Entertainment sets the tone 

Whether you’re hosting a conference, gala dinner, team day or celebration, entertainment shapes the energy in the room. It breaks the ice, lifts spirits and creates shared moments that spark conversation. Even simple additions can transform the atmosphere. These touches matter because they humanise the event. They give guests something to react to, something to enjoy together and something to remember. In a world full of back‑to‑back meetings and digital overload, that sense of delight is powerful. 

Themed days and nights: immersive by design 

One of the strongest trends we’re seeing is the rise of themed events, not just in décor, but in entertainment that fully supports the concept. A 1920s Gatsby evening with live jazz and flapper‑style performers instantly transports guests. A festival‑inspired summer party with roaming entertainers, acoustic sets and interactive stations creates a relaxed, exploratory vibe. Even corporate team days can benefit from a theme, giving structure and personality to the experience. 

Themes help guests step out of their everyday mindset. They encourage engagement, creativity, and playfulness, all of which lead to stronger connections and better outcomes for your event. 

Team‑building activities that actually work 

Entertainment isn’t always about performance; sometimes it’s about participation. Team‑building activities continue to be one of the most effective ways to bring people together, especially after periods of remote or hybrid working. The key is choosing experiences that feel fresh, inclusive and genuinely enjoyable. 

Think problem‑solving challenges, creative workshops, interactive games, or outdoor adventures. Activities like cocktail‑making, escape‑room‑style puzzles, or collaborative art projects give teams a chance to bond without feeling forced. They also create natural talking points that carry into the rest of the event. 

When designed well, team‑building entertainment boosts morale, strengthens relationships and helps people feel part of something bigger, all while keeping the day fun and dynamic. 

Small touches with big impact 

Not every event needs a full entertainment programme. Sometimes the simplest ideas deliver the biggest smiles. Singing waiters are a classic example: unexpected, joyful and guaranteed to get guests involved. Close‑up magic is another crowd‑pleaser, offering intimate moments of wonder that feel personal and special. 

Other subtle additions (caricature artists, roaming performers, live illustrators, or acoustic musicians) can enhance the flow of an event without dominating it. These elements weave naturally into the guest experience, adding texture and charm. 

Why entertainment matters more than ever 

As expectations rise and audiences become more discerning, entertainment plays a crucial role in shaping how your event is perceived. It signals care, creativity and attention to detail. It shows that you’ve thought about the guest journey, not just the logistics. Most importantly, it creates emotional resonance, the thing people remember long after the agenda is forgotten. 

Bringing your event to life 

At Sheer Edge, we work with a wide network of trusted suppliers, performers and activity providers to help you craft experiences that feel authentic, engaging and perfectly suited to your audience. Whether you’re planning a themed celebration, a team‑building day, or simply want to add a touch of magic to your next event, we can help you find the right entertainment to elevate the occasion. 

If you’d like inspiration or support with entertainment ideas, team‑building activities, or themed event concepts, the Sheer Edge team is here to help. 

The post The Power of Entertainment: Why Every Event Needs That Extra Spark appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Hospitality that feels personal 

The team at De Vere Cotswold Water Park delivers hospitality with genuine care. From the moment we arrived, the welcome was relaxed, attentive and refreshingly unfussy. Dinner showcased their commitment to quality: thoughtful flavours, beautifully presented dishes and a clear focus on elevating event catering beyond the expected. The breakfast options are also varied, with lots of choice for all dietary requirements. Whether you’re planning a conference lunch, a private dinner, or a multi‑day residential, the culinary offering is a real strength here. 

With two indoor areas available, the upstairs Mallard Suite offers ample open space with its own private registration and bar area, as well as a terrace overlooking the lake, providing natural daylight and a versatile space for larger functions that can also be split into smaller spaces. The downstairs restaurant is also available for private hire, allowing for outdoor and indoor catering with further views of the lake. 

The downstairs Kingfisher Suite also has its own outdoor area, with a large marquee space also included that allows for around 500 guests for bigger events.  

