Music Festival High Value VIP Packages vs Sustainability.

The provision of high value VIP packages for festival-goers has always been an essential part of the festival offering to ticket buyers. These VIP packages do present a dichotomy for organisers who are trying to balance what they offer against their sustainability credentials; how can they get the balance right without impacting on either?

It can be challenging for festival organisers to offer more sustainable VIP packages without impacting on the exclusivity and comfort expected. Organisers set themselves their own sustainability objectives for every event which includes everything from waste management to recycling and transport. When building a high value VIP package deal for potential ticket buyers it needs to incorporate as many principles of a sustainable event as possible. 

Traditional High Value VIP Packages. 
Before sustainability became a hot topic several decades ago the excesses often seen at music festivals would today be considered somewhat obscene. Arriving by helicopter or being chauffeur driven in a limousine was not uncommon. Accommodation and on-site facilities sometimes exuded the ultimate in luxurious extravagance. In providing these high value VIP packages organisers never considered the environmental impact of these excesses where money could buy anything. With more awareness of environmental challenges there has been a transition away from these excessive packages towards more eco-friendly services. 

Making the VIP Experience Sustainable. 
Organisers should incorporate as many waste reduction and recycling initiatives into any designated VIP zone in line with the treatment of the entire festival site. VIP welcome packs should contain reusable water containers, eco-friendly toiletries and recyclable tableware, they can still have a luxurious look and feel but more thought is given to sustainable materials and waste management. Always-on electricity supplies to VIP accommodation could come from energy efficient power generation like solar and wind. The provision of high-end bathroom facilities may require more thought by organisers to maintain a high-end look and feel but with construction form sustainable materials and more eco-friendly waste management. 

Sustainable VIP Transport. 
Many festival organisers have implemented restrictions or complete bans on the use of transport like helicopters and gas guzzling limos. The transport options offered in VIP packages can now be more eco-friendly. Limos can still be provided but they are more likely to be the EV powered variety. The provision of green on-site transport solutions may include bicycles and electric golf carts and organisers may also encourage VIP package buyers to carpool where possible. 

Sustainable VIP Accommodation and Dining. 
Music festivals have always offered a glamping option, but the focus today is for more evidence of the use of sustainable materials in the construction of tents and yurts for example. The VIP dining experience is now more likely to include ingredients from locally produced organic sources. Other food innovations include the use of plant-based meal options to suit all diets. 

Other Considerations. 
Any buyer of a high value VIP package will probably have a higher carbon footprint than the average festival-goer so it makes sense to ask VIP ticket buyers to participate in a carbon offset or tree planting programme. This enables organisers to pass on a percentage of the ticket price to verified carbon offset initiatives. A key part of many festival's sustainability credentials is involving all ticket buyers in education initiatives. Exclusive sustainability workshops for VIPs that includes festival specific eco-friendly merchandise give-aways can help to reinforce the need for all music festivals to embrace sustainability even if they are buying a high value VIP package. 

For festival organisers planning their next events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

Image by aitoff via Pixabay

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