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The Halifax Sustainable Events Program supports and recognizes meetings or conventions that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability through climate action, support for local business, and positive community impact, when planning.
Events that intend to make meaningful progress in one or multiple of the program’s categories, will receive relevant Program Badge(s) and curated promotional assets which can be used to help showcase their sustainability efforts, attract attendees, and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Halifax— before, during, and after the event.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to qualify for the Halifax Sustainable Events Program, events must be:
Meetings or conventions;
National or international in scope (Minimum of 50% of attendees are from outside our region);
Confirmed, with dates, to be hosted in Halifax; and
Able to demonstrate a commitment to incorporating sustainable initiatives into the event.
What this program is not
The Sustainable Event Program is a recognition initiative, not a sustainability certification or endorsement of an event or its content by Discover Halifax. Recognition is based the organizer’s intent to implement specific sustainable initiatives into their Halifax event.
Recognition Categories
The Halifax Sustainable Event Badge signifies a commitment to sustainable progress through measurable initiatives. Discover Halifax’s sustainable events focus is aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), although packaged differently. Events may be recognized in one or more of the following areas:
Climate action
REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Event initiatives that focus on conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and protecting ecosystems to support long-term planetary health.
Local Sourcing
SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY
Event initiatives that support economic and social growth by investing in local people, places and things over non-local alternatives.
Community Building
CREATING MEANINGFUL SOCIAL IMPACT
Event initiatives that prioritize equity, diversity and inclusion, community development programs, legacy for the region, and brings awareness of local issues and communities.
Premier Sustainable Event
EXCELLENCE IN ALL AREAS
An event that is making visible strides in all three categories. An event that’s leading the way as an example for future events.
Application Process
The application, approval and execution process for the Sustainable Events Program is quick and easy.
1. Submit application
Applications are straightforward and must be submitted in partnership with your Discover Halifax Sales Representative. If you’re not already working with a sales representative, contact us to get started.
The evaluation period is about 4-6 weeks once your application has been submitted. You’ll be notified via email once a decision has been made.
2. If qualified, receive a promotional asset kit
Your asset kit will include assets and templates you can use to showcase your event’s commitment to progress through sustainability. The promotional kit includes:
Program Badge(s) and Usage Guidelines
Social media graphics and announcement templates
PowerPoint slides
Post-event report submission form
You’ll also be featured on Discover Halifax’s Business Events website and social media channels.
3. Host your event
Enjoy the positive impacts of your event in real-time with your event attendees. During your event you may want to think about the post-event reporting. Capturing photos, videos, and outcomes from your sustainable initiatives so we can showcase your efforts to event stakeholders, attendees, and future host destinations.
4. Share outcomes
Fill out your post-event report to the best of your ability. We’ll create a report which you can use to showcase your good work to event stakeholders. Discover Halifax will also feature the report on our website, so others can be inspired by your creative ideas and positive impacts.
Recognition Badges
Events that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability related to one or more of Discover Halifax’s Sustainable program categories will receive a relevant recognition badge(s). An asset kit will be provided that includes the high-resolution badge, social media templates, and presentation materials. These assets can be used to help promote of your event to sponsors, stakeholders, and potential attendees.
Marketing & promotion use ideas:
Share your event recognition on social media.
Add your recognition badge(s) to your website to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
Write a case study about hosting a more sustainable event in Halifax and include your program recognitions.
Add your recognition badge(s) to your email signature leading up to your event.
Announce your event recognition via eblast or newsletter to your stakeholders and potential attendees.
Showcase your sustainable event recognition onsite at your event on printed collateral, signage or screens to build awareness for sustainable action taken.
Badges may be used on digital or printed promotions, including social media channels.
Our program badges should not be displayed smaller than 20mm in height, and the colors should not be altered in any way.
You must only use the badges associated with the recognition categories for which your event has qualified.
Badges may be displayed on the event’s website, as well as the event planner and/or host organization’s website, provided organizers reference the name and year of event which the recognition was intended for.
The team at Discover Halifax is here to help you identify opportunities for impact, find local partners and suppliers, and guide you through the Halifax Sustainable Event Program. We also have additional resources available to you, like our Guide to Hosting Sustainable Business Events in Halifax.
Inspiration Guide
Find inspiration for the types of activities that could help you qualify for Discover Halifax’s Sustainable Events Program. Note this is not a checklist of to-dos, it’s merely meant to trigger ideas that align with the goals of your event and inspire action.
Connect with your sales representative or email us at sales@discoverhalifaxns.com to learn more about the Halifax Sustainable Events Program and start planning an event that makes a difference.