Picture this: you’re standing in the middle of a bustling conference hall, the air filled with excitement, lanyards swinging, the buzz of conversation rising like a tide. Now, imagine that same one-day event, attended by 800 people, silently producing more than 150 tons of CO₂—that’s the same as driving 31 cars for an entire year!
It’s a staggering visual, isn’t it? A powerful reminder that the events we love can come with serious environmental costs. That’s why there’s immense pressure on planners, venues, and stakeholders alike to create experiences that not only wow—but also tread more lightly on the planet.
Intentions across the events industry show a growing drive to reduce carbon footprints and operate more sustainably. But here’s the twist: a recent European survey by Prismm – now part of Cvent – covering the UK, Germany, and Spain, reveals that while 99% of planners incorporate sustainability practices, only one in four do it for every event. So, what’s holding them back? The most common answers are budget (36%), rising attendee expectations, last-minute cancellations (33%), last-minute bookings (28%), and staffing shortages. The urgency is clear. But the path forward? That’s where it gets complex.
“The challenge isn’t lack of will,” explains Erin Rooney, Chief Marketing Officer at Prismm. “It’s a matter of resources. And that’s where technology can step in—not as a luxury, but as a solution.”
One clear solution? Spatial design using digital twin technology.
By creating detailed virtual replicas of venues, event professionals can test booth layouts, seating plans, lighting setups—even waste management systems—before anything is built. This eliminates the need for costly prototypes, minimizes waste, and reduces the number of physical site visits. Teams can collaborate remotely in real time, conducting virtual tours and design walk-throughs with clients anywhere, any time. The result? Savings in both time and budget but also significant cuts to travel-related emissions—fewer flights, fewer car journeys, and a more sustainable approach to planning, without sacrificing creativity or connection.
Yet despite these huge benefits, only 37% of event professionals from Prismm’s research reported always using event technology—a major missed opportunity.
Tools like virtual venue tours, real-time data analytics, and AI- or AR-powered planning solutions not only help reduce environmental impact but also enable teams to work faster, smarter, and more collaboratively. Planners can anticipate challenges, personalize experiences, and demonstrate ROI—all while making more responsible, sustainable decisions.
Smarter choices also come through better data. With the right tech in place, planners can track patterns, anticipate needs, and make more informed decisions—such as how many meals are eaten, which spaces are underused, and what materials go to waste. These insights can prevent over-ordering and unnecessary spending—smarter for the planet, and sharper for the bottom line.
The future of sustainable events doesn’t lie in compromise but in smart design. Technology is no longer just about efficiency; it’s about responsibility.
Prismm, — a spatial design technology company that is now part of Cvent — is committed to innovation that empowers venues to deliver events where the only thing left behind is lasting memories. Let’s chat!
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