'By improving knowledge, organisations can find ways to make an impact through simple adjustments in approach, which often cost nothing but can deliver significant results.'
What we learned from our on-the-spot research at IMEX America
At IMEX America, we took the opportunity to engage attendees in a bit of show-floor research around sustainability in the events industry. We wanted to explore the key challenges event professionals are facing in making their operations more sustainable.
It’s easy to assume these challenges are related to budget, resources, or supply chain solutions, but we wanted to validate these assumptions with fresh data.
It’s no surprise that given the event’s context, 70% of our respondents were event organisers or owners with the remaining participants representing supply chain businesses, like venues and technical suppliers.
Here’s what we found.
Do organisations have dedicated sustainability resources?
What stood out was that only half of participants reported having resources dedicated to sustainability within their organisation. Of these, 30% had a dedicated sustainability lead, and 21% had a green team. However, 49% of respondents said their organisation had no specific resource focused on sustainability.
It’s important to note that forming a green team or appointing someone to lead sustainability efforts, even as a part-time responsibility, is a simple and largely cost-free next step that is known to enhance progress.
Sustainability engagement levels
It was encouraging to see that 75% of respondents were already leading sustainability initiatives, incorporating sustainable practices into event operations, or actively advocating for greener approaches. One if four felt they were still learning, or were unsure how to engage with sustainability.
Lack of confidence and understanding about how to take meaningful action can be a real blocker in driving legitimate and lasting change. At isla, we recognise that empowering event professionals with confidence is critical to making progress. Our Community is a thriving network of business working collaboratively and taking strides together.
Perceived biggest sustainability challenges
Our most interesting finding was that 1 in 3 participants cited client or stakeholder demand as their biggest sustainability challenge! Lack of knowledge (29%) and lack of budget (22%) followed closely behind.
Interestingly, although supply chain availability wasn’t highlighted as a major issue in the general challenges, improving supply chain availability came up in 1 in 6 responses when asked what could help improve outcomes.
Event service businesses are critical players when it comes to making progress in event sustainability. It’s great to see organisers reflecting this and looking to their supply chain for help.
Perceptions on what would drive improvement
When we asked participants what they thought would most help them improve sustainability outcomes, increasing client education came out on top at 42%.
Our research revealed a critical tension in the industry: while budget is often cited as a key challenge, knowledge gaps may be the bigger barrier to meaningful sustainability progress.
What we found interesting through our conversations with participants is that as professionals’ understanding of sustainability deepens—particularly around themes like carbon management and material resource use—there’s an increasing ability to take effective actions without requiring significant budget increases.
Sustainability isn’t just about investing in “green” solutions; it goes hand in hand with behavioural shifts and operational changes. By improving knowledge, organisations can find ways to make an impact through simple adjustments in approach, which often cost nothing but can deliver significant results. This emphasises that the road to sustainability may be less about spending and more about understanding—and leveraging that understanding to reshape event practices.
We’d love to hear how your experience compares. Take our quick survey to help us build a broader picture of sustainability in the events industry.
isla offers a comprehensive training programme for event professionals, which is also inclusive within membership.
You can find out more about isla membership by visiting our membership page.
