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.

Every story has a number, every number has a story

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Great at Stories. Awful at Numbers. That’s #Eventprofs for you.

Let’s face it: as an industry, event planners are brilliant at crafting a compelling story.

We can take a spreadsheet of logistics and turn it into an experience that moves people. When it comes to sustainability, we know the right things to say. We talk about reusable cups, compostable lanyards, local vegan food. We highlight our commitments to people, planet, and purpose. The story sounds great in the sustainability report—and better still in the pitch deck.

But here’s the problem: we’re great at the story, and frankly, terrible at the numbers.

Ask most event professionals to quantify the carbon savings of switching to LED lighting, or the measurable social impact of using a local vendor network, and the numbers just… aren’t there. At best, we see vague metrics or arbitrary benchmarks. At worst, we see none at all.

And yet, numbers matter. They bring credibility to our sustainability narratives. They turn well-meaning gestures into accountable action. They make the difference between “we tried” and “we achieved.”

That’s where Impact: Responsible Event Reviews come in.

Impact Reviews give event planners a clear, evidence-backed framework for assessing the sustainability and social responsibility of an event. No fluff, no guesswork—just meaningful insights grounded in ESG principles. It evaluates dozens of data points across your planning decisions, scores them against international performance, and provides a simple, shareable report that tells both the story and the numbers.

In fact, many of our clients start with a great narrative—but it’s Impact that brings it to life with substance. It shows where you’re doing well, where you can do better, and what progress looks like over time. It’s not about catching anyone out. It’s about making better decisions, every time.

So let’s keep telling great stories. Let’s keep showing that our events can be a force for good. But let’s also bring the numbers. Because every story has a number. And every number, a story.

Ready to back your sustainability story with numbers that matter?

Get in touch to try Impact today.

 

* Aswath Damodaran, a finance professor at NYU Stern, is associated with the phrase “Every number tells a story, and every story has a number” although this is not a direct quotation.

Who should pay for sustainable events?

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Who pays for sustainability?

If you’re in sales, account development, client direction or the owner of an events agency here’s a simple guide to growing your business.

You’re always asking us “Who should pay for the cost of our environmental and social efforts? Should we increase prices so the customer pays, or should we absorb from within our margin?”

The answer is that neither you nor the customer should pay — make your competitors pay.

Improving your own event performance, and making sure customers know that, naturally increases customer preference for your proposition.  We’re always being told that RFPs now include mandatory sustainability sections, in fact we answer a few of them for agencies ourselves.  Now is your chance to turn this section into a bid-winner.

You win market share.

Who pays? Your competition.

Particularly laggards. And there’s plenty of them.

“We’re too busy to look at sustainability” we heard only this week. Good for you & good for now. They’ll get found out. Let’s hope that agency owner sells up while they still can.

“Can you help? All our incoming RFP’s demand proof of sustainability, but when push comes to shove, we don’t actually know what we’re doing”, we were told in Frankfurt recently by a large well-known global agency.

This is exactly as it should be — those who are not keeping up in terms of acting on published responsibility & sustainability values also shoulder the resulting costs.

Global research from PWC shows that big business knows & demonstrates what it’s doing in respect of responsible business practice and sustainability numbers:

  • Low carbon products are considered<25% more valuable. And yes, event can be termed low-carbon products, if you engineer it as such.
  • Twice as many companies are strengthening sustainability targets as are weakening them (yes, even with macro-political environments)
  • 9x more companies have carbon targets than did only five years ago.

So to prove how good you are at delivering responsible & sustainable events (beware, this tool really does sort the wheat from the chaff), try an Impact: Responsible Event Review.

Demonstrate how good your proposal is compared to your peers. Tell the compelling story and accompany with independent, expert, verifiable benchmarking.

Or else it’ll be you paying.

1st & 2nd Quarter 2025 – Sustainability Review

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Raising the Bar: What 2025 is teaching us about responsible events

It’s been just over a year since event:decision started benchmarking responsible event delivery, using an E, S and G framework. Already, the movement is positive. What began as a handful of forward-thinking planners asking the right questions is fast becoming embedded in the planning process across regions, sectors, and event types.

In 2025, we saw the number of organisations choosing to measure their event sustainability, grow significantly – and not just in carbon. The insights speak volumes, not just about how we plan, but why measurement matters if we want to deliver meaningful change as an industry

At event:decision, we provide proof points for responsible planning, by measuring the sustainable performance of your event. Our proprietary tools and services with which we support the industry, are:

  1. Track, event carbon audit & advisory services.
  2. Impact: Responsible Event Reviews provide ESG assessments, benchmarking and certification for responsible event planning.
  3. Evolve, show, association, and services, including our Exhibitor Sustainability Recognition scheme.

