Showing Green

Each year, scores of students participate in the “AGC Georgia Skills Challenge” series. This past year, more than 2,100 competitors and observers from 104 schools descended on events hosted in Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Moultrie, Rome and Statesboro. The students were joined by a host of statewide influencers, including state legislators, school superintendents, high school counselors, mayors, school board members, and leaders from the Department of Education and Technical College System of Georgia.

One of the biggest walkaways from the event, and there are many, is that winners from each of eight core skill competitions hosted by SkillsUSA are eligible to advance to compete at “SkillsUSA Georgia’s State Leadership & Skills Conference (SLSC)” in February 2025. The statewide workforce development program is made possible through the support of many industry professionals, all of whom volunteer hundreds of hours of their time and expertise.

Helping to shape the future of the construction industry’s talent pipeline for the next generation also comes with other invaluable lessons. Take the industry’s increased commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives. Alyson Abercrombie, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing for the Associated General Contractors of Georgia Inc. (AGC Georgia), which hosts the event, says the skills challenges are planned in partnership with sponsor contractors—each of whom are committed to exercising sustainable practices for the events.

“The materials we use for the intense training for the competitions are repurposed materials such as leftover lumber and building supplies from job sites,” Abercrombie says. “They are donated to the schools during their training, assisting with classroom instruction allowing for the investments to be made in the students versus the materials. While our venues are chosen by location, most have recycle bins and sustainable policies for maintenance. This helps set the example of sustainability and inspires these students.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average trade show or event generates approximately 389 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions per day, contributing significantly to climate change and resource depletion. The trade show and event marketing world overall has taken notice. For example, research from the Events Industry Council (EIC) suggests that incorporating sustainability into events planning can reduce waste by as much as 60-80% and cut costs up to 20%.

“We continue to evolve our social responsibility policies,” Abercrombie says. “Those responsibilities range from transitioning a significant amount of print materials year round to digital marketing vehicles leading up to the event and on-site. This is combined with the efforts we take to repurpose jobsite materials; digital live streaming versus traditional advertising, and more.”

Ask Nirjary Desai about the importance of sustainability when organizing an event and she’ll tell you that strategy must be initiated in the blueprint stage. Desai, founder and Chief Experience Officer at KIS (cubed) Events, says her team starts by setting clear, measurable goals to minimize environmental impact. This includes strategies such as reducing waste, sourcing locally and conserving energy.

But before any of that begins, selecting venues that hold green certifications, renewable energy sources, and robust recycling or composting programs, is key. “For suppliers, we evaluate their environmental practices, such as the use of biodegradable materials, local sourcing and waste management systems,” Desai says. “Collaboration with partners who share our values is non-negotiable; it ensures that sustainability is woven into every detail of the event.”

The key to effectiveness is to plan each strategy from the outset and collaborate with vendors and charities to execute seamlessly. The KIS team has implemented several innovative strategies to tackle waste, including:

• Floral repurposing initiatives – Leftover flowers are arranged and donated to senior living communities or hospitals to spread joy and extend their use.
• Edible rescue programs – Unused food is safely packaged and delivered to local shelters in partnership with certified organizations.
• Multi-purpose design elements – Items like modular decor pieces and signage are crafted to be reused across multi-day events or future occasions, reducing single- use materials.
• Digital solutions – Invitations, schedules and signage are increasingly digital, cutting down on paper waste.

“Social responsibility has moved from being an add-on to becoming central to event marketing,” Desai says. “Attendees, especially younger demographics, expect brands to demonstrate purpose beyond profit. For us, this means creating events that resonate on a deeper level— showcasing stories of sustainability, transparency, and care for the community. Events are no longer just celebrations; they are platforms to inspire change. By embedding social responsibility in our strategy, we create memorable experiences that align with the values of both the brand and its audience.”

As in most cases, any effort to maintain sustainable practices doesn’t come without its share of trade-offs. For example, one challenge is balancing sustainability with aesthetic and logistical expectations like sourcing eco-friendly materials, which can be more expensive or limited in variety. “We address this by fostering creativity and innovation,” Desai says. “Instead of wasteful decor, we use living elements like potted plants that guests can take home. Partnering with local artisans also adds a unique charm while reducing the event’s carbon footprint. Educating clients about the long-term value of sustainable choices has also been essential in overcoming resistance to perceived trade-offs.”

As the spotlight on sustainability grows, trade show and event marketers have a unique opportunity to lead by example. By embracing greener practices such as energy-efficient booth designs, waste reduction, and prioritizing local and sustainable suppliers, they can help make choices that shape tomorrow’s events.