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The 2026 SLO CAL Visitor Magazine Cover with a family of four looking over the Pismo Pier at the shoreline
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Visitor Magazine

Plan Your Adventure Today

Get My Guide
The 2026 SLO CAL Visitor Magazine Cover with a family of four looking over the Pismo Pier at the shoreline
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Visitor Magazine

Plan Your Adventure Today

Get My Guide

Event Toolkit 

Thinking about bringing your event to SLO CAL but unsure where to begin? We’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of resources to jump-start your planning. From venues to permits, you’ll find everything you need here. Got questions? Reach out! We’re happy to assist you in finding the information you need to host your event in SLO CAL.

Event Permits & Applications

Each community in SLO CAL has its own process and rules for event applications. To help you find the right information, VSC has compiled a list of each community’s event application websites.

Sustainable Event Checklist

Visit SLO CAL partnered with ECO SLO to create a first-of-its-kind checklist for event sustainability. This tool helps event planners better support our region’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. Organizing a sustainable event requires attention to detail, collaboration and a commitment to reducing your environmental impact. By following this checklist and adopting eco-friendly practices, you can significantly reduce waste, conserve resources and create a meaningful, positive experience for attendees.

    • Define your primary sustainability goals (e.g., reducing waste, lowering your carbon footprint and conserving resources).
    • Set measurable goals, such as diverting 80% of waste from landfills or eliminating single-use plastics.
    • Allocate funds for eco-friendly materials and services (e.g., composting and sustainable catering).
    • Create a sustainability policy for vendors, sponsors and attendees that highlights the event's commitment to eco-friendly practices.
    • When possible, use venues with energy-efficient lighting (such as LED) and HVAC systems.
    • Use renewable energy sources when available (e.g., solar).
    • Partner with local charities to donate leftover food or supplies.
    • Use digital communication.
    • Use QR codes for event schedules, programs or signage.
    • Use reusable or biodegradable materials whenever possible.
    • Use digital signage whenever possible.
    • Avoid promotional items made of plastic or other single-use materials.
    • Source locally to reduce your carbon footprint (Bonus: You’ll be supporting local businesses, too!)
    • Avoid over-lighting spaces (use natural light whenever possible).
    • Encourage attendees to carpool or take public transit.
    • Choose food and beverage vendors that use local, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
    • Avoid individually packaged items (e.g., bottled drinks and pre-wrapped snacks).
    • Offer plant-based menu options to reduce environmental impact.
    • Work with vendors that can provide recyclable, compostable or reusable items.
    • Ensure appropriate portion sizes to minimize food waste.
    • Plan for waste diversion with separate bins for composting, recycling and trash.
    • Provide water stations with reusable cups or encourage attendees to bring their own.
    • Avoid bottled water; serve filtered water from refillable stations.
    • Collect data on waste diversion rates, energy and water use and transportation emissions.
    • Review the success of sustainable initiatives to identify areas for improvement.
    • Provide a sustainability report to sponsors, vendors, and attendees.
    • Highlight the successes and areas for improvement for future events.
    • Venue Setup: Confirm that all sustainability measures are in place (e.g., waste bins, water refill stations, signage).
    • Transportation: Make sure transportation options (e.g., carpooling, shuttles) are clearly communicated to attendees.
    • Signage: Post clear signs directing attendees to recycling, composting, and waste stations.
    • Food & Drink: Confirm that all food services adopt sustainable practices (e.g., compostable cutlery, local ingredients).
    • Energy Use: Track energy consumption and ensure all equipment is powered off after use to reduce waste.
    • Waste Monitoring: Have volunteers assist attendees with waste sorting to ensure proper disposal.

Eco Slo LogoThis event checklist was developed in collaboration with ECO SLO. To find out more about their work, please visit ecoslo.org