All three widely used by event agencies, planners and corporates, driven by commercial factors, by legislative demand and, dare we say, a moral imperative to deliver events ‘better’.

Coming soon: a new way of working for Corporates. Think more strategic, campaign-led, integrated sustainability across event portfolios – more on that to follow in July.

2025 In Numbers – What’s Changed?

Compared to 2024, 2025 events made a noticeable leap in average sustainability scores. Social impact, in particular, saw a step-change. Meaning more organisations are embedding locality, wellbeing, and community values into how they deliver.

“In just 12 months, we saw total scores rise by more than two points on average.”

Here’s where it gets interesting…

Across all events, the average sustainability score in 2025 rose notably over previous years, with improved performance in environmental and governance pillars in particular.

On average, events achieved a total score of 19.07, up from 16.95 in 2024.

What the Data Shows – and Why it Matters

This unique breakdown gives us real insight, not just into where performance is improving, but where the opportunities still lie.

  • By Region – EMEA events led the way overall — likely helped by stronger reporting culture and supply chain transparency.
  • By Sector – Finance and legal firms’ events hit high governance scores. But it’s the events & hospitality sector where we saw the biggest environmental progress, from smarter menus to greener venues.
  • By Event Type – Internal meetings led overall, but exhibitions were more varied. That said, when expos did engage with measurement, they often scored well, particularly on governance.

Beyond the Numbers: What Needs Attention

We still see some barriers holding organisers back. Here are a few we’re keeping an eye on:

  • Travel emissions remain the biggest contributor, and often the hardest to influence. (Hint: you can get to grip with Travel using event:decision’s Track reporting. We’re the ONLY provider of the leading travel demand management platform for destinations, venues, and live events, You.Smart.Thing.)

  • Social enterprises are still underused. The appetite is there, but more visibility and guidance would help to avoid the ‘but this is how we’ve always done it’ mindset. Many planners are unaware of where to source & vet potential providers in this space. (Hint: there are several within our Impact Review tool)

  • Budgets are getting tighter and with the perception that sustainability is more expensive, this is often a barrier to measurement. (Hint: the real answer to “Who should pay for sustainable events?” is simple. Make it your competition.

  • Fewer than 25% of events set an impact or carbon goal before delivery – a huge missed opportunity. Agencies in particular, should note.

Nudging Change, Together

If there’s one thing this year confirmed, it’s this: when planners measure, they change.

That might mean swapping suppliers for social enterprises. Often on price parity. It might mean thinking differently about travel and accessibility. It might just mean asking more of your venue.

And we get it – change isn’t always easy. But we make it much, much simpler.

What’s Next: Act with Confidence, Not Guesswork

Event:decision will continue to add value to the event sector with Impact Reviews, in use globally and across all sectors.

Did you know we now give you real-time guidance on each and every factor you review as you progress through the review tool? So you can see who’s doing what and how you compare…

We’re focusing more on partnerships, not just platforms. Now, with more tailored support for corporate programmes, increased awareness, better reporting tools = better “real” data, more precision in benchmarking, you can tie metrics to your overall ESG goals and make adjustments that have real impact.

Contact us for more information on how we can help you measure your next event.

The end of sustainability? Errr….nope.

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The end of sustainability is nigh? Far from it…

PwC’s 2025 State of Decarbonization report reveals a landscape where corporate sustainability initiatives are not retreating but instead progressing quietly and becoming more rigorous. Despite public narratives suggesting a pullback, the report indicates that companies are steadfast in their commitments, driven by the recognition of sustainability as a source of business value.

Summary:

  • 9x as many companies with carbon targets as five years ago.
  • 2x as many companies are making their sustainability targets more stringent than are watering them down (37% vs. 15%).
  • 4 in 5 companies are launching low-carbon products and services, as it is recognised that these perform 5%-25% better in the market.

A significant finding is the surge in climate commitments: over 4,000 companies reported targets to the CDP in 2024, marking a nine-fold increase over five years. Notably, 37% of these companies are elevating their ambitions, while only 16% are scaling back. This trend is not confined to large corporations; smaller companies are increasingly making commitments, influenced by supplier engagement efforts. The median revenue of companies making commitments decreased from $3.6 billion in 2020 to $1.3 billion in 2024, indicating broader participation across company sizes.

The report identifies four key takeaways:

  1. Commitments and Ambitions Remain High: Contrary to headlines about companies retreating from sustainability, the data shows a strong and growing commitment to decarbonization.
  2. Setting the Table for Shared Value: Companies are learning valuable lessons as they address Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, recognising the potential for shared value creation.
  3. The Greatest Value Unlock is Yet to Come: Scope 3 decarbonization presents opportunities for revenue and margin growth, particularly as companies meet the demand for sustainable products and services.
  4. Quiet Momentum Turning Climate Commitments into Competitive Advantage: Companies are focusing on execution, integrating sustainability into decision-making, securing financing, engaging suppliers and customers, and innovating products to meet rising demand for sustainable solutions.

