"Elevate St.Tropez" Event Review
- Ariana Marshall
- Jul 8, 2016
- 4 min read
*This review is based on seeing behind the scenes of how waste was managed and our experimenting with how recycling could work at such a large event. We thank the Elevate Events team for their transparency and cooperation. After our first event review of their Lifted event, we met with their team and they shared a bit more about how/why they do what they do.
They are committed to valuing the resource which they depend on for their events - our Caribbean environment.
Why are we reviewing?
Because this is where we are coming from (previous blogs) ~
What was it like?
Highs - Seeing how thorough their clean up was after the event.
Most of us probably have no idea what it requires to get the waste management coordinated AND then there is the sheer labour of cleaning up that waste. When we saw the amount of people at the event, the volume of drinks being consumed and the event's proximity to the beach - we were holding our breath to see what the beach would look like the morning after. We exhaled.
Lows - Seeing most of the recycling bins empty halfway through the event.
Why did that happen? Did the bartenders/bar staff forget that sugar-laced conversation I had with them asking them to just keep the bottles separate from the other garbage?
No they didn't forget, it was just more convenient for them to keep the bottles right under the bar and then transfer them over to the bins at the end of the night.
Waste Level
During the Event - Moderately Clean (11 cans/cups by 11:20 pm)
After the Event - (By 12 noon the next day) - Clean
This event was a drinks inclusive event but some patrons were given reusable cups from at least two companies - Globe Finance and Flow. However from the looks of it after the event, more patrons still used single use cups than reusable cups.
I wasn't surprised to see some people tossing their cups as they got wrapped up in the "Tek off something and pelt it away" action of the night. I mean...people had their fun and honestly I think that most glasses were "forgotten" in the sand while patrons did what they do - party.
So waste happened. It is understandable.
What was more important is that I saw bartenders, bar runners and even the event organizers picking up waste at the end of night. Now if only we can get patrons to understand that even though someone is paid to pick up your waste that doesn't mean that you have to pelt way everything right there...by your feet or mine..uggghhh. There are garbage cans for that.
Recycling
We recycled at 3 bars and collected three 55-gallon containers of plastic/glass. Throughout the night, much more glass was also collected behind each bar. We did take our recyclables to B's recycling and the amount reimbursed is unmentionable. Still this is way better than any other event has done in this regard. Much respect to the Elevate Events team.
What struck me the most about Elevate's behind the scene action was just how many teams it takes to organize everything - from the multiple sponsors, to the set up, to the running of the event. It was a grand production and it does employ many more people than I thought. These events mobilize our economy and corporate brands trust the Elevate Events team to maximize the reach of sponsorship.
From the looks of the clean up afterwards, the Elevate team also takes this reach a step further. They work to maintain the integrity of their brand to acknowledge the value of the very beach which they depend on to satisfy their patrons. They also work to maintain the integrity of their brand sponsors by ensuring that there isn't even one FRESH water bottle floating in Carlisle Bay after the event.
The Star of the Event - Beach Ambiance
There is just something special about partying near the water. We appreciate the Elevate Events team for helping us catch the good "beach feels" while also being responsible enough to make sure we don't destroy the beach in the process.
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Did you go? In your opinion was it the best Elevate St.Tropez so far and why? Are you more likely to go to their Lifted Crop Over Thursday Event knowing that the Elevate Events team is trying to #dobetter for a #bettercaribbean?
Let us know @bettercaribbean or Whatsapp 251-1459.
More event pics can be found here in the Elevate St.Tropez album on the Elevate Events Live Facebook Page. Follow them @elevateeventslive for more on their future events.
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Why am I writing this? I am an environmental scientist and an obvious (sometimes friendly) spy working on behalf of our beaches and oceans.
*Back-pedals stealthily into my sea-grape bush hideout location and waits for next beach party*
~ Ariana Marshall Ph.D.
Better Caribbean Program Director
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