A quick guide to more planet-friendly promotional events
Take a moment to reflect
Before you rush to print hundreds of quarter sheets, consider your event goals. The prompts below may help guide you toward more sustainable tabling.
- How do you want people to remember your table among the many present at the event?
- What information do you need to collect from people interested in your group?
- What materials do you already have and how much money do you have to spend?
- How can your tabling materials be adaptable for different events and weather?
- What makes your group unique and something you are excited to lead?
Make it fun
- Provide a quick but engaging activity. Example: A music club might have live voting for people’s favorite artists or trivia about local venues.
- Offer a social media competition. (Bonus: gain new followers!) Example: A fashion magazine might have people tag them in a photo or video clip of a favorite thrifted outfit.
Keep it simple
- Use a tablet or laptop instead of paper to collect emails. It won’t fly away in the wind!
- Have a QR code for more information instead of printing flyers, which often just get tossed.
- Minimize giveaways. Try having a few nicer prizes instead of many little ones. Even small candies can lead to litter and waste.
Be inclusive
- Use inclusive language to appeal to a wider audience. Click here for tips.
Save money
- Don’t include the year or date on materials or giveaways so that they can be used later on.
- If you need paper weights, choose reusable items you already have. Example: A hockey club might use pucks, or a dance club might use pointe shoes.
- Instead of making a new tabling poster each year, make or buy a reusable display and pass it down to new leadership. Chalk boards and white boards work great and you can typically pick them up from a local thrift store.