Sustainability in focus

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Who’s leading (and who’s lagging) in events by sector.

At event:decision, we’ve seen sustainable event planning take a leap forward in 2025 -not just in ambition, but in measurable outcomes. With more organisations benchmarking their events across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, we’re gaining a clearer picture of where the industry is maturing, and where it still needs a nudge.

But the real story lies in the sector-specific differences. Here’s what the data shows about which industries are pushing the boundaries, and which are falling behind.

Top performer: Events & hospitality

This year’s biggest leap came from the Events & Hospitality sector, particularly in environmental impact. From energy use to food sourcing, this group is turning intent into action.

Why they stood out:

  • Greener menus: More plant-based, local, and seasonal sourcing.
  • Sustainable venues: Prioritising those powered by renewables.
  • Waste control: Advanced recycling plans and zero-to-landfill targets.

Environmental scores rose sharply compared to 2024, making Events & Hospitality the standout sector for sustainable progress this year.

Second in line was Finance and Legal…

While Events & Hospitality led the environmental charge, Finance and Legal sector events stood out for their exceptional Governance performance – making them the second-strongest overall.

Why they ranked high:

  • Clear ESG accountability: Governance practices from core business operations are mirrored in event planning.
  • Rigorous supplier due diligence: Preferred partnerships with accredited vendors.
  • Policy-driven decisions: Events aligned tightly with internal compliance and risk protocols.

Governance scores were consistently high across Finance and Legal events, pulling their overall ESG performance into the top tier.

Lowest performer: Retail & Consumer goods

Despite facing the public eye daily, the Retail and Consumer goods sector ranked lowest overall in sustainability performance, especially in governance and social impact.

Key challenges:

  • Short planning cycles, leaving little room for ESG integration.
  • Budget sensitivities, with sustainability still perceived as a cost add-on.
  • Low measurement adoption, meaning missed opportunities for improvement.

Without clear measurement or set goals, many events in this sector failed to meet even baseline expectations.

What the gap tells us

This contrast shows just how vital measurement and mindset are. The Events & Hospitality sector proved that with intention, planning, and the right tools, major progress is possible, even in complex environments. Meanwhile, Retail’s slower shift suggests a need for sector-specific support, clearer ROI messaging, and more accessible sustainability solutions.

Where we go from here

We know that when planners measure, they change. And now, with better reporting platforms, smarter advisory support, and real-time benchmarking tools like Impact and Track, event professionals can act with confidence – not guesswork.

Let’s make 2025 the year every sector finds its stride.

Region watch: US & EMEA

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Who’s leading on event sustainability in 2025?

As more organisations commit to responsible event delivery, 2025 has become a landmark year for measured progress. At event:decision, our data tools – including Track and Impact Reviews, provide a uniquely detailed view of how event sustainability is evolving across industry sectors, event types, and geographies.

This time, we’re zooming in on the regional picture. Specifically: how do events in the US compare to those in EMEA?

The answer isn’t just a matter of who scores higher. It’s about what’s driving performance, what cultural and structural factors are influencing results and what both sides can learn from each other.

EMEA leads the way, for now

In 2025, EMEA emerged as the highest-performing region overall, driven by stronger results in Environmental and Governance pillars.

Why EMEA events stood out:

  • Stronger supply chain transparency, particularly in the UK, Netherlands, and Nordics.
  • More established ESG reporting culture, with sustainability metrics often mandated internally at client-board-level.
  • Higher event planner awareness, especially among agencies serving European or global clients.

EMEA events scored significantly above average in Governance – with consistent use of certified suppliers, carbon goal setting, and more detailed post-event reporting.

US: Strong intent, but gaps in execution

US-based events demonstrated real commitment to sustainability in 2025 but scores were more variable, particularly in the Social and Governance dimensions.

Key challenges for US events:

  • Lower consistency in carbon tracking, especially for travel.
  • Less structured supplier vetting, often driven by speed and budget.
  • Underuse of measurement tools, leading to lower benchmarking confidence.

That said, there are bright spots. Some corporate event teams in the US are piloting portfolio-wide ESG frameworks, a sign that momentum is building.

We see US-corporates pushing their agencies hard for benchmarks and pathways, especially in CDP &/or Ecovadis products.

The biggest hurdle? A lack of enforced standards. Where EMEA planners often face regulatory or procurement-driven requirements, US teams rely more on voluntary adoption, making measurement and improvement patchier.

Regional takeaways: What we’re seeing

Factor EMEA US
Average ESG Score Higher Lower (more varied)
Governance Strong – compliance driven Inconsistent – depends on team maturity
Environmental Strong in travel, waste, sourcing Variable – hybrid models help, but gaps in tracking remain
Social Improving, esp. around wellbeing & access Patchy – DEI efforts exist but aren’t always measured

What EMEA can learn from the US: Greater innovation, especially in hybrid and tech-led formats.

What the US can learn from EMEA: Standardise measurement and make ESG mandatory.

What’s next: Closing the gap

Sustainability isn’t a static factor. What we’re seeing now is a regional maturity curve and with the right tools, both EMEA and US-based planners can keep advancing. The difference? EMEA is starting to treat ESG as a business necessity. The US is still treating it like an opportunity, risking inconsistent delivery.

That’s where event:decision comes in.

  • Track your event performance, not just in carbon but in social value and governance process
  • Benchmark against regional peers, but also in client-sectors and event-types
  • Act with confidence, not guesswork.
  • All for less than the price of a single hotel room.