The report also highlights sector-specific insights, noting that decarbonisation pathways vary across industries due to structural, technological, and financial differences. For instance, the automotive sector faces challenges in Scope 3 emissions, with 85% occurring downstream after the vehicle leaves the factory. While 69% of automotive companies are on track for Scope 1 and 2 targets, only 28% are on pace with Scope 3 goals, underscoring the need for customer adoption of electric vehicles and investment in infrastructure.

PwC’s report underscores that despite external pressures and changing global leadership, companies are maintaining or even enhancing their climate commitments. The focus is shifting from public declarations to tangible actions, with a clear understanding that sustainability efforts are integral to long-term growth and resilience.

As a vital part of the corporate supply-chain, what do you think this will mean event clients will be asking of the event sector?

See the full report here.

STANDout from the crowd…how to exhibit responsibly.

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Why an exhibitor recognition scheme matters

Exhibition season is here and there’s a renewed focus not just on building more visually attractive and impressive stands, but on building them responsibly. Increasingly, exhibitors and organisers alike are being asked: “How sustainable and responsible is your presence?”

Now you can benchmark, with STANDout, an Exhibitor Recognition Scheme successfully used by leading events such as Confex, Renewable UK, NHS Confederation, and The BIBA Conference, helps answer that question, showcasing exhibitors who take positive environmental and social action in how they design and deliver their stands.

Moving beyond traditional metrics

Where traditional exhibitor measures might focus on footfall, lead generation, or ROI, STANDout looks in a very different direction, impact.

We measure how responsibly and sustainably a booth is delivered, focusing on:

  • Environmental Responsibility (materials, waste reduction, transport emissions)
  • Social Responsibility (inclusivity, accessibility, local community impact)

It’s not about how many people visit your stand, it’s about how responsibly your stand has been created and delivered and aligns with your organisational values.

This is a fresh, future-facing way for exhibitions to demonstrate they are serious about responsibility and sustainability, and it gives exhibitors a valuable opportunity to showcase their leadership.

How the scheme works

The process is designed to be simple, positive, and empowering:

  • Exhibitors opt-in pre-event
  • Self-assessments are submitted, covering both environmental and social responsibility factors.
  • event:decision reviews each submission based on clear, fair criteria.
  • Recognition is awarded to exhibitors who out-perform their peers, with a certificate typically celebrated on-site and online.

Proven success at major events

Our Exhibitor Recognition Scheme has already been adopted by major industry names, including:

  • Confex: Helping exhibitors align with the growing sustainability demands of the events sector.
  • Renewable UK: promoting and improving the Renewable (UK) international leadership stance.
  • NHS Confederation: Supporting socially responsible exhibiting practices.
  • The BIBA Conference: alongside many programmes the BIBA team use to deliver more responsibly, recognising and celebrating exhibitors’ sustainability achievements.

At these events, we’ve seen real enthusiasm from exhibitors keen to demonstrate their commitment, and a noticeable improvement in how sustainably many stands were delivered year-on-year.

Why exhibitors and organisers love it

For Exhibitors:

  • Public recognition of sustainability efforts
  • Brand alignment with publicly stated values
  • Accountability to prospects and customers
  • Independent third-party verification of their responsibility efforts
  • Opportunity to engage customers with values-led messaging

For Organisers:

  • Evidence of tangible action on sustainability
  • Enhanced event reputation
  • Support for broader responsible event delivery goals
  • A visible sign to attendees and stakeholders that sustainability is taken seriously

Exhibitor recognition impact

Here’s a typical reflection from one of our participating exhibitors:

“A great way to recognise all the hard work our exhibitor partners put in to deliver as well as they do – and to help those for whom sustainability is a newer consideration!” – International Show Owner

Why now?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s becoming a core expectation at every level of event delivery.

Offering exhibitors the chance to be recognised for responsible practices:

  • Drives real behavioural change
  • Gives your event a stronger sustainability story
  • Adds genuine value for your exhibitor partners and stakeholders
  • Increases engagement with local partners

This season, why not make a bold statement about what your exhibition partners stand for?

Interested in recognising and rewarding your exhibitors for doing the right thing?  Talk to event:decision today about running the Exhibitor Recognition Scheme at your next event.  Find out more here.