Outdoor spaces that transform events 

One of the venue’s greatest assets is its connection to the outdoors. Lakeside terraces, landscaped lawns and peaceful walking routes create opportunities for breakout sessions, team‑building, alfresco drinks receptions, or simply giving delegates a breath of fresh air between sessions. The views alone add a sense of calm and openness that’s hard to replicate indoors. 

These outdoor areas aren’t just scenic, they’re also practical. Many are directly linked to meeting suites, making transitions seamless and allowing planners to design events that flow naturally between indoor and outdoor environments. 

Flexible spaces for every format 

Inside, the venue offers a wide range of rooms suitable for everything from intimate strategy sessions to large conferences. The combination of modern facilities and lakeside surroundings gives events a distinctive feel: professional, but never sterile, with a strong connection to nature always present.  

Our stay gave us a deeper appreciation of how the venue operates day‑to‑day. The team’s pride in the property was clear, and their willingness to tailor experiences for clients makes this a strong contender for away‑days, retreats and residential events where atmosphere matters just as much as functionality. 

Want to book De Vere Cotswolds Water Park for your next event? Get in touch with the Sheer Edge team today, and we’d be happy to help.  

The post Venue Spotlight: De Vere Cotswolds Water Park appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

After our recent visit to Hawksmoor Seven Dials, we can confidently say: this is a venue that really gets it right.

A Dining Experience Worth Talking About

Nestled in a historic Covent Garden brewery, the Seven Dials restaurant offers a warm, atmospheric setting perfect for smaller corporate gatherings. During our visit, we sampled a selection of dishes that showcased exactly why Hawksmoor has earned its reputation.

We began with charcoal-roasted scallops, Old Spot ribs, and ash-baked beetroots, each beautifully balanced and packed with flavour. For the main event, we shared the Chateaubriand paired with bone marrow gravy and peppercorn sauce, accompanied by a spread of sides including beef dripping chips, macaroni cheese, creamed spinach and a vibrant heritage tomato salad. And yes, we finished strong. Their iconic sticky toffee pudding and a seasonal pineapple & mango pavlova were the perfect finale.

To top it off, we tried the refreshing Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew, a cocktail that deserves its own round of applause.

Service That Sets the Standard

While the food was exceptional, it was the team who truly made the experience unforgettable. Every member of staff was warm, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about what they do. Their recommendations were thoughtful, their enthusiasm infectious and their attention to detail flawless. It’s this level of care that transforms a great meal into a standout event.

Corporate Events at Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor’s venues are now perfectly equipped to host corporate events of all sizes:

· Smaller groups can enjoy private dining experiences with curated menus.

· Canapé receptions offer a relaxed, sociable option for networking or celebrations.

· Larger events (especially at Hawksmoor Spitalfields) provide an ideal backdrop for product launches, showcases and company milestones.

Their spaces blend character, comfort and understated luxury, making them a refreshing alternative to traditional corporate venues.

Ready to Host Your Next Event?

If you’re looking for a venue that delivers exceptional food, impeccable service and a memorable atmosphere, Hawksmoor is an outstanding choice for your next corporate gathering.

Sheer Edge is here to help you plan, coordinate and elevate your event, whether it’s a private dinner, a launch, or a full hospitality experience.

Get in touch with us today to discover how Hawksmoor could be the perfect location for your next event:

Email us: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176

The post Elevate Your Next Corporate Event at Hawksmoor  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Town Hall is home to Town Hall Presents, a year‑round programme of conversations, performances, debates and gatherings that bring together leaders, artists, investors, policy makers and curious minds. It’s a venue built for the unlike‑minded: a place where diverse perspectives collide and new ideas take shape. 

A space shaped for modern events 

Whether you’re planning a high‑impact conference, an intimate dinner, a creative workshop, or a thought‑provoking panel, Town Hall offers a selection of flexible spaces that adapt beautifully to different event styles. The architecture is clean and contemporary, with a focus on atmosphere, flow and connection, ideal for clients looking to host events that feel fresh, modern and culturally relevant. 

The venue’s ethos is woven into every detail – encourage conversation, spark curiosity and create environments where people feel inspired to participate. It’s a refreshing alternative to traditional corporate venues, offering something with more personality, more intention and more creative potential.

