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 

The post Sustainability In Events appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Ten years of ideas, partnerships, problem-solving, early mornings, late nights and moments that reminded us exactly why we do what we do. To mark the occasion, we asked the team to reflect on 10 moments that sum up our journey so far. What came back was a reminder that Sheer Edge has always been about more than events alone.

It’s about people, relationships, resilience and doing things the right way.

Celebrating Excellence (and being recognised for it)

One of our proudest early milestones was winning the Customer Excellence Award at the Nachural Entrepreneur Awards in 2019. It meant a great deal to us because it recognised something we’ve always cared deeply about, delivering thoughtful, dependable support and putting our clients at the heart of everything we do.

That commitment carried us through one of the most challenging periods the events industry has ever faced.

Standing with Clients Through Uncertainty

When the pandemic turned the world and our industry upside down, we were proud to support many of our UK and US clients as they navigated completely new territory. From reimagining conferences as virtual experiences to finding creative ways to keep people connected, those months were demanding, emotional and, at times, daunting, but they reinforced the trust we have built with our clients over the years.

It was a powerful reminder that events are about connection, whether in a room together or across screens.

Sharing Ideas and Giving Back

The creation of our Inside Edge magazine has been another highlight. It gave us a platform to share ideas, inspiration and insights from across the events and hospitality world and to celebrate the creativity that keeps our industry moving forward.

Giving back matters to us too. Supporting local community projects and committing to environmental responsibility through our Green Pledge, including planting nine trees every year, reflects our belief that businesses should play a positive role beyond their day-to-day work.

A Team We’re Proud Of

Sheer Edge wouldn’t be what it is without its people. We’re incredibly proud to offer flexible working and to have built a team that supports one another, balances busy lives, and brings warmth and care to everything they do. Being a great place to work isn’t a badge we claim lightly!

Small Business, Big Moments

Over the years, we’ve been honoured to be recognised as part of the Theo Paphitis #SBS Network, to be named a Small Business Sunday winner and, most recently, to be included in the Small Business Saturday #SmallBiz100. Attending events at the House of Lords and 11 Downing Street as part of this initiative was a genuine pinch-me moment and a celebration of what small businesses can achieve.

That recognition continued with winning the Enterprise Award at the NNBN Awards 2025. That was a moment that felt like a full-circle celebration of resilience, growth and consistency.

Ten Years of Trust

Above all else, what we’re most proud of is ten years of supporting loyal clients. From corporate meetings and conferences to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, securing hospitality at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, Super Bowl events, and even U2 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, we feel incredibly lucky to be trusted with such important moments.

That trust, and our exceptionally high client retention, means everything to us.

Looking Ahead

Ten years in, we’re still excited. Still curious. Still committed to doing things thoughtfully and collaboratively. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Sheer Edge story so far, our clients, partners, community and team.

Here’s to the next chapter, and to many more moments worth celebrating.

If you would like Sheer Edge support, please reach out, we would be delighted to work with you to create your own event contingency plans for your future events.

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

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Whether you’re planning a large-scale event, conference or team meeting, it’s important to cover all your bases as much as you can. You need to confirm numbers, dietary requirements, plan payment dates and ensure the venue has all the information they need in good time. These are all the elements that are in your control – but, what about the bits that aren’t?  

For example – you’ve planned a summer conference with outdoor activities and an overnight stay. You’ve confirmed all dietary requirements, the rooming list, everything is paid for and you’re ready to go. However, you wake up on the morning of the event to a thunderstorm. There you have it, elements completely out of your control that are hazardous to the event. You’re prepared, though, because you thought ahead and made a contingency plan! 

Nobody likes to think that things will go wrong, but having a backup for these kinds of scenarios is so important. In this case, you could have already had a chat with the venue about what to do in case of rain – cue an indoor room ready to go, and the activity supplier prepped for this too for being able to adapt the activity to an indoor space.  

If you haven’t pre-planned for things to go wrong, that’s when you get caught out – but we understand that this can be overwhelming. With this in mind the Sheer Edge team offer full event support where we can help come up with contingency plans for you, from initial venue finding to ensuring the day itself runs as smoothly as possible. 