Go Sustainable: Big Impact, Small Footprint

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event:decision reflects on a recent sustainability-focused trip through Switzerland

Earlier this month, our Head of Sustainable Event Operations, Laura Robinson, joined a group of industry leaders on a journey through Switzerland for Go Sustainable, this exclusive study trip offered the chance to get to know two of Switzerland’s premium MICE destinations; Lucerne & Zurich, in an inspiringly sustainable way. The focus was on first-class sustainability practices, circular economy at events and making valuable contacts. The event began with an early start on 3 April at London St. Pancras International.

Go Sustainable set an example, by taking all three dimensions of sustainability – ecological, social, and economic – when planning and realising the event. Participation, including round-trip travel between London and Switzerland, was generously covered by Eurostar and TGV Lyria, and various suppliers.

The experience brought together destinations, venues, suppliers, and buyers in a unique showcase of what happens when sustainability is embedded at every stage of an event, starting with the journey itself.  The four day trip ended back at St. Pancras in London in the evening of 6 April, and Laura shares her experience of the event below.

Rethinking the Commute: Trains Over Planes

From the outset, the trip demonstrated how travel can become part of the experience, not just a means to an end. Taking the train from London to Lucerne via Paris, the group avoided air travel complications, with no long queues, no liquid restrictions, and no tight baggage allowances, the group embraced a relaxed, comfortable, and lower-carbon alternative.

“The journey showcased just how effortless train travel can be,” Laura noted. “We were able to check in smoothly and begin networking with peers from the very start of the day.”

With breakfast onboard, a glass of champagne in hand, and glorious weather, whilst sitting back in pure comfort, soaking up the stunning European countryside, the group enjoyed a sustainability-themed quiz to break the ice. The journey doubled as a networking opportunity which was an ideal start to the days ahead.

A seamless connection through Paris included a coach transfer powered by sustainable rapeseed oil, hosted by a local DMC who added insight with a brief city tour between stations.

Sustainable Venues and Purposeful Choices

That evening’s dinner took place at Neubad Lucerne, a standout venue that beautifully embodies the harmony of environmental consciousness and social impact. A striking example of adaptive reuse and social enterprise. Formerly a public swimming pool, it has been reimagined into a creative venue that supports community-led initiatives and artistic programming which perfectly aligned with the Go Sustainable mission.

The following day continued with a guided walking tour of Lucerne’s historic centre, before boarding the MS Cirrus, an energy-efficient boat designed with reduced fuel consumption in mind. A delicious vegetarian lunch was served onboard, offering guests a taste of thoughtful, sustainable dining, with valuable networking time as the group travelled across Lake Lucerne taking in the breathtaking panoramic views.

The journey then climbed Mount Rigi, in Vitznau, via the iconic cogwheel train, Europe’s first mountain railway, adding a historic layer to the sustainable travel story.

Dinner was hosted at Restaurant Elmira, a Michelin-starred venue focused entirely on plant-based fine dining. “Vegetarian ingredients were transformed into an innovative, high-end culinary experience that artfully blended creativity with flavour,” said Laura. “Sustainability was present not just in the sourcing, but in the ethos behind each dish.”

Workshops, Waste, and the 5 Rs

Saturday introduced a series of hands-on, purpose-driven workshops. Though Laura was assisting in workshop planning and missed the morning run through Zurich, one of the standout sessions of the day was Taste the Waste. Here, participants created a full lunch using surplus ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste, such a creative and delicious exercise in circular thinking. What began as a creative test turned into a fun and rewarding experience, embraced wholeheartedly by everyone involved.

event:decision then partnered with the Zurich Convention Bureau to deliver a workshop focused on sustainable event delivery. Grounded in our 5 Rs framework – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle – we explored some of the common barriers event planners face today and dove into practical strategies for reducing impact and how partnering with social enterprises can help maintain quality without taking anything away from the guest experience.

A key theme was the use of our Impact tool which offers planners and suppliers a transparent, data-backed way to assess and improve the sustainability of their events.

“The Impact Certificate is proving especially popular with both planners and DMCs,” Laura shared. “It gives them a clear and credible way to demonstrate progress and value to their clients.”

The session also encouraged collaboration with social enterprises, showing how event delivery can support local communities, not just minimise harm.

Culture, Connection, and Closing the Loop

The day closed with a guided walk through Zurich’s charming old town before sitting down to a traditional Swiss dinner, accompanied by a live music performance from a local folk band. It made for a memorable, authentic evening with true cultural immersion.

The group returned home on Sunday by train, once again benefitting from the ease, comfort, and low-carbon efficiency of rail travel. “Zurich–Paris–London was just as seamless and relaxed as the outbound leg,” Laura reflected.

Measuring What Matters

Beyond inspiration, the trip delivered measurable outcomes. Our Impact Certificate provided a clear view of the event’s sustainability performance, capturing emissions savings and highlighting areas of excellence.

