Home » For Event Planning » Case Studies

Green Gatherings

Autumn Brew Review

Event Overview
Location (City/Venue): 
Minneapolis, MN / Grain Belt Brewery Complex - outdoor lot
Number of Attendees: 
3,000
Organization Hosting Event: 
Minnesota Craft Brewer's Guild
Brief Background on Event: 

Autumn Brew Review is an annual craft beer sampling festival is held near the historic grounds of the old Grain Belt brewing complex in NE Minneapolis. Entertaining and educating over 3,000 attendees on the great craft beer brewed in this state and beyond. This outdoor festival also has great music and food to enhance the lively atmosphere brought by the attendees! Presented by the Minnesota Craft Brewer's Guild - www.mncraftbrew.org.

GreenGatherings sustainability plan: 
application/pdf iconEUREKA_ABR_ZWE_Summary_2010.pdf
ABR 2009 photo by Jon Behm
ABR 2009 photo by Jon Behm
Food
Food Practices: 
Procured locally grown and/or organic foods for event menu
Required safe food handling practices
Implemented a food waste recovery initiative (food to hogs, composting, etc.)
Other: 

Required food vendors to use approved bio-compostables.

Waste & Recycling
Waste Management Methods Used: 
Trash Disposal
Recycling
Organics Management (food/paper waste composting, food to hogs, food donation, etc.)
Volume (cubic yards/tons) of Waste Managed: 
92%
Program Audiences: 
Recycling - Vendors/Exhibitors
Recycling - Event Participants
Organics Management - Vendors/Exhibitors
Organics Management - Event Participants
Additional Information: 

Contracted / partnered with Eureka Recycling to get toward a zero waste event.

Waste Reduction
Waste Reduction Methods Used: 
Double-sided printing
Use of reusable plates, silverware, and linene
Use of reusable or recyclable decorations or signs
Other: 

Each attendee receives one commemorative glass beer sampling glass at entry.

Resource and Energy Use
Energy Reduction Methods Used: 
Use of energy efficient lighting
Other: 

Daylight!

Travel and Transportation
Transportation amenities offered at event: 
Bike racks/parking
Construction and Deconstruction
Rental of temporary structures (e.g., stages, tenting)
Other Initiatives
Please describe any other green initiatiives implemented at your event?: 

Contracted / partnered with Eureka Recycling to get toward a zero waste event.

Results
Volume of waste diverted from trash through recycling/organics collection: 
92% - estimated 60% more waste diverted than previous festivals.
What has been your biggest success in terms of green initiatives at your event?: 

60% more waste diverted over previous years.

Happy to show attendees and exhibitors alike the Minnesota Craft Brewer's Guild commitment to making our local event as eco friendly as possible.

What has been your biggest challenge in terms of green initiatives at your event?: 

None - it's pretty easy!

How were the green initiatives received by event attendees and/or vendors?: 

They were appreciated and made us look good.

Will you plan to implement green initiatives again?: 

Yes!!!