Our July Visit

We had the pleasure of touring Town Hall in July, exploring its spaces first‑hand and getting a feel for how the venue supports different event formats. We have to say that this venue really stands out as one that has the ‘wow’ factor, and here’s why: 

• It’s a cultural venue with purpose, ideal for organisations wanting their events to feel meaningful, modern and connected to wider conversations. 

• Flexible, design‑led spaces are perfect for conferences, dinners, exhibitions and creative gatherings. 

• It’s located near King’s Cross, a location full of energy in one of London’s most vibrant, accessible districts. 

• It’s a fresh alternative to traditional corporate venues, offering clients something visually striking and conceptually different. 

If you’re looking for a venue that blends culture, creativity and contemporary design, Town Hall is one to watch. 

Ready to explore Town Hall for your next event? Get in touch with Sheer Edge for venue sourcing, event planning, or to discuss how Town Hall could work for your upcoming project

The post Venue Spotlight: Town Hall, King’s Cross  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

With expectations rising, the industry is catching up fast. Managing dietary requirements is essential for delivering a professional, well-run event. When handled well, attendees feel included, cared for and safe. Without a clear process risks increase and, for some allergies or medical conditions, the consequences can be serious. 

A dietary events toolkit checklist has been created by the ABPCO Dietary Inclusion Members Group , to help support PCOs, venues and caterers communicate clearly and consistently with event organisers. 

The toolkit is based on real-world experience and designed to work in real event settings. The checklists support early conversations, build shared understanding and set realistic expectations from the start. Together, they make it easier to capture, share and act on the right information while reducing risk and simplifying dietary management. 

As the PCO checklist puts it, “delegate expectations around dietary requirements have evolved, and event processes need to keep pace”. 

Food has become something that’s not just a need to survive, it’s an emotional, cultural and often part of the identity of an event. If someone arrives at an event unsure whether they’ll be able to eat safely, or eat at all, it affects their entire experience. 

We’re seeing more attendees with: 

• Life-threatening allergies 

• Intolerances 

• Religious or cultural dietary observances 

• Lifestyle driven choices 

Health related needs (e.g., diabetes, pregnancy, weight loss medication considerations) 

We need to make sure that everybody feels included and that their requirements are accommodated when we plan any event. One of the clearest reminders from the PCO checklist is that vague information like “no fish/nuts, gluten” simply isn’t enough, because “it does not outline the severity”. That’s why detailed, early and accurate data collection is everything. 

Let’s talk about the serious end of the spectrum. Life-threatening allergies require: 

• Direct contact with the attendee 

• Understanding whether the allergy is ingestion only or airborne 

• Checking whether adrenaline/epi pens are in date 

• Creating a clear emergency plan with the venue 

Ensuring staff know exactly what’s in every dish 

The checklist even recommends treating adrenaline pen readiness like “a safety check, similar to fire extinguisher servicing”. Of course, the 14 major allergens must be declared by law, but the documents also remind us that allergens can appear “hidden in some foodstuffs, e.g. celery in stock powders; fish in wine; tree nuts in cereals”, which is why relying on assumptions is never enough. 

Dietary requirements can reflect: 

• Religious observances (Halal, Kosher, Jain, Ramadan fasting) 

• Cultural identity 

• Ethical choices (vegan, vegetarian) 

• Health needs (diabetes, coeliac disease) 

• Sustainability values 

The checklist highlights that cultural or religious diets are “rooted in tradition, community identity, or religious law”, whereas lifestyle choices are centred on “personal health, ethics, or environmental beliefs”. Both matter, but they’re not the same, and treating them with nuance is part of respectful event design.

The Managing Dietary Requirements at Events Toolkit:  

We’re delighted to share the Managing Dietary Requirements at Events Toolkit hosted on the Meet Cambridge website. 