The forthcoming TRACK report (to be published soon) will take this a step further, offering deeper insights into the environmental and social metrics of the journey. From travel to venue use and food choices, each element was assessed with precision – translating sustainable intentions into actionable data.

Final Thoughts

A big thank you to the Swiss team, Tiffany, Melanie, Reto, Gregory, Anna & Inge and all the many partners involved. Go Sustainable wasn’t just a showcase of good ideas, it was a working example of what sustainability in events can look like when it’s built into the DNA of every decision. From carbon-efficient travel and ethical dining to authentic local engagement, the experience provided a model for how our industry can lead by example.

At event:decision, we believe in delivering more than just green checkboxes. We believe in evidence-based impact, smart partnerships, and intentional design – values clearly reflected throughout the Go Sustainablejourney.

Want to Learn More?

  • Explore our Impact Tool and how it can be applied to your events
  • Discover Track—our measurement system for emissions, engagement, and more
  • Read about our services or contact our team directly for a tailored sustainability plan

Questions? Reach out via hello@eventdecision.com

View the event image gallery from Go Sustainable here!

Question Time continued… (EIN-style)

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Event Industry News Sustainable Events Guide Launch

This week we are covering the last four of the eight topics from questions put to the panel at the Event Industry News annual Event Sustainability Breakfast Briefing.

  • Measuring impact and proving sustainability efforts
  • Selecting sustainable suppliers and venues
  • Executing sustainable events in practice
  • Addressing policy, regulation, and accountability

Here are the final selection of questions we didn’t manage to discuss – and event:decision’s (short!) associated thoughts:

5. Measuring impact and proving sustainability efforts

Tracking & Reporting Sustainability Metrics

  • How can we efficiently measure the impact of events?   The first is to look at the carbon footprint of your event (& you really should include delegate travel in this piece). Either subscribe to a platform and input the data or push the job to event:decision’s Track, the #1 service globally.  Second way is to undertake an Impact: Responsible Event Review – the ONLY tool that allows you a checklist across the whole of ESG, with embedded sustainable suppliers, event scorecards and event team performance.
  • What are the most effective and accessible methods for tracking and reporting sustainability?   See above for that…
  • What key metrics and reporting frameworks should event organisers prioritise to measure real impact?   In carbon terms, targets are longer-term than event-by-event & include various net-zero frameworks such as Science-based Target Initiatives (SBTi). In wider sustainability, Impact: Responsible Event Reviews benchmark your event and team performance against industry sector mean performance.
  • How can we improve carbon tracking and ensure accurate offsetting in the exhibition industry?   In short, measure. If you are a stand/booth owner it’s simple enough to report the carbon footprint yourself, with an online tool or a service such as event:decision’s Track Reporting.  If you’re a show or portfolio-owner, ask event:decision, we have tried & trusted methods to report the impact of your whole show, from space-only to visitor travel. Don’t forget the SOCIAL value of holding a show as well!

6. Sustainable Venue & Supplier Selection

Choosing the Right Suppliers & Venues

  • Are sustainability accreditations important to clients, and if so, which ones?   Take a look at the data in the event:decision & micebook’s Most Sustainable Agencies recognition programme. Plenty of data on accreditations.
  • What is your definition of green venues?   Venues can usually demonstrate environmental sustainability in a number of ways, accreditations such as Green Key & many others. Issue is, you can host a pretty low-carbon event at most venues and a pretty high-carbon event at the same venues, it all depends on the travel factor. Suggestion is that agencies – you concentrate on the elements you can control & try to select venues accessible to the audience – Venues, work hard on the factors you can control. Don’t forget, venues, you can make a REAL DIFFERENCE in social value with links to local sustainable supply and communities.
  • How can historic venues balance sustainability with the constraints of listed building status?   Pretty hard to get around listed status, just ask BMA House, but you can work on innovations in service, such as the weekly menus BMA House offer as part of the meeting proposition.
  • What key criteria should event planners look for when selecting a green venue?   Above all, search for and select a suitable venue that is accessible to your audience geographically. Then filter by proposition, see above for accreditations.

