Photo Credit: Kasselman Creative
Protecting the Planet, Embracing Local Culture and Empowering Communities
Framed by majestic mountains and the serene waters of the Pacific Ocean, the natural beauty of Western Canada motivates us to preserve what makes this region extraordinary. At PDS, we take our role as destination stewards seriously, integrating sustainability into every business event that we design to create meaningful, lasting impacts.
Our trifecta sustainability approach aligns with Destination Canada Business Event’s Sustainability Impact Strategy and is built on three pillars:
- Environmental Sustainability: Reducing our footprint through thoughtful event design and eco-friendly choices.
- Cultural Sustainability: Crafting authentic experiences that connect guests with the heart of local culture.
- Socio-Economic Sustainability: Supporting local businesses to help them thrive and grow, fostering long-term community impact.
With purposeful decisions—like paperless planning and sustainable catering—we drive meaningful change that benefits people, communities, and the planet. Together with clients who share these values, we produce events that inspire, empower, and leave a lasting legacy.
Here are some sustainable destination and event recommendations to spark ideas for your next Western Canadian program:
Photo Credit: Kasselman Creative
Giving Back with Whistler Animals Galore
One of our clients’ favourite ways to make a positive community impact is through partnerships with Whistler Animals Galore (WAG), the local pet rescue and adoption agency. By integrating WAG into our programs, guests are given a meaningful opportunity to connect with the local community. This interaction provides a refreshing mental break, cultivates moments of joy and raises awareness about pet adoption. Our partnership promotes adoptions over shopping while fostering compassion, empathy and connection.
A Sweet and Impactful Coffee Break
Let’s build the charm of local apiaries into a custom-designed coffee break that elevates farm-to-table sustainable food practices. Guests sample fresh, local honey while learning about its health benefits from experienced beekeepers. This interactive experience is more than just a sweet treat—it provides valuable insights into the essential role that bees play in sustaining our ecosystem.
Photo Credit: Kasselman Creative
Human Arrows as Directional “Signage”
Rather than relying on single-use printed signage, we get creative by recycling ourselves! Team Purple members become “human arrows,” guiding guests through our easily walkable destinations. This eco-friendly solution eliminates paper waste and enhances the guest experience through personal interactions with our travel specialists. It promotes walkability within the destination, showing that sustainability can be both practical and stylish.
Photo Credit: Kasselman Creative
Connecting with Local Flavours
Our programs showcase the culinary delights of our destinations. In Whistler, we enhance the experience with an immersive, hands-on adventure through Pemberton Valley. Guests visit nearby farms and learn about the 50-mile diet, discovering how much produce is locally sourced. This fresh and abundant experience deepens their appreciation for the area’s culinary treasures, allowing them to form a personal connection with the regional foods and beverages served during their events.
Photo Credit: Lindsay Elliot
From City Streets to Forest Foraging
Connecting with nature in an urban setting can be a challenge—but that’s where Vancouver shines! Just 20 minutes from downtown, guests immerse themselves in the natural world with a local foraging expert. Together, they collect wild mushrooms, which become the centrepiece of a live cooking demonstration.
This hands-on experience showcases the bounty of the Pacific Northwest while providing insight into sustainable foraging practices and the Indigenous communities that have long stewarded these lands. It’s the perfect blend of health, nature, and culture, creating an unforgettable part of any Vancouver program.
Photo Credit: Kasselman Creative
Food Truck Lunches
Incorporating food trucks into our programs is one of many ways we support the local economy while enhancing the guest experience. Offering a variety of culinary options, food trucks give guests the freedom to choose meals that suit varied tastes while enjoying unique flavours of the region.
Many of our partner food trucks embrace sustainability by adopting solar or electric power and using biodegradable packaging to reduce their environmental footprint. It’s a win-win: guests enjoy delicious, local food served responsibly, all while supporting small businesses.
At PDS, we believe that every event is an opportunity to inspire, empower, and leave a lasting impact on your guests, the community, and the planet. Through thoughtful design and authentic experiences, we bring sustainability to life in ways that matter. If you’re ready to start planning your next program with PDS and create something truly unforgettable, reach out to Bronwyn today.