🔗 https://www.meet-cambridge.com/events-services/sustainable-events-toolkit/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-edi-in-events/managing-dietary-requirements-at-events/ 

This resource is practical, thoughtful and created with real collaboration, including input from the diets working group. At a recent ABPCO Festival of Learning event, great effort and collaboration between the diets working group, PCO Sheer Edge, ABPCO Executive Director Matt Stalker and Nottingham Venues Operations and Catering teams worked collaboratively to support the dietary toolkit requirements. Melissa Sobo at Nottingham Venues summed up the experience beautifully: 

“Working with the diets group felt like everything coming full circle — we weren’t just identifying challenges; we were helping to remove them. The advice shared was there to empower organisers, not overwhelm them.” — Melissa Sobo, Nottingham Venues 

Adding to this, Anita Macdonald, Deputy Marketing Manager, Meet Cambridge and co-lead of the ABPCO Dietary Inclusion Members Group said:  

“Creating truly inclusive events isn’t the responsibility of one organisation or one supplier. It’s something we achieve together. When venues, organisers, caterers, and industry partners collaborate, we remove barriers and raise standards for everyone.” 

The venue/caterer checklists reinforce something we see every day: dietary inclusion is a team sport. 

Some standout recommendations include: 

• Ensuring all staff, including casuals, are trained to answer dietary questions confidently 

• Having a clearly identifiable dietary champion on site 

• Using QR codes for detailed ingredient lists 

• Offering tasting sessions during site visits 

• Using different coloured plates or dish shapes to avoid mix-ups 

• Keeping clear, documented communication between organisers, caterers, staff and other venue users 

We’re dedicated in supporting clients from the very first conversation, ensuring dietary needs are: 

• Captured clearly 

• Categorised correctly 

• Communicated early 

• Managed safely 

• Delivered with confidence 

We work closely with venues and caterers to make sure nothing slips through the cracks, from cross contamination risks to labelling clarity to emergency planning. When every guest can eat safely and happily, they feel more included and the whole event feels better. 

The toolkit is a living bank of resources. If you have ideas, comments, or suggestions for future themes, the team would love to hear from you and welcome: 

• Ideas 

• Feedback 

• Suggestions 

• Themes you’d like explored 

Drop Anita a line at anita@meet-cambridge.com. 

As a PCO who feels passionately about striking the right balance and ensuring everyone feels welcome, seen and included, Sheer Edge would welcome working with you on your next event and help you to implement this dietary toolkit as we did for ABPCO. 

Reach out to us today to find out more: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176

The post Eating Well, Feeling Included: Why Dietary Requirements Deserve a Front Row Seat in Event Planning  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

From the outset, the event delivered strongly on its purpose: “bringing members and the wider industry together for learning, networking and collaboration”. With over 200 attendees, exceptionally high engagement, and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Festival once again demonstrated why it remains a key date in the association’s events calendar. 

A Highly Engaged Delegate Community 

Attendance and engagement were exceptional, with 208 delegates participating and app usage far exceeding industry benchmarks. The event achieved an impressive 82% login rate, demonstrating strong digital engagement and a real appetite for interaction and connection throughout the programme. 

Delegates responded particularly positively to the programme’s balance of learning, interaction, and practical takeaways. Workshops were repeatedly highlighted as a standout feature, with feedback noting that “delegates loved the choices” and that sessions generated “lots of positive chatter” across both days. 

A Warm Welcome and Exceptional Experience 

One of the clearest themes from the event was the strong sense of community and hospitality. Delegates overwhelmingly felt welcomed, with 75.7% strongly agreeing with this sentiment, a testament to the collaborative effort between ABPCO, Nottingham Venues, and the Sheer Edge team. 

The venue itself received excellent feedback, described internally as “AMAZING” and “more than accommodating”. Catering, accessibility, and sustainability credentials were also praised, with dietary inclusivity noted as a particular strength. 

The AV and technical delivery were another highlight, with the team receiving “nothing but the highest praise” for their responsiveness and ability to support last‑minute requirements smoothly and professionally. 

Collaboration at its Best 

For Sheer Edge, one of the greatest successes of this year’s Festival was the seamless collaboration between all partners involved. Clear roles, strong communication, and a shared commitment to excellence ensured a smooth delivery across both days. As noted in the debrief, “the collaborative approach between teams contributed significantly to seamless delivery and a strong on-site experience. 

We worked closely with ABPCO throughout the entire journey, from preregistration and speaker/exhibitor briefing calls to site visits and ongoing venue and end‑client communications. Our team also managed the full build, setup, and delivery of the event app on ABPCO’s behalf, ensuring every delegate had a seamless digital experience. 

