Behind the Curtain: Why Some Events Work and Others Don’t | NWES 2026

Presented by Alycia Drube, Beth Halvorsen, Julianne Read, and Mark Kenny at the Northwest Event Show (NWES) 2026. Zero-waste events start long before materials reach a recycling bin. In this NWES 2026 panel discussion, a planner, vendor, and sustainability partners share practical approaches to reducing waste through thoughtful signage, strategic sourcing, and nonprofit partnerships. Attendees will explore how event professionals can balance budget considerations with sustainability goals while creating measurable impact. The discussion includes alternatives to traditional event materials, opportunities for reuse and upcycling, the role of projection and digital solutions, and ways to evaluate diversion metrics and sustainability outcomes. Attendees will learn: • How to set sustainability goals and identify alternatives to traditional event materials • The cost-benefit considerations of sustainable event practices • Practical approaches to upcycling, reuse, and closed-loop solutions • How to evaluate diversion metrics and work with partners to improve sustainability outcomes Sponsored by SuperGraphics and the Refugee Artisan Initiative. About NWES: The Northwest Event Show (NWES) is the Pacific Northwest’s premier conference and trade show for event professionals, meeting planners, marketers, venues, destinations, hospitality providers, and event industry suppliers. Learn more at https://nweventshow.com #NWES #EventProfs #EventSustainability #SustainableEvents #ZeroWasteEvents #CircularEconomy #EventPlanning