7. Sustainable Event Execution: Practical Steps

Reducing Waste & Circular Economy

  • How do you avoid unnecessary waste after an event such as an exhibition?   Three ways:
    1. Design out unnecessary waste in terms of re-usability, material and supply-chain. Ask your builder(s) how & what they will do with materials post event. We’re living in a dreamland if we think all materials can be infinitely re-used, brands require more flexibility in terms of visual approach and messaging.
    2. Put the end-of-life channel for the stand/booth/materials you commission into your contract. If you want to audit your supplier post-event, please do. Yes, this will take time, but if they’re a trusted and regular supplier you’ll have good reason to visit with them regardless.
    3. Measure both the carbon footprint of the stand & the social impact. You will see incremental improvements YOY if you action (1) & (2) above.
  • How can we promote a circular approach in events?   If you can’t reuse materials created for specific events, look to Event Cycle and Used Creative.
  • What are your top tips to enhance sustainability and circularity for a global exhibition client?   See above
  • What are some quick wins for a production company to maintain an eco-friendly service?   Think cleverly about materials. It is possible to reduce the carbon impact of the same programme by 50% between Yr 1 and Yr 2. We have clients who have demonstrated this. After that it can become harder.  Use local crew. The largest carbon factor in nearly ALL expo stands is the travel associated with both brand staff and build crew. At least you can try to source the general crew locally.

Food, Travel & Merchandise Impact

  • How do you support event clients in measuring travel and transport impacts?   With the #1 global event carbon footprint service, Track, which has an automated link within to the market-leading platform to capture and produce low carbon travel plans from You.Smart.Thing.
  • What is the best way to represent carbon savings per meal type at events?   We often advise clients to put plant-based options at the top of the menu – proven to increase uptake. We also encourage chefs to indicate low-carbon options in the same way as chilli-heat & or calories on many menus.
  • What are the best ways to promote sustainable travel to events?   Select a venue that is accessible via public transport. Consider subsidising or enhancing public travel options. Use a Travel Tool such as within Track.

8. Policy, Regulation & Industry Accountability

Regulatory Challenges & Avoiding Greenwashing

  • Will governments set targets for organisations to improve their sustainability impact?   Not in the short term, no. The EU is re-looking at company carbon emissions reporting as we speak in early 2025, update due May-25. In the US, it’s a different story, for now. Main pressure to deliver responsibly and sustainably comes from within companies, brand values and customer demand.
  • How do we ensure sustainability remains a priority despite regulatory rollbacks?   Keep pushing for sustainable events, if you’re a corporate, a brand, an agency or a venue. For now, it’s still a commercial advantage. The main driver for sustainable behaviour is customer demand. This really is up to us all as consumers, vote with your wallet.
  • How can we differentiate truly sustainable brands from greenwashing competitors?   In the event world there is little external comparison of clients’ events due to commercial sensitivities. There are many brands espousing sustainability accreditations at Board level, whilst delivering clearly unsustainable event programmes, all with agency and supplier support. If you’re brave, call them out. At present the best indicator is within ‘agency-land’ is this.  Check for accreditations, they hopefully have stringent compliance criteria.
  • How can businesses balance profitability with sustainable practices?  Without sustainability (Environmental, Social and Governance) there is little point in profit, an unsustainable business is by definition, a fairly short term endeavour. If one means purely environmental sustainability, this is a vital issue that the event sector needs to address. One cannot produce live events with no impact. The larger the event, the larger the impact.
  • Is sustainability a threat to the event sector?   Absolutely not. It’s the largest opportunity we’ve had in a generation.

Sustainability in the events industry isn’t just a challenge, it’s an opportunity. By prioritising impact measurement, responsible supplier choices, waste reduction, and proactive policy engagement, we can build a more sustainable future for events. The insights shared at the Event Industry News Breakfast Briefing highlight that while there’s still work to do, practical solutions are already within reach. The real question is: how will you take action?

Question Time… (EIN-style)

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Event Industry News Sustainable Events Guide Launch

Last week Event Industry News published their sixth Sustainable Events Guide, launched with the annual Event Sustainability Breakfast Briefing.

event:decision took to the stage alongside Chrissie Beck Worlds Better, Anna Abdelnoor Isla, Nick Grimaldi Shelton Fleming and Hannah Robinson from BMA House.

A record number of guests were invited to submit questions during registration – so many questions in fact, that as a panel we were unable to answer many due to time constraints.

So we thought we’d have a go. This week we’ll cover the first four of eight topics:

  • Identifying & Prioritising Sustainability in Events
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Changing Behaviours
  • Cost vs. Sustainability: Making It Affordable & Accessible
  • Innovation, Technology & Future Trends

Here is a selection of the questions we didn’t manage to discuss – and event:decision’s (short!) associated thoughts:

1. Identifying & Prioritising Sustainability in Events

Assessing & Improving Sustainability

  • How do you identify areas in need of improvement/stay updated with new developments to become more sustainable?   Undertake an Impact: Responsible Event Review which provides you with a checklist of possible sustainable actions, with actionable insights and a benchmark to show how you compare with other events.
  • What is one small change you could make in your event briefs to start delivering incremental change?   Ask your supply-chain to list or benchmark specific actions they are taking to align with your event sustainability goals.
  • What is the most effective way to influence sustainable travel to events?   Provide each & every delegate with a personalised low-carbon Travel Plan, accessible via Track

