256: Earth Day Insights: Lindsay Arell on Sustainability in Event Planning and Management

Hey y'all! On Earth Day — April 22 — I recorded a special episode of Eating at a Meeting to dive deep into an issue that affects all of us in the event planning industry: the pervasive challenge of single-use plastics. Together, we'll explore transformative strategies to reduce their impact and make our events more sustainable. I'm thrilled to introduce you to Lindsay Arell, CEO of Honeycomb Strategies, who joined me for this episode. Lindsay is a titan of sustainability, known for her groundbreaking work in environmental initiatives across some of the world's most iconic venues. With two decades of pioneering efforts, she has significantly reshaped how the live event industry addresses its ecological footprint. In our discussion, Lindsay shares her experiences from managing the sustainability program at Expo West, including the visually impressive "plastics rainbow" to effective strategies implemented there to dramatically reduce single-use plastics and explore the lasting effects of these initiatives. We'll also discover some practical tips and innovative solutions that you can implement to champion sustainability. Whether you're organizing a local workshop or a grand international conference, Lindsay's expertise will equip you with the tools to make eco-friendly and impactful decisions. Every meal and every event has the potential to contribute positively to our planet. As Earth Day approaches, let's unite to learn how we can transform the events industry into a force for environmental good. Listen to this episode so we can learn, adapt, and innovate together for a sustainable future. 💚