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Business Travel Growth Forecast

October 7, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

Business Travel Growth Forecast: what impact for events?

Almost half of corporates to spend more on business travel in FY26, is the forecast by FCM Travel. Excellent news if you’re in the business of travel, and for that matter, probably if you’re in the business of meetings and events.

It indicates more opportunities for face-to-face engagement, collaboration, and the overall growth of the events sector. However, it also raises questions about sustainability, as increased travel is traditionally associated (read, absolutely associated) with higher carbon emissions, hence event carbon footprints.

How does this square with oft-quoted event planning agencies promising reduced environmental impacts?

This is exactly where event:decision Impact: Responsible Event Reviews are crucial. Impact Reviews help ensure that even as volumes of events and travel increase, sustainability is embedded and demonstrable.

How you show your events are responsible:

  1. Measure Beyond Carbon

Impact Reviews assess events across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, not just carbon emissions. This includes venue sustainability, catering choices, accessibility, certifications, waste reduction, supply chain responsibility and event legacy. Balancing travel impacts with positive social and governance measures.

  1. Benchmarking & Improvement

Each event is benchmarked against industry performance and previous events. You can demonstrate year-on-year improvement, even if travel volumes rise, by showing better destination & venue sourcing, reduced waste, increased local supply and stronger community benefits.

You can benchmark by region, by industry sector and/or by event-type also.

  1. Offsetting & Mitigation

event:decision tools highlight opportunities for carbon reduction and offsetting, such as virtual attendance options, low-carbon menu choices, and more sustainable transport alternatives. In fact, only with event:decision’s Track Carbon service do you receive a curated low-carbon door-to-door travel plan, specifically for your event.

 This ensures travel impact is acknowledged but managed in line with best practice.

  1. Transparency & Reporting

An Impact: Responsible Event Review provides a clear, third-party validated framework that you can use in sustainability reporting. This helps counterbalance any criticism that “more travel = less sustainable,” by showing that events are planned responsibly, transparently, and within ESG frameworks.

The big picture

Even as corporate travel spend rises, responsible event design can ensure that events are still responsible & sustainable. The key is to show stakeholders — through Impact: Responsible Event Reviews — that the event is measured, benchmarked, and actively improved, time after time.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ED-Web-Graphics-Blog-Post-images.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-10-07 09:20:072025-10-07 09:16:36Business Travel Growth Forecast

Better by design

September 23, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

How to win and deliver better events

Audiences, stakeholders, and regulators increasingly expect events to deliver positive outcomes for both people and the planet. Meeting these expectations requires more than good intentions; it calls for collaboration, insight, and action. That’s where a strong partnership between event:decision and trusted suppliers makes all the difference.

Last week event:decision and PSP showed how this is done.

How did it go? We’ll let the stats speak for themselves:

  • 100% attendance rate
  • 95% retention rate for the whole event.

Appetite from event agencies is there. A good start all round.

What did they learn?

  1. The event sector is improving. Projects that event:decision report from May-24 to May-25 show an average of 3pts improvement across ESG over this period.
  2. That major regional differences still exist. No surprise really, given geographical, political and economic drivers behind event sustainability. More info here.
  3. Client sectors also vary. More info here. 

The Engines of Improvement

At the heart of this collaboration are Track and Impact, event:decision’s leading tools for responsible event management.

Track is the leading global carbon reporting and advisory service for events. It enables organisers and suppliers to measure the emissions of each event with precision, revealing where improvements can be made. From venue energy use to delegate travel, Track provides the data to identify hotspots and guide meaningful reductions.

Impact, meanwhile, takes a broader ESG approach. It evaluates the environmental, social, and governance aspects of an event, offering a comprehensive Responsible Event Review. Impact benchmarks performance across key areas—such as locality, accessibility, and community / social engagement—helping teams set goals and track progress over time.

Together, these tools turn every event into an opportunity for improvement. By measuring, benchmarking, and reporting on performance, Track and Impact transform responsibility from a one-off exercise into a cycle of continuous learning.

Why Partnership Matters

A joint event:decision and supplier partnership ensures that data and action go hand in hand. Suppliers receive clear, actionable insights, empowering them to adapt their services and reduce impact. Organisers gain confidence that every element of the supply chain is working toward the same goals. The result? Events that not only meet sustainability targets but also inspire audiences and stakeholders with tangible proof of positive change.

