NASUWT

Why NASUWT puts sustainability first in a multi-layered events programme

270,000

teachers represented

60

annual events

NASUWT, The Teachers’ Union, represents around 270,000 teachers from early years up to further education. It supports them, their experiences in the workplace, and develops and empowers them within their organisations.‘We’re a democratic organisation and policy is set at our annual conference,’ explains Chris Weavers, Head of Campaigns and Communications for NASUWT.  ‘A resolution was passed committing us to a net zero future, and to prioritising sustainability within our work.’

NASUWT employs 370 staff across the UK, and has their own conference centre and venue. ‘Our work on sustainability in conferences and events fits into a much broader approach from the union when it comes to addressing our impact on climate and the environment.’

A woman in an event planner uniform stands and talks with a man at an event.

NASUWT hosts around 60 events in a typical calendar year, ranging from large, multi-day conferences with 1000s of attendees to small local meetings.

Like many organisations, NASUWT introduced virtual events during the pandemic, which drove them to seek out an event technology platform. ‘We discovered that there were tools out there that we could use to move away from paper-based conferences,’ Chris continues. ‘We did a lot of shopping around because we wanted to make sure that, especially during that virtual period, our conferences and events were as engaging and inclusive as possible. The conclusion we came to, in terms of both value for money and functionality, was that Cvent was the product for us.’

Today, however, NASUWT’s goals around engagement, inclusivity and sustainability apply just as strongly to their in-person programme.

A screenshot of a phone with insights and a website with session feedback and average ratings.

With planners and members accustomed to organising and planning paper-based events, NASUWT needed to get everyone on board quickly. ‘When we launched the Attendee Hub app, we created lots of resources, such as how-to videos, and held virtual workshops to inform our staff of what was possible,’ Sammy shares. ‘The app is hugely successful! Our members love it and have all relevant documentation in one place on their devices and can use it at home, in the workplace and at our events.’

NASUWT have also found ways to use Attendee Hub to engage attendees before and after events. ‘Networking is very important at our events,’ Sammy says. ‘Our members spend a lot of time in classrooms with limited engagement with their peers. The app enables that 1-to-1 engagement but also functions as a discussion platform. People can share thoughts with their colleagues both before they arrive and afterwards, which really helps to foster discussion.’

‘We’re also seeing our members use the app for multiple events. Lots of members are repeat customers, so it’s convenient for them to have one app downloaded which can be used at multiple events.’

NASUWT use Cvent OnArrival Premium for check-in and badge printing at their events. ‘Members have found the check-in system really easy to use,’ Sammy shares. ‘They can edit and print their badges themselves – this self-serve capability is very helpful considering the volume of attendees at larger events.’

NASUWT work with partners to assess the carbon impact of hosting in-person events, take as many steps as possible to mitigate it, and offset any unavoidable impact. 

'Cvent want to understand our values and work with us on integrating them into our approach – our support teams have been fantastic and very quick to resolve any teething issues as well.’

Sammy continues: ‘As a union and association, we have to be very careful with our members’ money. Every penny needs to work hard for itself. With this in mind, I’ve found the whole service to be great from start to finish.’

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