How can corporate event planners be socially conscious?

Thought leadership
3 minute read 25 Jul 2023
Businesses and consumers alike want to support organisations that demonstrate commitment to social causes, with 70% of investors wanting to spend money with companies that align with their values. Read how to give back when event planning by incorporating charity and volunteering initiatives into your event. 

Integrating socially responsible initiatives into the planning and execution of events is becoming increasingly important. Not only will this raise awareness and enhance the delegate experience, but also means that a project can contribute to positive societal change and align with a company’s values and CSR strategy. 

We have collated several ideas below: 

  • While planning a team-building event, consider incorporating volunteering as part of the activity schedule. Implementing this from the planning stage is key. Across London, there are a number of great local initiatives such as The Felix Project, The Hand Project or Cook for Good. 
  • If you are planning an incentive, corporate retreat, or global event: this could be a beach clean-up or sea turtle conservation!
  • An auction or a raffle for charity provides event entertainment if you choose a charismatic host and great donated prizes. Choosing a charity with a genuine link to an organisation’s ethos can have a positive impact on engagement.
  • Invite guests to take part in an initiative or impactful workshop such as tree planting or building for a local charity as part of your event agenda. At The Meetings Show, event profs had the option to learn how to assemble portable solar powered lights for children facing energy poverty. 
  • While opting for eco-friendly practices, advocate for and provide information on environmental sustainability. This could mean providing information on your event app or website that guests can keep referring back to and implement after the event.
  • Shout about it! Sharing your efforts and the results on social media and in-person can encourage others to do the same and increase positive brand image. 
  • Ditch the single use give-aways. Offer guests the option to opt out of receiving a single-use gift and instead choose to donate the cost towards planting a tree or assembling a care package.
  • Make it into a competition! CSR can be a great way to bond a team or incentivise. You can challenge teams to compete to raise the most, walk the most steps, plant the most trees or even implement a fundraising competition or race into your schedule. On Hand, a volunteering app, plants trees for the tasks you complete and puts the total on a leaderboard. 
  • Donate leftover food or items from the event to food banks or shelters.
  • Keep it local! Use local suppliers, food produce and staff.

By incorporating volunteering activities into events, you can provide opportunities for attendees to engage and connect with local non-profits, support meaningful causes, and make a tangible impact.

The result? Guests leave the event with a positive long-lasting impression from their involvement and the event will stand out to them.

It’s a win-win. Participants feel good, communities benefit from the initiatives, and event organisers benefit from the increased engagement and positive perception demonstrated in commitment to social responsibility.