White Paper
Debunking the Myths of the "Paperless Conference"
Meeting planners and organizers of educational events banter around the phrase "paperless conference" in this age of shrinking budgets and environmental awareness. But what truly defines a "paperless conference" and is it really possible?
This white paper will explore the concept of the paperless conference and how it is unlikely that educational events will truly be able to abandon paper completely. The white paper will further offer case studies and ideas about reducing paper consumption while still serving the needs of attendees.
Marketing the Paperless Conference
"The word paperless is a black-and-white term covering many shades of gray," noted Lindy Dreyer, the author of the blog Association Marketing Springboard. Associations are now marketing events as paperless for any number of reasons, such as:
- No on-site handouts! Your educational meeting materials on CD or flash drive.
- Print on demand! Printing stations on site for attendees.
- Download now! Making the handouts solely available online before the meeting for attendees to print and bring them to the event.
- We've gone green! No more handouts.
The common denominator in all paperless solutions is to minimize or eliminate on-site printed materials.
But, despite best intentions, none of the above solutions can be called a paperless conference.