The most important thing to remember is that any event is all about you and your guests feeling relaxed and enjoying themselves – as long as you have that at the forefront of all planning, everything will go great!  

Still stuck? Here are our top tips for contingency planning:  

1. Consider if changes in the weather would affect how your event runs and plan accordingly if it does.  

2. Keep some budget to one side for those inevitable moments where you’ll have to spend that little bit more to accommodate everybody’s requirements.  

3. Check all possible routes to your venue and have a plan in case one route is suddenly unavailable, for example if there are train strikes.  

4. For high-profile events, consider if there are any potential security risks that could arise and ensure budget is there for security support should you need it.  

5. Make sure communication is clear and easy through specified channels on the day. If anything does need checking or changing, the team should be able to easily alert everybody to put a plan in action.  

6. Speaking of teams – have regular meetings and keep them fully trained on all potential hiccups and what the back up plans are. That way, everybody knows what to do should it happen.  

7. Plan for potential staffing shortages. It’s always a possibility that someone could be unwell on the day. To plan for this, make sure that nobody is solely responsible for one task and somebody else is trained to complete that role.  

8. Keep paperwork in check. It sounds obvious but keep yourself covered. If there are photos being taken, make sure you have all the relevant permission forms signed. Any agreements with clients and suppliers have written out, signed and safely stored so that they can be easily checked in case of any incidents.  

9. Technology is great, but it brings its own difficulties. Make sure you have other options should our initial tech fail you and have back up devices with presentations stored on them just in case.  

 Assess all risks in advance. Once you’ve chosen your venue, make sure you do conduct a thorough site visit so you can be sure of accessibility and any other potential hazards that can be planned around.  

If you would like Sheer Edge support, please reach out, we would be delighted to work with you to create your own event contingency plans for your future events.

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

The post Making an event contingency plan  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

We’re also looking to also do our bit. Here are some steps you could take when planning your next event with accessibility in mind:  

• Consider adding in a ‘quiet’ room’  

Events can be overstimulating even when you’re not diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition. There is a lot of noise, a lot to look at and even more than that to process.  

This can often be incredibly off-putting for guests and team members on the spectrum, meaning you won’t be getting them at their full capacity. To put them more at ease and show support, why not include an area in your events that they can retreat to when they need?  

This doesn’t have to be anything specially decorated or even particularly large, just a designated space (such as an office) that provides a calm and quiet environment. It should be shielded from noise and allow activities such as focused work, relaxation or meditation, or just a time out.  

• Actively plan schedules 

This isn’t just one for the neurodiverse! 

Team wise, have a full plan for each day of the event – who needs to be where and when and what key objectives need to be completed. Make sure everybody has fair notice of any meetings and their aims so that they can plan.  

Attendee wise, allow space in the event programme/app for them to be able to plan a schedule for themselves for what they want to see and achieve.  

• Leave time 

Don’t fall into the trap of over-filling schedules and not leaving space in between discussions, demonstrations etc for people to take a breather and make their way over!  

• Consider all accessibility issues 

While this article has mainly focused on the neurodiverse, it’s important to acknowledge that there are people with other accessability issues that you can accommodate too.  

For example, consider having hearing loops for those with hearing impairments so they can have audio descriptions. Ensure all text and colours are clear to read for the same reasons. Give all videos subtitles, so those who are hard of hearing can fully understand your marketing collatera. 

Consider how content can be tailored for visually impared attendees and provide staging areas and ramps for those in wheelchairs to easily view all panel discussions and entertainment.  

This will all make every single attendee feel valued and the ability to be fully immersed in your event experience – if there’s anything else you want to share with us on making events more accessible, please do get in touch!  hing! 

If you’re looking for support on how to make your events more accessible but don’t know where to start, give our team a call! 

