these goals.
With more than 35 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry, Larry Hanson serves as Chief Marketing & Sustainability Officer at ConferenceDirect. In this multifaceted role, he oversees marketing strategy, recruiting, sustainability initiatives, and conference management operations.
Throughout his career, Larry has led teams, managed complex budgets, and inspired creativity across diverse projects. Passionate about sustainability both personally and professionally, he champions responsible practices that drive long-term impact both for ConferenceDirect and their customers. A lifelong learner, Larry thrives in the ever-evolving world of hospitality and events and looks forward to collaborating with industry peers to shape a more sustainable future.
