The way that events purchase the ‘stuff’ they need to operate can be a powerful tool for encouraging and supporting locally produced sustainable goods and services while reducing wasteful byproducts. SHIFT itemized all of their purchasing needs and categorizing each item as disposable, recyclable, refillable, or compostable and made goals for increasing waste diversion before the products even arrive at the venue. This purchasing audit also identified ways for the event to purchase more locally sourced goods and Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance certified coffee and tea through its venue partners. Furthermore, SHIFT strengthened its relationships with responsible lodging partners in the area who have sustainable tourism programs as well as local farmers and chefs for the People’s Banquet. SHIFT 2017 was also a paperless event thanks to their implementation of the Whova App.