In the spirit of ABPCO and Sheer Edge’s shared ethos of giving back, we invited students from Nottingham and Birmingham University College to join us on site. Offering them hands-on experience at an event of this scale was a privilege, and their enthusiasm added real value to the event delivery. 

One of the Event Support Student Volunteers commented “I was a volunteer event staff member at ABPCO and what an experience it was, the speakers were amazing and so insightful, as a final year student about to enter the events Industry, ABPCO was an incredible chance for me to expand my network and meet some Industry veterans. Working on the event gave me a newfound appreciation for events managers. The Sheer Edge Events team have truly mastered the ‘event chill’ skill. I really enjoyed working with them, being able to watch the team in action was so inspiring and beyond work, they’re incredible at what they do, and I really do hope I have the pleasure of working with them in the future!” 

Looking Ahead 

The ABPCO Festival of Learning 2026 not only celebrated the strength of the association events community, but also highlighted the power of thoughtful planning, meaningful content and exceptional partnership. We were thrilled to play a part in its success and look forward to supporting ABPCO, its membership and the association sector in the future, one thing is for certain this sector continues to evolve and innovate. 

If you’re planning an event and want expert support that blends creativity, operational excellence, and genuine partnership, the Sheer Edge team is here to help. 

If you would like some guidance on how the Sheer Edge team could support you with your events, reach out to the team today: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176 

The post Supporting Excellence at the ABPCO Festival of Learning 2026 appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Function Spaces Designed for Corporate Success 

The hotel offers 14–16 flexible meeting and event rooms, accommodating everything from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. Most rooms also have ample natural daylight, with the smaller syndicate rooms making up for this with plenty of lighting inside the space. Their largest space, the Forest Suite, can host up to 320 delegates and can be divided into three smaller rooms for multi-format events. Natural daylight, built‑in AV, and screens across the room for both portrait and landscape layouts, along with adjacent breakout areas like the Ebony Lounge, make it ideal for conferences, exhibitions, and corporate dinners. The lounge area can also be used for reception drinks or a cold buffet lunch service, with easy access to outdoor spaces.  

Smaller suites such as the Ash, Mulberry and Lauren Pellier rooms offer versatile options for training sessions, workshops and private dining. With super‑speed Wi‑Fi and modern AV throughout, the venue is well-equipped for seamless presentations and hybrid formats.  

Service That Makes a Difference 

During our stay, we experienced first-hand the friendliness, professionalism and flexibility of the Crowne Plaza team. Whether supporting our client’s group check-ins, accommodating last‑minute requests, or ensuring the dining experience was spot on, the staff consistently went above and beyond. This aligns with the venue’s strong reputation for exceptional hospitality and customer care. They also have a full list of suppliers that they are able to liaise with on a client’s behalf, so anything that’s required, décor-wise, to extra AV. They even have a star-studded dancefloor on site that is readily available upon request.  

Dining & Delegate Experience 

Location & Practicalities 

Just 2 miles from East Midlands Airport and half a mile from the M1 (J24), the hotel is perfectly placed for national and international delegates. With 114 bedrooms, ample parking, EV charging and leisure facilities including a health club and indoor pool, it’s a convenient and comfortable base for multi-day events.  

If you’re considering Crowne Plaza East Midlands Airport for your next event, whether it’s accommodation, meeting space, or full event management, Sheer Edge are on hand to help. We’ll ensure your experience is seamless from first enquiry to final check-out. 

Get in touch with the Sheer Edge team. We’d love to help you bring it to life! 📩 hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 📞 0330 223 3176 

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At the core of its corporate offering is the purpose-built Knightley Court, a self-contained conference centre designed to deliver both flexibility and impact. Ideal for larger-scale events, this space features the impressive Knightley Suite, which can accommodate conferences, presentations and corporate gatherings in a spacious, well-equipped environment. With integrated AV facilities, adaptable layouts and natural light, it provides a professional yet comfortable setting for productive sessions. 

