Create a meeting that leaves a lasting impact.
Today's attendees want more than an educational conference. They want to know their meeting made a positive difference. Jacksonville makes it easy to incorporate sustainability initiatives and meaningful community engagement into your event, whether that's reducing your environmental footprint, volunteering with local nonprofits or giving attendees memorable experiences that connect them to the city.
Whether you're planning a convention, board retreat, incentive trip or corporate meeting, the Visit Jacksonville team can help connect you with local partners to create impactful, unforgettable experiences your attendees will remember long after they return home.
Getting around Jacksonville doesn't have to mean getting behind the wheel. Whether attendees are exploring Downtown, traveling between venues or heading to nearby attractions, there are several environmentally friendly transportation options available.
Consider electric & low-emission transportation, like the options below.
500 Wonderwood Dr Jacksonville, Florida 32233 (904) 252-7024 Website Reservations
The Best Hiking and Biking in Jacksonville
You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities in Jacksonville.
1445 Millcoe Rd Jacksonville, Florida 32225 (904) 318-4342 Website
12157 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32226 (904) 251-2320 Website
State Road A1A North Jacksonville, Florida 32226 (904) 251-2320 Website
10980 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32226 (904) 255-4255 Website
Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Located along the banks of the Trout River, just north of Downtown, Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to over 2,000 exotic and rare animals and thousands of plant species.
1015 Museum Circle Jacksonville, Florida 32207 (904) 860-8294 Website Reservations
7152 Lone Star Rd. Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-4646 Website
One of the easiest ways to make your meeting more sustainable is through thoughtful food choices. Choose local caterers and restaurants to support Jacksonville businesses while reducing the environmental impact of transporting food long distances. When possible, provide clearly labeled recycling and compost bins at your meeting and donate leftover food to local organizations to help minimize waste.
When possible, try to implement these ideas into your meeting:
Help ensure excess non-perishable food doesn't go to waste by partnering with local organizations such as:
Plan a food rescue for leftover perishable meals. Work with organizations in Florida that can plan to rescue your leftover catering and bring it to those in need, like WasteNotWantNot and FoodRecovery.org. Coordinate with these organizations in advance if you plan to work with them.
Every purchase made during your meeting helps strengthen Jacksonville's local economy. Consider these businesses below when purchasing items for your welcome bags, speaker gifts, VIP amenities and more.
Rethreaded
Bee Friends Farm
2766 Park St Jacksonville, Florida 32205 (904) 619-6003 Website
Congaree & Penn
106 Stockton St Jacksonville, Florida 32204 (904) 330-0074 Website
Leave Jacksonville better than you found it by building a volunteer opportunity into your meeting agenda. Service projects create memorable team-building experiences while supporting organizations making a difference throughout Jacksonville.
Volunteering with your group can elevate your experience in a new city and feel like you are leaving the city better than you found it. It's a win-win for everyone involved.
Whether your goal is reducing waste, supporting local businesses, giving back to the community or simply providing attendees with meaningful experiences, Jacksonville offers countless opportunities to incorporate corporate social responsibility into your next meeting.
The Visit Jacksonville team is ready to connect you with trusted local partners, volunteer organizations and sustainable vendors to help bring your vision to life.
