Carpooling: much more than sustainability
The push for sustainability in the events industry is in full swing, with one theme gaining increasing attention: carpooling to events. While often overlooked, transport accounts for 60-85% of an event's CO2 emissions. Addressing this challenge is not only an opportunity to make an impact but also to offer attendees a unique experience.
Carpooling: much more than sustainability
Feedback from our users reveals that 80% of their responses focus on the social aspect of carpooling. One user summed it up perfectly:
“We got in the car as strangers and went home as friends. Carpooling made the event fun even before we arrived.”
Sharing a ride goes beyond sustainability. Attendees connect, share their passion for music or sports, and turn the journey into part of the experience. This strengthens the bond with the event and with one another.
Technology is no longer a barrier
Recent technological advancements have made carpooling seamless. Platforms like Slinger operate quickly, simply, and reliably. The biggest challenge is no longer the technology but adoption within organizations. Ownership and support among event organizers are crucial to making carpooling a success.
Three tips for project managers
How can event organizers implement carpooling effectively? Here are three practical tips:
- Start early with communication
Promote carpooling from the first ticket sale. Attendees often plan their transport early, so make carpooling a part of the experience from the start.
- Make carpooling attractive
Create incentives like fast lanes for carpoolers, discounts on parking fees, or prizes for the most creative carpool selfie. Show attendees that carpooling isn’t just smart—it’s fun and rewarding.
- Use data to improve
Analyze ride statistics and attendee feedback. Identify which communication is the effective and incentives work best, refining your approach for future events.
Inspiring example: impact in action
At a recent event in the Netherlands, 5% of attendees shared a ride via Slinger. This resulted in a reduction of 10,000 car kilometers, equivalent to the annual CO2 absorption of approximately 500 trees. Moreover, the majority of carpoolers said the shared ride enriched their event experience. This demonstrates that carpooling is not only sustainable but also strengthens the event community.
From car ride to new friendship
Beyond its environmental impact, carpooling is about more than transportation. It brings people together who share the same passions. From discussing the festival lineup on the way to celebrating a sports victory together in the car, carpooling turns the journey into part of the event.
The Netherlands sets the standard
Carpooling to events is gaining traction in the Netherlands. From music festivals to sports matches, more organizations see it as an opportunity to reduce their impact while enhancing the attendee experience.
The question I pose to organizations is: how do we create the internal ownership needed to scale carpooling? It starts with a vision, but success lies in execution.
Let’s take the next step together and make events not only unforgettable for attendees but also impactful for our planet.
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