From Bronwyn Slade, Director, Global Business Development
Often, when we think of sustainability, we automatically associate it with environmental impact. In business events, we also consider cultural and community impact in our destinations.
The essence of sustainability is that an entity endures successfully over time. Whether related to natural, cultural, or economic aspects, we believe that caring for the Earth and its people will result in lasting benefits for everyone.
At PDS, we believe sustainability isn’t a box to check, it’s a mindset woven into every decision, from wildlife protection to custom-built rodeo grandstands. Here’s how that looks on the ground in Banff.
Sustainability in Banff
Photo Credit: Dennis Stogsdill
Elk rutting season, which takes place from mid-August to October in Banff National Park, is the peak time for corporate groups, some of whom want to use outdoor spaces for events. This means that any tent construction near forested areas must be briefly paused to allow nature to take its course. It’s not a disruption; it’s part of the plan. That’s the PDS standard: in sync with nature.
Community Legacy Projects
Photo Credit: PDS
At PDS, part of our sustainability initiatives include community legacy projects that are vital for supporting the areas where we host business events. When one of our clients, whose program attracts 900 guests, fell in love with the idea of a custom rodeo at Boundary Ranch, PDS built additional permanent grandstand seating to accommodate the large crowd. These seats continue to be enjoyed by groups of all sizes to this day.
Fresh Catering Approach
Photo Credit: PDS
An easy way for our clients to participate in our sustainability efforts is through considerate menu planning, which enhances flavour and variety while reducing food waste. For larger off-site venue events or hotels, this could involve sharing a menu with another in-house group at the same time.
PDS partners with catering companies that focus on locally sourced ingredients and adopt the 100-mile food concept. This strategy highlights sustainability and supports local producers, while showcasing Banff’s regional culinary identity.
Hyper-Local Décor
Photo Credit: PDS
Traditionally, linens are associated with fine dining and elegant events. Since Banff and Lake Louise are blessed with breathtaking scenery, expansive skies, and forests, we recommend highlighting these natural elements at our clients’ events. Allow guests to enjoy dining at wooden tables, which provide a refined look and feel without the need for linens.
Curated décor is a vital element in any PDS-designed event. Living greenery introduces an outdoor vibe into a ballroom or event space and adds a strong sense of place. Used for entrance treatments, pathways, and stage enhancements, living trees and plants not only produce oxygen but also provide authentic scent and texture, and they can be reused multiple times during the program.
Reducing Resources
Photo Credit: Vision Event Photography
Maintaining a human touch is an essential part of the PDS experience. If feasible, we encourage walking groups to venues, and along the way, our friendly Travel Specialists dressed in sharp PDS uniforms act as human arrows, guiding guests safely to their destinations.
We further lessen our environmental impact with double-sided printing, implementing composting and recycling initiatives at our events where available, recommending reusable water bottles as gifts and providing water stations on-site to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles.
Sustainability starts with respect for the land. Every program we design responds to the character of the place — its natural rhythm, its boundaries, and its opportunities. We work in protected environments, build with intention, and source locally whenever possible. From legacy seating to living trees, every element is chosen with care. The impact we leave is tangible. It stays in the landscape, in the community, and in the memory of every guest who experiences it.
As a responsible DMC, we are committed to respecting, honouring, and supporting the natural environment, cultural diversity, and local business community in Banff.