Biggest Sustainability Challenges in the Events Industry

  • What would you say is the most pressing sustainability issue in the events industry?   Be brave, you won’t be called out if you’re honest, open and transparent. If you’re still saying “we’re at the beginning of our journey” you are falling behind your peers.
  • Where is the revolution in sustainability happening in the events sector?   It’s happening right now. What we’re not seeing is wholesale changes in delegate behaviours. By delegate behaviours we mean, of course, you and us. This issue is larger than the events industry, but should not allow us to side-step it.
  • What are the biggest barriers to engagement that you face from clients?   Fear of getting it wrong. “We’re too busy to engage with sustainability” or “We’re not in the right place” are both comments ecent:decision has heard first hand. If you’re still saying this, your model not sustainable. The support and tools are there for you & they are simple to use.
  • One of our problems is breaking client habits—how can we move away from throwaway practices while maintaining good margins?   If you’re brave enough, remind your client of their own values. These will not be “use the cheapest and least sustainable method of delivery possible”. Suggest viable, more sustainable, alternatives. Agencies tell us they get good reactions to doing this.

2. Stakeholder Engagement & Changing Behaviours

Convincing Clients & Stakeholders

  • How do we convince a client that opting for sustainability is a better choice, even if the cost is higher?   Advise your client that they are not following best-practice and that the event model is considered unsustainable. Reference (1) above, be brave.
  • Are there any tips on gathering support and behaviour change from regular suppliers who may be slower in adopting sustainable practices?   First, speak frankly with your supply partner. If still no action, vote with your feet. Use a different supplier.
  • How do we ensure sustainability actions are put into place by the industry?   No one organisation is responsible or speaks for for the entire event industry. End-user client briefs are already almost all asking for sustainability credentials and competition between event delivery organisations & planners is driving sustainable practice.

Industry-Wide Collaboration & Standardisation

  • How can we come together as an industry to be more sustainable?   Show your peers what good looks like. Trade with sustainable supply-chain, those who demonstrate clear, unambiguous objectives in sustainability. Maybe don’t trade with those who do not.
  • How can event planners foster stronger collaborations with venues to improve sustainability?   Support, by booking, venues who demonstrate sustainable credentials (ISO, BCorp, EcoSmart and others)
  • What fundamental sustainability standards should suppliers, and planners follow?   The Power 30 Most Sustainable Agencies 2025 showed that there are a number of standards that agencies and venues can achieve. Each is nuanced, but make sure that you achieve and hold at least one accreditation.
  • How can event managers navigate the challenge of verifying sustainability claims in complex supply chains?   Audit your suppliers. Doesn’t need to be a time-consuming desk audit necessarily. On site, take a look – have they wrapped in plastic where they said they would not? Where have the crew travelled from? A London venue claiming to use only local labour and public transport employs an AV Tech who drives 50 miles across London every day, in direct contravention of policy. Why would we believe anything else they claim?

3. Cost vs. Sustainability: Making It Affordable & Accessible

Financial Considerations & Return on Investment

  • How can sustainability be accessible/affordable for all venues?   Venues can choose whether to accredit and which practices to put in place. The level of affordability will no doubt be a major factor in the decision, balanced against potential additional revenues associated with more sustainable practices.
  • What are the financial costs of implementing sustainability practices?   Sometimes very little, sometimes none. Depends on the nature of the event. Many materials associated with Paris 2024 are in storage for the next Winter Olympics, for example. Yes, there is a cost for this – but weighed against binning/burning them – seems like a good choice.  Can event profs do the same for smaller events?   We think so.
  • What financial incentives are available for businesses to improve their footprint?   It has been demonstrated by McKinsey, Bain, Harvard Business Review and almost every worthwhile media title & consultancy that by definition, sustainable businesses deliver better returns. In the short-termist event delivery business, competitive advantage is still an incentive as practices vary widely.
  • When cost realities hit, what are the most compelling justifications to keep pushing for sustainability?   If you’re brave enough, remind your client of their own values. These will not be “use the cheapest and least sustainable method of delivery possible”. Suggest viable, more sustainable, alternatives. Agencies tell us they get good reactions to this.

