Eleven predictions for event sustainability in 2025
We look forward. Here are our CEO Matt Grey’s predictions for event sustainability in 2025
As the global focus on responsible and sustainable business continues to evolve, the event industry is adapting to new challenges, opportunities, and expectations. In 2025, sustainability will no longer only be something to shout about but a standard expectation in event planning and delivery. Below are my key predictions for event sustainability in the coming year ahead.
1. Responsible event delivery will match sustainability in importance to clients
While sustainability has been a dominant theme, responsible event delivery – a wider focus on ethical practices and social responsibility – will match it in significance from 2025. Clients are increasingly aware of the broader impacts of events, from social equity to community engagement. As a result, the definition of a successful event will shift to balance environmental sustainability with social responsibility. Expect clients to demand comprehensive approaches that measure not just carbon footprints but also the event’s contributions to the local community, jobs, and supply chain integrity.
2. New metrics will emerge to measure impacts
Traditional metrics like carbon footprints will be complemented by tools that measure social impacts. For instance, how does an event contribute to local economies, improve community wellbeing, or foster diversity and inclusion? As organisations seek to better understand the broader implications of their events, we’ll see new benchmarks and methodologies designed to track both quantitative and qualitative impacts. This evolution will be particularly valuable for companies looking to align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies.
3. Carbon tools and reporting will become more sophisticated
By 2025, carbon tracking and reporting technologies will offer a more integrated and accurate picture of event-related emissions. Tools, like our own Track – which aggregate data from multiple sources, such as travel providers, venues, and F&B, will make it easier to generate comprehensive sustainability reports. Advancements in measuring travel emissions will provide detailed breakdowns of attendee travel footprints, while venue-based metrics will calculate emissions linked to energy use and waste disposal. Improved transparency will enable event planners to set realistic reduction goals and demonstrate progress to stakeholders.
4. Event sustainability will slip down the agenda
Sustainability will no longer dominate headlines in the industry – not because it’s less important, but because it is more mainstream. The hype about “being amazing at sustainability” will give way to a more grounded, practical approach. Sustainability will become a baseline expectation for clients, making it less of a unique selling point and more of a fundamental requirement. Less shouty headlines is a sign of maturity, reflecting our industry’s ability to integrate sustainable practices into everyday operations.
5. Collaboration across client teams will increase efficiency
The alignment of client event teams, procurement departments, and corporate ESG initiatives will lead to greater efficiency and fewer silos. In 2025 and onwards, we’ll see a more joined-up approach to planning, budgeting, and implementing sustainable practices. Cross-functional collaboration will ensure that everyone involved in the event lifecycle – from sourcing suppliers to designing experiences – works toward shared sustainability goals. This alignment will not only streamline operations but also reduce costs and improve outcomes for all stakeholders. But…
6. Greenwashing will persist
Despite progress, greenwashing will remain an issue. The gap between talking about sustainability and actually implementing effective practices will grow as more organisations feel under pressure to appear environmentally and socially aware. Everyone in the industry will need to be vigilant in distinguishing between genuine sustainability efforts and marketing ploys. Transparency, backed by measurable data, will become the gold standard for credibility in the industry.
7. A deeper understanding of the relative impacts of activities will emerge
As some companies complete five or more years of reporting on the environmental effects of their events, a clearer picture of what really drives impact will emerge. This deeper understanding will enable event planners to focus on the most significant areas of impact, such as attendee travel, community engagement, and local supply. By identifying and addressing the key drivers, the industry can implement targeted solutions that deliver meaningful reductions in carbon emissions, resource consumption and the social benefits of their events.
8. Venues will lead in innovation
Venues will continue to push the boundaries of sustainable practices, offering creative solutions to reduce their environmental impact – such as Iconic Luxury Hotels incentivising rail travel for group booking. Further initiatives like these will not only reduce travel emissions but also set a precedent for other venues to follow. Expect to see more innovations as venues strive to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
9. Political and economic factors will challenge sustainability efforts
Despite fears, the 2024 US election result will have limited direct impact on event sustainability. While new political leadership may influence ESG policies, brands are increasingly aware that their audiences still expect responsible event practices, regardless of a change of government.
However, in the UK, ongoing challenges like the raise in employer National Insurance contributions, budget pressures, and staffing challenges will hit the industry hard, venues and hospitality providers especially. However, just as we have shown resilience through all recent crises, we will adapt once again – albeit with some bruises.
10. New materials and designs will shape expo sustainability
The demand for sustainable exhibition materials will drive innovation in the sector and modular expo frame manufacturers will develop more sophisticated and reusable designs. Materials innovation will not only reduce waste but also provide flexible, cost-effective solutions for exhibitors.
11. Consolidation and consultancy growth will reshape the sector
By 2025, the event sustainability sector will see increased consolidation, with agencies merging or forming strategic partnerships. Recent acquisitions, such as Trivandi’s purchase of The Bulb, signal a trend toward larger entities capable of driving innovation and offering comprehensive services. Simultaneously, smaller consultancies focused on sustainability will continue to emerge and grow, providing specialised expertise to meet the rising demand for guidance on sustainable practices.
As we approach 2025, it’s clear that sustainability in the event industry is evolving and while challenges remain – in greenwashing and external economic pressures – there is a sense of optimism for next year driven by innovation, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of impacts.
For eventprofs, the key to success in 2025 will be learning how to balance ambition with practicality. As I hope my predictions for event sustainability show, by embracing new tools and staying informed about emerging trends, event planners can deliver experiences that are not only memorable but also responsible and sustainable. Progress made so far by our industry offers a solid foundation for continued growth and improvement. By 2025, sustainability will be an integral part of the event industry’s DNA – an expectation, not an exception.
