#3
Trend #3:
Do more, with less
A smaller budget does not have to mean fewer meetings and events.
A convenient location for the work event was a top priority
There’s no denying that the pandemic took a toll on lots of companies’ event budgets. A smaller budget does not have to mean fewer meetings and events. This is where smarter planning comes in - at HeadBox we have a few tips for 2022 that will help you do more with less.
Deft data
Cut costs with thorough data management. It might not be the sexiest of headlines, but having a great events database is a sure-fire way to keep tabs on your annual spending. Our events team has seen real benefits from providing management with year-on-year comparisons – knowing the ins and outs of your events programme is the first crucial step in finessing your finances.
Know your local
Booking local venues is not only a great way to save on travel costs and help the environment, but it’ll also make it easier for everyone to attend.
Long commutes rarely make the list of enjoyable experiences. The UK’s employees seem to agree - our research shows that having a convenient location for the work event was a top priority. Choosing a local venue is a great way to bolster accessibility for all the attendees. On top of this, cutting down on travel costs will allow you to do more with less. So put away the atlas and get to know your surroundings next time you’re planning a work outing.
Feasting, frugally
Cutting costs doesn’t have to mean rumbling stomachs. Cost-effective meals like buffets are always cheaper than opting for a three-course meal. The classic buffet is always a firm favourite with 41% voting for it as their preferred food option. Locally sourced is having a renaissance across all ages, as well. With 40% of Gen Z and 37% of Boomers both preferring to keep their meals close to home – this is good news for the budget as eating local cuts down on costs.
41%
voted for a classic buffet as their preferred food option
#4
Trend #4:
Sustainable events
80%
of workplaces are not running sustainable meetings and events
employees are keen to see locally sourced food at events
1 in 5
A whopping 80% of workplaces are not running sustainable meetings and events according to their employees.
Additionally, 44% of those aged 18-24 say the reduction of carbon emissions from travelling to an event is their top reason for preferring certain meetings and events to be held virtually.
This view isn’t just limited to eco-conscious Gen-Zs, either. Over a quarter of Millennials and Gen-X believe their company doesn’t think about sustainability at all, let alone for their meetings and events.
With concerns about how we leave our planet for future generations comes the rise of the eco-conscious parents – 63% of parents want to see more environmentally-friendly events.
Does your employer run ‘sustainable’ events?
Top 5 most sustainable industries
1. Accounting, banking and finance (42%)
2. Environment and agriculture (39%)
3. Creative arts and design (31%)
4. Charity & voluntary work (29%)
5. IT (28%)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Top 5 least sustainable industries
1. Property and construction (33%)
2. Public services and admin (26%)
3. Hospitality and events (26%)
4. Insurance and pensions (26%)
5. Teaching and education (26%)
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
I think they always have sustainability front of mind in everything they do
My company doesn’t think about sustainability at all, let alone for events
With increased pressure from stakeholders and attendees to embrace an environmentally-friendly approach to event planning, sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a top priority. However, our research shows 26% of employees working in event management don’t even think their own events are sustainable! Fortunately, in 2022, with proper planning, an amazing event doesn’t need to cost the earth.
Gemma Bassett, HeadBox Head of Client Services
Check out the HeadBox Events team top tips for making sure your next event leaves an impact on the audience, not the planet.
1. Consider your impact
The first step to incorporating more sustainable events into your M&E programme is to consider what you've done in the past and where you can make positive realistic changes. Carefully examine all areas of a previous event, from location and venue to food and plastic use. You don't have to change everything at once, choosing one area and looking for ways to improve is a great start.
2. Find a sustainable venue
A sure-fire way to ensure an eco-friendly event is to find a sustainable venue. Lots of venues are taking their own steps to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve sustainability credentials. Why not show them some support – our list of sustainable venues is full of amazing spaces doing their bit for the planet.
It’s worth repeating that meticulously planning your event will help to avoid harming the environment by wasting resources. If you’re going for a smaller attendees list, you probably won’t need a big production team with lots of energy-consuming equipment. If it’s a large-scale operation,
Where possible, ensure the food supplied by caterers is responsibly sourced – this will reduce the distance it has to travel and keep emissions low. Also, we know that nearly 20% of Millennials and 37% of Gen-Z are keen to see locally sourced food at events – so it’s not only the planet that will thank you.
3. Leave without a trace
There’s nothing better than the feeling of pulling off an amazing event– except when the event was amazing and totally waste-free. Put a ban on single-use plastic – for example, instead of a pop-up banner that goes to landfill, try a digital wayfinder. A deposit and return system encourages guests to return empty containers – why not get creative and brainstorm how to reuse certain items (could a local artist use empty wine bottles to make drinking glasses?) Hopefully you’ve received RSVPs so you know how much food you need, but if you do have leftovers, try OLIO. They send food waste heroes to collect surplus food and donate it to local communities.
#5
Trend #5:
Time to shake up your events roadmap
