Choose Halifax for any number of reasons; incredible oceanfront views and a walkable downtown core, or its world-class convention centre and thriving cross-sector innovation. No matter the reason, the outcome is always the same: inspired meetings, engaged delegates, and lasting impressions.
Discover Halifax’s extraordinary selection of historic and modern venues and accommodations—all offering versatile settings to host inspiring meetings, unforgettable receptions against the backdrop of our beautiful sea-side city.
Unlock a world of curated supplier partnerships, sustainable planning tools, and exclusive delegate-saving privileges designed to elevate your event and not your budget.
Find the support you need to simplify logistics, maximize ROI, and create a bespoke event that is tailored to your group in a way that only Halifax can. As a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) we’re here to help every step of the way, free of charge.
The Halifax Sustainable Events Program supports and recognizes meetings and conventions that are taking meaningful steps toward hosting more responsible, purpose-driven events in Halifax.
Events that demonstrate meaningful progress in one or multiple of the program’s categories, will receive Program Badge(s) and curated promotional assets for the event that help to showcase a commitment to sustainability.
Recognition through this program can help event planners showcase their sustainability efforts, attract attendees, and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Halifax—before the event even begins.
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.
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.
The Process
The application, approval and execution process for the Sustainable Events Program is quick and easy.
1. Submit your 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 promotional toolkit
Your promotional 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) which can be used on your website, event promotional collateral, etc.
Social media announcement templates
Promotional graphics
Program overview copy
PowerPoint slides
Best practices guide for creative
Post-event report template
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.
What this program is not
This is not a certification or award program. It’s a program that recognizes and celebrates intention, action, and progress.
Support available
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.