Every event—large or small, live or virtual—can be better than the last. By partnering with event:decision and leveraging Track and Impact, suppliers and organisers can demonstrate leadership, deliver responsible events, and build a legacy of continuous improvement.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-21-at-17.55.47.png 842 924 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-09-23 09:00:052025-09-21 17:57:47Better by design

Introducing ‘Factor-30’ Benchmarking

September 5, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

Factor-30 Industry Benchmarking

At event:decision, we’re committed to giving you the tools you need to make your events not only successful, but also responsible and sustainable.

An Impact: Responsible Event Review already gives you a comprehensive view of how your events and your organisation performs across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measures. Now, we’re taking that insight even deeper.

‘Factor-30’, granularity to drive change

Impact Review’s latest feature enables you to view your performance across 30 individual ESG factors. Rather than seeing sustainability and responsibility as a single overall event score, you can now see precisely where your event excels – and where there’s room to improve.

This means:

  • Clear visibility into performance across all three ESG pillars – from carbon and waste management to supply-locality, well-being and governance practices.
  • The ability to pinpoint priority areas, making your action planning more focused and effective.
  • A more balanced perspective, recognising successes in some areas even if others need further attention.

Industry Benchmarking – see where you stand

We’ve also introduced comparisons against industry performance for each factor. This means you don’t just see how you’re doing internally, you understand how your event measures up against the wider industry landscape.

Key benefits include:

  • Ability to fine-tune your event, your bid or RFP for success.
  • Benchmark confidence: Knowing where your event outperforms the industry builds confidence in your responsible event strategy.
  • Competitive insight: See how you stack up against your peers and where you can create differentiation.
  • Evidence for stakeholders: Concrete, comparative data makes it easier to communicate progress and justify investment in sustainability and responsibility initiatives.

From data to action

The real value of this update lies in the ability to translate insights into tangible improvements. With clarity across 30-factors and a clear view of industry benchmarks, you can:

  • Set targeted improvement goals.
  • Share clear, compelling reporting with sponsors, clients, and internal teams.
  • Demonstrate a genuine commitment to continuous improvement in responsible event delivery.

Why It Matters

Events have the power to connect, inspire, and create change – but they also carry responsibility. By shining a light on performance at the factor level and providing meaningful benchmarks, Impact Reviews now make it easier than ever to make better, more responsible choices.

As an event industry, you have already demonstrated improvement from 2024 through 2025.

Here’s your chance to accelerate this positive change.

(Oh, and it’s already included in your Impact Dashboard Reporting at event:decision, at no extra charge)

At event:decision, we believe that performance, authenticity and responsibility go hand in hand. With Impact Reviews, we’re helping our industry take another step forward, making your events just that little bit better, time after time.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/factor30-1.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-09-05 13:50:082025-09-09 11:35:59Introducing ‘Factor-30’ Benchmarking

Sustainability in focus

August 26, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

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.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Copy-of-sustainability-hero-event-decision-web-sized-2.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-08-26 09:00:492025-08-11 09:44:57Sustainability in focus

Region watch: US & EMEA

August 12, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

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.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Copy-of-sustainability-hero-event-decision-web-sized-.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-08-12 09:00:162025-08-11 09:44:23Region watch: US & EMEA

Every story has a number, every number has a story

July 22, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

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.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Copy-of-sustainability-hero-event-decision-web-sized-2.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-07-22 09:00:402025-06-18 17:11:58Every story has a number, every number has a story

Who should pay for sustainable events?

July 8, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

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.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Copy-of-sustainability-hero-event-decision-web-sized-1-1.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-07-08 09:00:452025-07-08 08:30:55Who should pay for sustainable events?

1st & 2nd Quarter 2025 – Sustainability Review

June 24, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

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.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Copy-of-sustainability-hero-event-decision-web-sized-3.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-06-24 09:00:492025-06-27 12:07:271st & 2nd Quarter 2025 – Sustainability Review

The end of sustainability? Errr….nope.

June 4, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

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.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Copy-of-sustainability-hero-event-decision-web-sized-.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-06-04 10:35:512025-06-06 13:51:20The end of sustainability? Errr….nope.

STANDout from the crowd…how to exhibit responsibly.

April 29, 2025/in event:decision, Impact, Track

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.

https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Blog-post-images-1.png 768 1024 Laura Robinson https://eventdecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/mainlogo-ed.png Laura Robinson2025-04-29 22:16:202025-04-30 12:31:19STANDout from the crowd…how to exhibit responsibly.
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