You can reach us by phone: 0330 223 3176 or email: hello@sheeredge.co.uk

The post How to Make Your Event More Accessible   appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

We wanted to start this next statement with ‘picture the scene’ – but, the thing is, when it comes to awards dos, we bet you already can. You walk into a reception room where there’s arrival drinks. After some chatter and gathering around a table plan, you are allowed into a bigger space with banqueting style seating and find your seat. You’ve got half a bottle of wine each on the table and you’re served starters. Cue a comedian/celebrity figure to introduce the night and host the activities. Then it’s time for the first few award winners to be announced, main course is served, the rest of the awards are announced with the addition of dessert and teas and coffees. By this point, everybody is either very ready to go home or has been taking full advantage of the wine at the table, the celebrity/comedian host does a hilarious sign off and a band then comes in to close the night out with some dancing.  

Add in a photo booth, some sort of gif/360 camera and a videographer and photographer wondering around to capture the evening and, ta da, you have yourself the basic awards function. We’ve all been to them, most more than once, and they always seem to be the same.  

Here’s our question – why is that? Sure, there’s always the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, but are we really that out of ideas that we just want to repeat the same event each year?  

We get it, it’s sometimes scary to change the pattern and go against the crowd – so, let us help with thinking outside-the-box and share our top five ideas for making your awards do stand out from the crowd:  

1. Mix Up Your Venue  

Hotels are great, they have amazing function rooms, and they give people the choice of accommodation on site – however, they’re not the only option. There are other venues that stand alone with accommodation options, or venues that have nearby accommodation for people to taxi or even walk back to, should they want to stay.  

For example, why not explore going outdoors? What if you did a festival-style event with gorgeously lit tipis for a bar and activities with a Glastonbury style stage? 

Or, for the colder months, why not look at something like a museum? Could you use some of the exhibits to do a themed activity for guests and keep them engaged?  

Or even simply change up the décor and get something like indoor lit trees for a different atmosphere. The world really is your oyster, don’t be afraid to explore! 

2. Change Categories 

 ‘Best in Business’, ‘Biggest Sustainability Pledge’, etc. Yes, these are massively important to any industry, but what about the other areas that never get noticed? What about that one person who is always there to support everybody in the office and never gets thanked for it? Or the manager who really stepped up to make everybody feel included and valued in the team? Why don’t we give opportunity for the little things to be celebrated, as well as the wider company achievements?  

This would not only help more people be engaged with your event and feel appreciated, but it would mean more people actively wanting to attend! 

3. Reimagine Your Host  

You want people laughing, we get it – but why go with the usual suspects?  

Get creative, we dare you! Think outside the box. Why not choose a host who’s not only funny, but also inclusive and engaging? There are countless brilliant personalities out there who can bring inspiration, warmth, and originality to your event – not just comedy. Remember, inclusivity matters, so keep that front and centre when selecting your host. 

4. Make It Fun  

We all love a photo opportunity and we’re by no means suggesting you don’t have a photo booth and photographer/videographer to capture the event – but why not mix it up a little and include other activities too?  

A lot of these events focus on drinking, but what about those who aren’t taking part in that? Why not include other activities so they also feel welcome for the duration? Think of mixing up your event entertainment, everyone loves a nice surprise and there are endless options that can be provided. How about interactive entertainment, along with mini challenge that each team/table can take part in, with overall winners getting a prize? 

5. Don’t Be Afraid 

This really is the most important point we have to make. Don’t be afraid to make changes. Worst case scenario, you get more ideas for what to do or not do for your next function. Either way, you get people talking and give them something different to remember – and standing out can never be a bad thing! 

If you’re looking to host an awards function but don’t know where to start, give our team a call! 

You can reach us by phone: 0330 223 3176 or email: hello@sheeredge.co.uk

The post Awards with a Difference – making your awards function stand out  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

With a never-ending to-do list, wellness and self-care is often the last thing on our minds. You’ve most likely been hearing how important it is to keep the balance and are wondering how you’re meant to fit all the exercise and meditation sessions into an already busy schedule. The good news is you don’t need to! The small but intentional actions go a long way to help you feel grounded, focused and energised.  