Knightley Court also includes a selection of smaller, versatile meeting rooms, perfect for breakout sessions, workshops, or more focused discussions. These spaces are complemented by a private lounge and bar area, encouraging informal networking and collaboration throughout the day. A unique addition is the on-site 29-seat cinema, offering a memorable alternative for presentations, screenings, or keynote moments that require something a little different. 

For corporate hospitality and private dining, the Cedars Restaurant provides an elegant and refined setting. Whether hosting a networking dinner, awards evening, or client entertainment, guests can enjoy a high-quality dining experience in beautiful surroundings. Perfect for leaving a lasting impression! 

What truly sets this venue apart is its seamless integration of business and wellbeing. The on-site spa offers delegates the opportunity to unwind and recharge, with facilities including an indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. It’s an ideal addition for multi-day conferences or incentive-style events, adding a restorative element to the overall experience. 

With 60 stylish bedrooms, expansive grounds for team-building activities and a range of flexible event spaces, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa delivers a well-rounded corporate offering in a truly memorable setting. 

Looking to host your next corporate event at Fawsley Hall? Get in touch with the Sheer Edge team, we’d love to help you bring it to life! 📩 hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 📞 0330 223 3176 

The post Venue Spotlight: Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Purpose-built with creativity and adaptability in mind, The Box introduces a striking contemporary venue that offers event organisers a true blank canvas. With around 900 square metres of open event space, the venue has the capacity to host over 400 delegates, making it an ideal setting for conferences, exhibitions, networking events and experiential event formats that require room to think big. 

What makes The Box particularly appealing is its flexibility. The space has been designed so organisers can shape it entirely around their event concept, whether that’s a large plenary session, an immersive brand experience, an exhibition-led conference or a dynamic networking environment. The modern design, clean lines and expansive layout allow for a wide range of room configurations, while large windows bring in natural daylight to create a bright and energising atmosphere for delegates. 

The venue has also been thoughtfully positioned within the wider resort to maximise event potential. The Box can operate as a standalone venue or work seamlessly alongside the resort’s existing conference facilities, giving planners the ability to expand their event footprint if required. For example, it could act as a dedicated exhibition or networking hub while conference sessions take place in neighbouring spaces. 

While The Box may be the newest addition, it sits within the established event infrastructure of Wyboston Lakes Resort, a well-known destination for meetings, training and conferences. Set within 380 acres of lakeside countryside, the resort provides a fully integrated event environment where delegates can stay, meet and relax all in one location. 

Alongside The Box, the resort offers a wide variety of meeting spaces across its three dedicated venues: the Woodlands Event Centre, The Willows Training Centre and the Waterfront Hotel. Together these provide more than 50 meeting and event spaces, as well as over 400 bedrooms, allowing organisers to host anything from small strategy sessions to large multi-day conferences. 

With the introduction of The Box, Wyboston Lakes Resort has added a fresh and highly adaptable venue to its already impressive portfolio. For event planners looking to create something impactful, with space for creativity, collaboration and scale, this exciting new venue is certainly one to watch. 

If you’d like to find out more about Wyboston Lakes or enquire about hosting your next event in one of their spaces, get in touch with us today and we’d be more than happy to help.  Let the Sheer Edge team start shaping an event that’s as memorable as the setting. 

📩 hello@sheeredge.co.uk 

📞 0330 223 3176 

The post Venue Spotlight: The Box at Wyboston Lakes Resort – Where Big Ideas Take Centre Stage appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

If you work in events, you’ll know this already: we create incredible moments. We bring people together, spark ideas, build brands, launch products, and celebrate milestones. But we also generate waste. A lot of it. That’s the part of the story we can’t afford to ignore anymore. 

Sustainability in events isn’t a ‘nice to have’ or a tick-box exercise for a credentials slide, it’s a responsibility. Every conference, exhibition, awards dinner and brand activation has a footprint, from the venue energy use to delegate travel, catering, set builds and the inevitable lanyards that somehow multiply overnight. 

Why does it matter now more than ever? Because expectations have shifted. Not only are clients are asking tougher questions, but delegates are also more conscious. Teams want to work with suppliers who share their values. Frankly, the climate conversation isn’t abstract anymore. Extreme weather, supply chain disruption and rising costs are impacting our industry directly. Being greener isn’t just about reputation; it’s about resilience. 

