If you are an event organiser planning an event in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, lighten your footprint with these ten tips for delivering sustainable events in our region.
PARTICIPATE IN A CARBON OFFSETTING PROGRAM
Carbon offsetting in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is made easy through partnering with Reforest. This ground-breaking platform calculates the carbon footprint of events and offers local tree-planting programs to offset all or part of your event. Delegates can also purchase trees via an event app.
TRAVEL WITH ECO-ACCREDITED TOUR OPERATORS
The Cairns & GBR region currently has the highest concentration in Australia of Eco Tourism Accredited operators, so there is plenty of choice when it comes to team building, partner programs and pre or post-touring
USE SUPPLIERS WITH A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
The natural environment is our greatest asset, and with that goes a commitment from our business events industry to sustainability. The newly expanded Cairns Convention Centre, exhibition companies including NQ Exhibitions and hotel chains such as Crystalbrook are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of your event.
PARTICIPATE IN CSR ACTIVITIES
Including a CSR activity in your conference program is not only fun, but it’s a great way to educate your delegates, meet our locals and connect with our environment. Work directly with our reef and rainforest operators or engage local companies such as Managing Australian Destinations to deliver programs that ensure delegates leave greater from their experience
VISIT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Did you know that a portion of your ticket goes to conserving the Great Barrier Reef and that all reef operators undertake daily coral monitoring and manage regeneration programs? So, by including the Great Barrier Reef in an event program, you are contributing to the preservation of this natural wonder!
CHOOSE A RESTAURANT OR CATERING COMPANY WITH A COMMITMENT TO LOW FOOD MILES
From the Coral Sea to the volcano soil of the Atherton Tablelands and the lush Daintree Rainforest, our region offers an abundance of local produce. Lower your food miles with award-winning restaurant and catering companies such as NuNu and Ochre, who will not only tantalise your delegate’s taste buds but ensure your menu is locally sourced.
PLANT BASED MENUS
Take delegates out of their comfort zone and offer a day where only a plant-based menu is served. Use this to educate your delegates on the health and environmental benefits of this approach to diet. While it may not be for everyone, delegates will leave greater from their experience.
ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORT
The most eco-friendly transport available is “foot power”, and with Cairns’s tropical climate and compact nature, it’s no wonder walking is the preferred method of transportation. Affectionally known as the 10-minute city, it’s also often quicker to walk. However, if coaches are required, Tropic Wings offers electric vehicle solutions.
BYO WATER BOTTLES AND COFFEE CUPS
As there are no shortages of water stations throughout the city or in event venues, encourage your delegates to BYO their water bottles. Take it one step further and BYO your coffee cups – it’s a great way to meet our local baristas, who will appreciate your efforts.
BUY LOCAL
Buying from a local supplier reduces your carbon footprint, contributes to local employment and ensures delegates receive authentic products. For speaker’s gifts, Aboriginal Steel Art offers unique fine art pieces or Simply Hampers can create a gift box featuring the best of local produce.
Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is a complimentary service offering support to meeting and event planners looking to bring a business event to our breathtaking location in Australia – get in touch.