So here are our top tips on realistic wellness for the non-stop events professional:  

1. Smartly Fuel Your Body 

When you’re on the go, it’s all too easy to skip meals or rely on those quick sugary snacks. There’s nothing wrong with snacking but try to vary this and keep protein-rich options on you, such as nuts, boiled eggs or protein bars.  

Also, don’t forget about fruit and vegetables! If you have time to prepare a lunch, why not also add in some fresh snacks such as apples, carrots, celery, cucumber sticks or bell peppers? If you pair this with dip options such as houmous or tzatziki, you’ve got a great and healthy snack that help you stay energised and avoid that mid-afternoon crash.  

It may seem obvious, but many also forget the importance of staying hydrated. Always keep a reusable water bottle on you and maybe even set reminders to refill this. You could also try adding some lemon slices of a sprig of mint to this for an extra boost of freshness.  

2. Breathe Between the Chaos 

Just one minute of intentional breathing can reset your nervous system. Why not try a breathing pattern of inhaling, holding and exhaling for 4 counts each? If you do this just a few times between meetings, site visits or even just while waiting in a queue, it can make all the difference.  

3. Keep On Moving  

You don’t have to fit in a full workout, micro-movements still count. Don’t forget to take a break away from your desk, even just to go up the stairs or do a few stretches while reviewing a run sheet. You could even take a call while on a walk.  

Movement is also great for anchoring yourself in the moment. Focus on your breathing exercises while stretching or notice your feet hitting the ground as you walk – all these small actions can help reconnect the body and re-set your focus.  

4. Get Quality Sleep (Not Just Quantity)  

Professionals in our sector are often working irregular hours, especially on event days. Sometimes it’s inevitable that you won’t get those full 8 hours of sleep, making it even more important to focus on the quality of the rest you do get. Here are some steps you could take if you struggle with sleep quality:  

• Try and avoid looking at any screens an hour before bed. 

• Keep the room you’re sleeping in a cool temperature and dark. 

• Use calming sounds or meditation apps to help you wind down after a busy day. 

5. Set Digital Boundaries  

It’s difficult to not be ‘always on’ when it comes to work – but that’s not something that’s viable for anybody in the long-term and it’s guaranteed to lead to burnout. Try to avoid sending emails after work hours, or during mealtimes. It’s good practice to set specific times to check your messages and it’s also OK to give yourself permission to unplug, even if it’s only for 20 minutes here and there.  

6. Give Yourself a Mind Reset  

When at your desk, backstage or even in the car, stop for just one minute, close your eyes, drop your shoulders and focus on one thing you’re grateful for. Believe it or not, this tiny practice can instantly shift your mindset and lower your stress levels.  

7. Strategically Say No 

You don’t have to be at every networking opportunity. Not every request is one that must be done. Not every task is one you must volunteer for. Don’t be afraid to say no and protect your time and energy. You’d do it for event VIPs, and who’s more important in your life than yourself?  

8. Build Your Wellness Toolkit  

Try downloading some of the wellness apps, such as Headspace, Calm or Insight Timer to help for quick meditation practices. For mindfulness on the go, audiobooks and podcasts are also a great option for learning about creativity, resilience or mindsets.  

9. Accept Help 

Whether it’s delegating some of your workload to a trusted team member, hiring temporary staff or leaning on friends for advice, don’t hold back from reaching out when you need a hand. Nobody has to do it all alone.  

10.  Celebrate Small Wins  

You’ve done it – you’ve successfully pulled off the event, you’ve smashed that campaign, and you’ve navigated the minefield that is stakeholder and client management. Acknowledge how awesome you are and celebrate it – there’s nothing wrong with being confident and self-motivation!  

Wellness isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. When you make time for your own health, energy and mindset, you don’t just survive through your career, you thrive.  

Remember – you are the magic behind these moments. Take care of the person behind the plan, and the plan will take care of itself.   

 It’s also very important to remember that its ok to reach out and ask for support. It’s something we encourage!

Get in touch with us today if you think we could help to support you and your team further: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176 

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