Green Conference Materials (2 of 4) – The Conference Binder

Published by Sara Olbrantz | Topics: Conference Materials, Conferences and Meetings, Green Meeting Materials, Printing and Fulfillment

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Who really enjoys carrying around a bulky, 7 lb binder full of speaker handouts and exhibitor guides from session to session?

Most likely not your attendees, however it’s best to know your audience before making the switch.

Last week we transformed your heavy conference proceedings book into a much greener solution, and this week it’s time to attack the conference binder.

Green Solutions for Conference Materials

  1. The Conference Proceedings Book
  2. The Conference Binder
  3. Session Handouts
  4. Seminar Manuals/Workshop Books

Green Challenge #2 – The Conference Binder

The Challenge: How can I transform the thick, clumsy 3-ring binder that contains speaker handouts, conference schedule, exhibitor guide and promos into a green reference tool for attendee use on-site?

The Specifications: 1000 copies, 600 pages, Tabbed sections with mylar on tabs (that clear or colored plastic film covering), Presentation slides 3-up with additional handouts, Virgin paper and traditional ink.

Your Greener Solutions
Green Printing Only

  • 1000 copies, 320 pages each
  • 6-up presentation slides
  • Recycled paper
  • Soy-based inks
  • Recycled plastic coil binding
  • Colored divider sheets or cardstock tabs with no mylar
 The Blended Approach

  • A Final Program/Notebook plus the complete technical papers and presentations posted on an Online Conference Community before, during and after the event.
  • Reduced to 80 pages with the benefits of on-site usability and eco-friendly conference material
  • Recycled paper, soy-based inks or digital printing
  • Other digital media such as flash drives
 All Electronic

  • Copies on CD distribution in paper sleeve
  • Slides are presented full size on screen with 3-up or 6-up print options to minimize paper use
  • Reusable option: Find a sponsor for flash drives and give attendees something they can use again and again!
Results
Green Printing Only

  • 55% less virgin paper used
  • VOCs minimized with
    soy-based inks
  • 20 lbs of plastic film saved
  • Budget Savings: Lower page count = lower cost!
 The Blended Approach

  • Almost 95% less virgin paper used
  • VOCs minimized with digital printing
  • Budget savings with lower page count and ultra eco-friendly online delivery
 All Electronic

  • 100% less virgin paper used
  • VOCs related to printing eliminated
  • Cost-saving media delivery

Going 100% digital may take a couple of years. Consider easing into it with a blended solution. One important consideration is how your attendees and members learn. Do they need a workbook or something in print that facilitates learning? Be sure you are not compromising education and learning for the benefit of green.

Don’t take it from me, take it from our clients! One of our clients took the lighter weight, green approach to the conference binder, and attendees loved it!

 

About Sara Olbrantz

Sara (@saraolbrantz) is Omnipress’ newest creative content marketing gal. She's our youngest blogger, bringing in a fresh perspective to those things that, well... need a fresh perspective! Read more



Top Related Stories

  1. Green Conference Materials (1 of 4) – The Conference Proceedings Book
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  2. Green Conference Materials (4 of 4) – Seminar Manuals and Workshop Books
    September 22nd 2011
  3. Green Conference Materials (3 of 4) – Session Handouts
    September 14th 2011

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Omnipress provides associations with new ways and practical solutions around educational content for their meetings, training and publications. Our focus is on making content accessible, useful, relevant, timely and cost effective. We specialize in online collection, on-demand print, on CD and flash drives, online knowledge centers, online event communities and integrated order fulfillment. Associations consider us their hand-holding, problem-solving, "big idea partner" for their educational content.