Sustainability has long been a feature of our annual ASTW conventions and we do our best to ensure these annual events are as low-impact, zero-waste, plastic-free and sustainable as possible and have a positive impact on the places we visit. 

These initiatives have been introduced: 

  • A pre-trip checklist. Delegates are asked to bring their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups, bamboo name tags and reusable lanyards, notebooks and pens, and toiletries.
  • No plastic, please. Sponsors and PR members are asked not to give delegates any plastic items, plastic-wrapped items or plastic bags, or anything else likely to end up as landfill, as promotional gifts. Locally made or grown foods and biodegradable gifts made from materials such as wood, fabric or paper make great, biodegradable alternatives.
  • Talking the talk. Delegates are encouraged to promote, on social media, the sustainability initiatives of our hosts, including tour operators and regional tourism organisations hosting the pre- and post-convention famils.
  • Site selection. The ASTW’s Convention Committee will do its best to conduct a site inspection well before the event to assess the property’s sustainability capabilities and credentials. Host venues are also encouraged to share details of their sustainability policies during the tender process.
  • Zero-waste events. We work with our hosts to ensure all events within the convention – including the welcome function and all meetings, workshops, breakfasts, lunches and dinners – are as zero-waste and plastic-free as possible. Suggestions include: providing water jugs and glassware and ethically sourced stationery in the conference rooms; avoiding single-use coffee cups, plates and cutlery during morning and afternoon tea; and not supplying plastic-wrapped snacks on conference tables or in hotel rooms.
  • SLOW eating. We encourage all dining venues hosting us to offer plant-based menu options on their menus and, where possible, produce that is SLOW: seasonal, locally sourced, organic wholefood.
  • Low-carbon famils. We invite event partners to apply a low-carbon, plastic-free and zero-waste ethos to pre- and post-convention famils and activities as much as possible. In accordance with guidelines set by World Animal Protection, the ASTW does not support any activities that use captive wild animals for entertainment. Low-carbon transport and carbon offset options for members on these famils are much appreciated.
  • Positive impacts. Ideally, our convention will benefit the local communities and ecosystems we’re visiting, in addition to our annual donation to an organisation in the local area (see how the ASTW gives back), such as by using locally made products or foods.
  • Sustainable suggestions. After the convention, all delegates are asked for their feedback on how sustainable the event and its hosts were and how we can do better next time.