The good news? Events are brilliantly adaptable. With a bit of thought at the planning stage, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact without compromising experience. 

Start with the venue.  

This is one of the biggest levers you have. Look for spaces with strong environmental policies, renewable energy sources, waste management systems and clear sustainability credentials. Ask about their energy usage, food sourcing, recycling rates and water management. A good venue will be proud to talk about it. Location matters too, somewhere well connected by public transport will instantly reduce the reliance on cars. 

Then there’s travel.  

For many events, this is the single largest contributor to carbon emissions. Encourage delegates to travel by train where possible. In the UK and across much of Europe, rail can often rival air travel in terms of on-time performance when you factor in airport queues and transfers. If flights are unavoidable, suggest direct routes over connecting flights, as take-off and landing are the most carbon-intensive parts of a journey. Promote car sharing for regional events and provide clear public transport guidance in pre-event communications. Even small nudges in your joining instructions can shift behaviour. 

While we’re talking comms, ditch the paper wherever you can. Printed agendas, maps and tickets add up quickly. Use event apps or mobile-friendly itineraries instead. QR codes for registration, digital signage and online feedback forms are now standard practice and delegates expect them. If you do need to print, choose recycled stock and vegetable-based inks and only produce what’s genuinely necessary. 

Catering is another big opportunity.  

Work with caterers who prioritise seasonal, locally sourced produce. Reducing meat and dairy, even slightly, can have a significant environmental benefit. You don’t have to make an event fully plant-based (unless that fits your audience), but offering appealing vegetarian and vegan options as the default rather than the alternative is a subtle but effective shift. Be proactive about portion sizes and surplus food, for example, can it be donated? Is there a clear plan to minimise waste? 

When it comes to production, think beyond the ‘wow’ moment. Reusable modular staging, hired furniture and rented décor will always be preferable to single-use builds. Avoid bespoke items that are destined for a skip the following morning. If you’re producing graphics, consider recyclable materials or fabric options that can be repurposed. Ask your production partners about their own sustainability practices; this is a collaborative effort. 

Merchandise is another area worth scrutinising.  

We’ve all seen the branded giveaways that never leave the hotel room. Instead of defaulting to physical swag, ask whether it’s necessary at all. If it is, focus on quality over quantity, something useful, durable and responsibly sourced. Or consider digital alternatives: downloadable resources, exclusive content or post-event access to recordings. 

Waste management on the day needs proper planning. Clearly labelled recycling points, food waste bins and back-of-house sorting systems make a real difference. Brief your event staff and volunteers so they can guide delegates. It sounds simple, but without visible infrastructure and clear messaging, even the most well-intentioned audience will default to the nearest bin. 

It’s also worth measuring what you’re doing.  

Carbon calculators and post-event sustainability reports are becoming more accessible and more expected. Tracking your impact helps you identify where the biggest wins are and gives clients tangible data to report back to their stakeholders. Transparency builds trust, even if you’re not perfect yet. 

That’s the key point:  

Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is.  

No event will ever have zero impact. The aim is to make conscious choices at every stage and to keep improving. Sometimes that means having slightly tougher conversations with clients about budgets, timelines or design ambitions. Often, sustainable choices are cost-effective in the long run, such as reduced print, less waste, and smarter logistics, but even when they’re not, they’re part of responsible planning. 

There’s also a reputational advantage to doing this properly. Brands that take sustainability seriously attract like-minded partners and audiences. They future-proof themselves against tightening regulations and shifting consumer expectations. In an industry built on creativity, leading on sustainability is an opportunity to innovate rather than restrict. 

We believe brilliant and responsible events should be one and the same thing. It’s about asking better questions at the start, choosing partners carefully and being honest about the impact of our decisions. Every delegate journey, every menu choice, every printed page contributes to a much bigger picture. 

We’re in the business of creating experiences. Making sure those experiences don’t cost the earth feels like a fairly important place to start. 

If you would like some guidance on how to make your events more sustainable, reach out to the team today: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or cal us: 0330 223 3176 

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