The mindset of planners is changing when it comes to sustainability. No longer is it a nice-to-have element at meetings, but it’s more often than not a core component of programs. Selecting a destination that has invested in sustainable practices is more crucial than ever.
According to the 2024 Eventgroove “The State of Event Sustainability” study, 67% of event planners consider sustainability in their planning process, with venue emissions (68%), waste management (55%) and local food sourcing (45%) being the driving factors.
California is leading the way, with many of its key meetings destinations actively working toward net-zero carbon emission goals, promoting conservation and assisting planners in selecting venues that prioritize green practices.
This is quite evident in Southern California, where major convention powerhouse Anaheim and the nearby Orange County beach cities are proactive about sustainability. Here are some ways planners can partner with these destinations to host an eco-friendly meeting.
[Related: Dream Big: California Leads the Way for Memorable Meetings]
Anaheim
Twice named the top “Eco-City” in Orange County by the U.S. Green Building Council, Anaheim weaves sustainability into its current venues and new developments. Big projects such as OCVIBE, Anaheim OC Riverwalk and DisneylandForward are being planned with sustainability at the forefront. DisneylandForward, for example, is being mindful about transportation and traffic congestion, building in bicycle and pedestrian pathways and an easy-to-access area for buses, shuttles and other transit connectors. Diversion of waste and reducing air emissions is another big focus.
The major draw of Anaheim for planners, of course, is the Anaheim Convention Center (ACC), which is the largest on the West Coast. A 2,000-square-foot green roof; 300,000-square-foot solar array (supplying 17% of the center’s energy needs); onsite recycling, composting and donation programs; and biodegradable utensils, plates and cups are all highlights. Additionally, the ACC’s catering team, led by chef Bernard Foster alongside Aramark Catering Services, develops sustainable menus via its farm-to-fork initiative that sources from within a 120-mile radius of the facility.
[Related: How Anaheim Keeps Its Large Meetings Sustainable]
Two long-standing shows at ACC are shining examples of sustainability. The MD&M Show for advanced manufacturing has been coming to Anaheim since 1985. Recently, it welcomed 13,500-plus attendees and has major sustainability initiatives. From 2020-2025, the show has been working toward its FastForward commitments, which include: become carbon neutral across its events by 2025, halve the waste generated through its events by 2025, become zero waste and net-zero carbon by 2030 or earlier and embed sustainability inside 100% of its events by 2025. To achieve this, the MD&M Show has taken steps such as targeted recycling and waste diversion programs, efficient lighting and digital signage use, reusing items such as aisle carpets and more. It also raised $1,372 for the California Wildlife Center in 2024, showcasing a commitment to supporting wildlife and environmental causes.
The Natural Products Expo West show describes itself as a “planet-forward” tradeshow, focusing on waste diversion, energy/carbon offsets, water, procurement/materials, working toward elimination of single-use plastics and travel considerations. It also utilizes HowGood Environmental Impact Estimates on Beacon Discovery to aid its exhibitors in their sustainability goals. The environmental impact estimates help exhibitors showcase the positive environmental impact of their products. Each product uploaded to Beacon Discovery is eligible to receive an estimate, highlighting the exhibitors’ commitments to eco-friendly practices.
Farm-to-table dining is a common occurrence at many Anaheim-area restaurants, too. In the event-capable Anaheim Packing District, for example, Poppy & Seed is an upscale American restaurant set inside a modern greenhouse and sources all of its ingredients from local farmers and fishmongers from San Pedro to the Central Valley.
[Related: Why the Future Is ‘Golden’ for Anaheim Meetings and Conventions]
Orange County
Beyond Anaheim, boutique destinations along Orange County’s famed beaches are popular for smaller groups like incentive programs, corporate retreats and the like. With the ocean being such a critical part of these destinations’ allure, it’s natural that conservation is an important component of their sustainability initiatives.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
In Newport Beach, groups can partner with the Surfrider Foundation or local nonprofits to remove litter, microplastics and debris from the destination’s iconic beaches. Hotels partner with this organization, too, like Lido House, which is certified by Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Hotels program. Through this, the property focuses on ocean conservation and minimizing plastic waste by eliminating single-use plastics, using refillable toiletries, offering water refill stations and composting food scraps.
Planners tap nonprofits like Crystal Cove Conservancy and Newport Bay Conservancy, who are on the front lines of marine conservation, to participate in hands-on education programs and restoration efforts like the Big Canyon Project.
Laguna Beach has seven miles of coastline and more than 22,000 acres of wilderness and has been a leader in sustainability. The city has bans on single-use plastics, balloons, smoking and vaping. Laguna Beach is also on a mission to be the first city in the country with all hotels certified Ocean Friendly by the Surfrider Foundation. Currently, four hotels are certified, including The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Hotel Joaquin, Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels and SCP Seven4one.
[Related: Taking Off: California Dreaming on Huntington Beach]
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a particular leader in the sustainability space. Situated on 87 acres—all irrigated with 100% reclaimed water—the resort partners closely with event organizers to implement sustainable practices. A large percentage of produce for the Certified Ocean Friendly Harvest restaurant comes from onsite Harvest Farm, a half-acre, bio-dynamic farm that hosts daily tours and can also host small group events. The property’s “Bottles to Bunkers” program takes used glass bottles to an onsite glass bottle crusher and turns it into sand to fill bunkers on the golf course, repair pavement and filter the pool. Composing, LED lighting, EV charging stations and more round out green initiatives.
Nearby Irvine has a strong commitment to sustainable practices, too. The city is actively developing a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate hazards and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The City of Irvine also offers a free Green Business Assistance Program to help local businesses operate sustainably. Hotels such as Hyatt Regency Irvine, Homewood Suites by Hilton Irvine John Wayne Airport, Element Irvine, Irvine Marriott and AC Hotel Irvine have all incorporated sustainable practices into their operations.
Anaheim Ups the Ante
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) announced that it will remain at the Anaheim Convention Center through 2030. This extension marks the beginning of a milestone year, when the association will celebrate 50 years of The NAMM Show in Anaheim.
It’s just one event of many that are booking Anaheim, as the city reflects on a record-breaking 2024—26.2 million visitors came to town, spending $6.6 billion, which is a 2.3% increase year-over-year. In 2026, in addition to NAMM, BlizzCon and D23 will host their massive shows at Anaheim Convention Center, and U.S. Travel Association’s flagship tourism event, IPW, is coming in 2030.
[Related: Anaheim Is Building on Its Momentum as a Top Meetings Destination]
“The return of major conventions and growth in hotel development reflect the strength of Anaheim as the world’s ultimate playground and a premier destination,” said Mike Waterman, president and CEO of Visit Anaheim. “We’re well positioned to meet future demand and deliver exceptional experiences for both leisure and business travelers coming to Anaheim.”
The city anticipates visitor spending will reach $6.7 billion in 2025, reflecting year-over-year growth and strong momentum as the destination prepares for millions of visitors ahead of the 2028 Olympics and test events leading up to it, such as training camps and previews.
“As the city prepares to host indoor volleyball at Honda Center in 2028, along with milestone developments like OCVIBE and the DisneylandForward expansion, Visit Anaheim is setting the stage to continue breaking visitation records in the coming years,” Waterman said.
Read more meetings and events news in California.
This article was produced in partnership with Visit California.