4. Innovation, Technology & Future Trends

New Solutions for Sustainable Events

  • What event technology is available to make events more sustainable?   Check out Impact: Responsible Event Reviews. A checklist, supplier partners, event scorecard and sustainability benchmark all rolled into one simple tool.
  • What is the best way to measure an events’s sustainability levels?   Carbon footprints like event:decision’s Track are great, in a way. But many struggle to understand what tons of carbon relate to. For a wider view on real sustainability, Check out Impact: Responsible Event Reviews.
  • AI tools can assist in event planning but come with a carbon impact—how should we address this?   Concentrate on what you can control – event planning factors such as travel, accommodation, F&B, materials and transport. The event sector won’t solve the global energy conundrum.
  • What role could AI play in sustainability?   Quite early to be clear on this. AI tools lack real-world event planning capability and (so far) the nuance of supply chain. Hopefully, this will evolve.
  • Are there best practices for reducing the environmental footprint associated with temporary staffing?   Source locally, encourage public transport use. Provide each staffer with a personalised low-carbon travel plan, such as one available via event:decision’s Track.

Exciting Sustainability Innovations

  • Is there any innovation or change in the industry in the last year that you’re particularly excited about?   Check out Impact: Responsible Event Reviews.
  • What has surprised you most about sustainability in the last six months?   The excitement with which event planners are engaging on the Social element of ESG. It’s not ALL about carbon – we are uniquely placed to push social values and benefits within the event sector. Get to it!
  • What role should governments and emerging technologies play in driving sustainability?   This is a very wide question & somewhat beyond the scope of event:decision – but leadership in sustainable practice and support for sustainable innovation would be good starting points. Sometimes, some of this is evident in events – sometimes not.

Showtime! It’s sustainability show season…

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It’s that time of year, autumn leaves bring sustainability show season to London

As the event industry leans further into a more sustainable future, the final quarter of the year brings with it a series of unmissable exhibitions and conferences focused on event sustainability. This time of year, which we’re dubbing ‘sustainability show season’, is the time for everyone across the industry to come together and exchange ideas and innovations that will lead to more responsible events.

Two upcoming events stand out for us, and we’re pleased to be playing a significant role at both. Here’s our look at what’s coming up.

The Sustainable Events Show

The Sustainable Events Show, on 31st October 2024 at Chicago Booth Conference Centre London, is a must-attend for anyone working in the events industry. With a focus on reducing the environmental impact of events and enhancing social responsibility, the show provides a space for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore new strategies for making events more sustainable.

event:decision will not only be exhibiting at the show but also showcasing our work as part of The Power 50 UK’s Most Sustainable Agencies, the definitive campaign recognising UK agencies at the forefront of sustainability.

Supported primarily by Encore EMEA and also by Wyboston Lakes Resort, The Power 50 highlights those agencies setting benchmarks in sustainability within the events sector. The Sustainable Events Show will offer a unique face-to-face optimisation clinic for all Power50 MSA entrants. Don’t miss the chance to meet with the P50 MSA team at the show to go over your proposals. Please register for the show independently.

As curators of all content sessions, we are also proud to support the Sustainable Events Show by helping to shape the agenda with a wide range of seminars and workshops all focused event sustainability. CEO Matt Grey will be speaking on “How to deliver a responsible event – Carbon is just the start…”, alongside industry experts in a wide variety of fields.

For anyone looking to improve the sustainability credentials of their agency or event, this show will offer an excellent opportunity to meet with sustainability experts, see cutting-edge solutions, and learn how to incorporate more eco-friendly practices into your operations.

More information on how to enter The Power 50 UK’s Most Sustainable Agencies: Power50

Event Sustainability Live

Event Sustainability Live (ESL), taking place 20th & 21st November at ExCeL, London, another key date in the event sustainability calendar. This event focuses on driving real change within the events industry by showcasing sustainable products, services, and innovations, while offering a full programme of educational sessions and networking opportunities for industry professionals.

event:decision is thrilled to be both exhibiting and speaking at ESL. At 12:40 on Wednesday 20th Matt Grey will be speaking on his “Top ten learnings from three years in event sustainability”. After event:decision’s first three years working for 200+ event brands, Matt will be sharing what the team has learned about event sustainability that everyone can benefit from. From the sudden surge of ‘we’re sustainable’ through to ‘how do we really do this?’ ‘what should we be doing?’ and ‘how can we prove it?’. The event industry has been through a lot in the last few years – this talk from Matt is the perfect chance to learn from it all.

Join us at the shows

London’s event sustainability show season offers a fantastic opportunity for professionals across the events industry to deepen their understanding of sustainability, discover new products and services, and network with event profs on the same journey. At both the Sustainable Events Show and Event Sustainability Live, we’ll be showcasing our products and services and are excited, as always, to be contributing to shaping the conversation around sustainability in the events industry. Our involvement at both shows underscores our commitment to helping event professionals move beyond just talking about sustainability and start taking measurable, impactful action.

Take some time out of your busy work schedule and come and see us at The Sustainable Events Show or Event Sustainability Live – or even both. We look forward to seeing you during sustainability show season!

For more information about how event:decision can support all your sustainability goals, please get in touch.