How Maritz Earned Bronze EIC Certification for Elevate 2026 by Embedding Sustainability into Event Design

# Overview Maritz started monitoring its event footprint in 2021. That monitoring turned into concrete policies, measurement routines and operational changes that produced Bronze-level certification under the Events Industry Council's (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards for two events: Activate 2025 and Elevate 2026.

# What Maritz changed to earn certification Maritz approached certification as a checklist of actions backed by data rather than a one-off PR effort. To meet the 85 EIC criteria required for Bronze at Elevate 2026, the team created an internal Brand Event Sustainability Guide and incorporated sustainability requirements into standard banquet event order (BEO) language and supplier agreements.

• Standardized sustainability expectations across staff and suppliers so practices like eliminating pre-poured beverages and reducing single-use plastics were included in planning conversations and BEOs.
• Trained on-site staff and collaborating teams on sustainable operating procedures to ensure alignment during events.
• Limited materials brought on site by prioritizing digital venue resources, reducing signage, and donating signage, décor and supplies to local schools and nonprofits instead of discarding them.

# How measurement shaped decisions Measuring their footprint gave Maritz clear priorities rather than vague targets. The data showed which activities and materials drove waste and emissions, allowing the team to target the highest-impact areas.

• Transportation: registration included transportation-impact data showing emissions differences between driving alone, carpooling and flying. Sharing that information gave attendees the facts needed to make different travel choices.
• Signage and décor: once the team quantified material waste, they reduced signage use and focused on reusable or donated items.
• On-site materials: measurement made Maritz more intentional about ordering, leading to fewer unnecessary condiments, plastic utensils and pre-poured beverages.

# Organizational effect and learning

Daniel Potter, strategic events manager, described how measurement changed ordering behavior and venue use: they now prioritize venue digital displays and meter boards and limit decor to items that can be repurposed, donated or reused.

# Practical takeaways for other event teams

• Start with measurement: identify the biggest waste and emissions drivers to focus limited effort where it matters.
• Put requirements in writing: include sustainability language in BEOs and supplier contracts so expectations are automatic.
• Train staff and partners: on-site procedures and staff buy-in are essential to consistent implementation.
• Reuse and donate: plan signage and décor so items can be reused or donated rather than discarded.
• Use attendee-facing data: share practical emissions or waste information with registrants to enable more sustainable choices.

# Outcome The combination of measurement, operational changes, supplier rules and staff training produced Bronze-level EIC certification for Elevate 2026 (held at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, with more than 300 attendees) and a repeatable process that Maritz can apply to other events.