Stuttgart: Leading the Way in Sustainable Event Planning

In a world increasingly focused on environmental sustainability, the event industry is no exception. Event organizers are now under more scrutiny than ever to prioritize sustainable practices in their planning. This change is driven by both a desire to reduce environmental impact and to meet the expectations of a new generation of participants who demand eco-conscious events. At the heart of this shift is the Stuttgart region, which offers an array of sustainability initiatives that strongly support association events.

Commitment to Sustainability

Stuttgart Region is on a mission to become a certified "Sustainable Destination" within the next three years. Already Stuttgart won the German Sustainability Award 2022 (Deutscher Nachhaltigkeitspreis) – being Germany’s most sustainable major city. But what does this mean for event organizers in the Stuttgart region? Let's delve into the details.

Why Sustainability Matters for Events

Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a critical factor in event planning. According to the European Institute for the Meeting Industry, event organizers cite the two most important reasons for prioritizing sustainability:

• Resource Conservation
• Meeting Participant Expectations

This shift towards sustainability means that event planning must now incorporate eco-friendly practices into their standard procedures. Key areas to consider include mobility, energy resources, waste management, and catering. The choice of destination and venue plays a significant role in these considerations. And this is where a convention bureau like us - Stuttgart Convention Bureau - can help you with local expertise.

Sustainable Mobility

One of the most impactful ways to make your event eco-friendly is by addressing transportation. Transportation to and from events is the largest contributor to CO2 emissions, accounting for up to 70% of the total. Ensuring a climate-friendly journey is a significant step toward hosting a green event.

In the Stuttgart region, you have access to sustainable transportation options, including a partnership with Deutsche Bahn, the national railway operator. They offer a climate-neutral travel package, encouraging attendees to choose eco-friendly travel options. The region also boasts excellent rail and public transportation networks, minimizing the need for personal vehicles.

A standout highlight is Stuttgart Airport, a member of WinCharta (the Baden-Württemberg Economic Initiative for Sustainability). It has been committed to sustainable development for many years and has set a remarkable goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. The airport actively supports research endeavors aimed at environmentally friendly aviation practices.

Once a customer arrives, our “Hotel Plus Public Transportation” program steps in. Guests who book our partner hotels through our hotel reservation system receive complimentary public transportation tickets for the duration of their stay. This program, which we have been offering for more than 10 years, fosters sustainable mobility at the local level with the convenient online booking system in the corporate design of the association meeting. Additional options include special offers for a special priced 3-day public transport congress ticket. For large-scale events, the public transport ticket can also be seamlessly combined with your event ticket for added convenience. More information: https://congress.stuttgart-tourist.de/en/housing-services

Eco-Conscious Venues

When selecting a venue, consider its environmental impact. Are they actively managing their environmental footprint? Do they hold sustainability certificates? Stuttgart offers a comprehensive Online Meeting Guide where you can search for eco-friendly event locations. This guide features a variety of sustainable venues, including conference centers, hotels, and unique spaces, making it easy for you to plan an event with sustainability in mind.

For instance, the Messe Stuttgart / International Congress Center Stuttgart (ICS), Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Liederhalle offer comprehensive support for sustainable event planning.

Messe Stuttgart's Sustainability Initiative

Messe Stuttgart and its ICS International Congress Center Stuttgart, the city's biggest event venue, leads the way in sustainable event planning. Their newly updated guide offers practical tips for waste reduction, energy conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials, making it easier for associations to host environmentally friendly congresses and exhibitions with more than 500 participants. More information: https://www.messe-stuttgart.de/en/our-company/sustainability

Green Accommodation and meeting hotels

Several hotels in Stuttgart exemplify sustainable practices, those proudly display the "Green policy" mark in our Online Meeting Guide, underscoring their dedication to eco-conscious practices. Their commitment is not the only noteworthy aspect; their excellent locations within the city center or close to public transportation also contribute to their appeal. For instance, the Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart Airport are situated within walking distance of the Stuttgart Messe (Trade Fair) and the airport. Combined they offer the largest meeting space within a hotel in Stuttgart. Additionally, just a short subway ride away, the Parkhotel Stuttgart Messe Airport runs on geothermal and solar energy with energy consumption of the building around 50 percent below the requirements of the Thermal Insulation Ordinance. Unique is its charming in-house brewery for receptions and dinners. Maritim Hotel Stuttgart is well connected, adjacent to the Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Liederhalle in the heart of the city. The largest hotel in Southwest Germany offers 555 rooms and suites, 15 meeting rooms including the historic Riding Arena for up to 700 delegates.

15-minute city

Nestled within one of Germany's largest wine-growing regions, Stuttgart offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and innovation, making it the ideal backdrop for sustainable event experiences for delegates. Here, the city seamlessly harmonizes tradition and modernity, creating a rich tapestry of possibilities. Stuttgart's dynamic cultural scene has earned it the prestigious title of German Culture Capital four times consecutively. This unique blend of historical charm and forward-thinking innovation sets the stage for the creation of exceptional, integrative experiences that resonate with delegates seeking sustainable event engagements.
Stuttgart boasts world-renowned cultural institutions. The Stuttgart State Theatres, with its Stuttgart Opera, Stuttgart Ballet and Stuttgart Theatre, is the largest three-section theatre in Europe. Stuttgart's central location ensures that all major city attractions such as the Palace Square, the Old Castle, the Modern Art Museum or the Stadtpalais, including also hotels like Maritim Hotel Stuttgart , Steigenberger and Le Meridien are within a 15-minute walk from the city center. Likewise, you can easily access the Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Liederhalle and the main station. For those interested in the Mercedes-Benz Museum or Porsche Museum for example, it's just a short 15-minute drive or bus ride away, while Stuttgart Airport is conveniently reachable from the city center in only 25 minutes via public transportation and in the near future even within 8 minutes.

Conclusion

As the demand for sustainability in event planning continues to grow, Stuttgart is well-prepared to meet the needs of event organizers. With its comprehensive support for eco-friendly practices, sustainable transportation options, eco-conscious venues, and a range of partner hotels, the Stuttgart region offers everything you need to host a successful, sustainable event. Make the responsible choice for your next association event by choosing Stuttgart as your destination, where sustainable management takes on an important role since many years.

Find more information about Stuttgart on www.congress-stuttgart.com or on our Stuttgart Convention Bureau Conferli profile.