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The sustainability landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, and the events industry is at a critical juncture. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a lived reality, already disrupting events through extreme weather, insurance volatility, and infrastructure stress.
The sector is increasingly exposed to physical climate risks, making adaptation essential for business continuity. Events must now be planned within planetary boundaries, acknowledging limits to resource use and the impact of rising emissions, alongside shifting global geopolitical and economic pressures.
At the same time, regulation is catching up. From emissions disclosure to restrictions on environmental claims and new circular economy mandates, a wave of sustainability legislation is rapidly reshaping expectations. By the end of this decade, practices now seen as progressive will become baseline legal requirements.
Measurement practices are improving, with higher energy and waste data capture rates, but significant gaps remain — particularly in audience travel reporting. The data shows that while travel remains the largest contributor to event emissions, over 60% of emissions arise from production, materials, catering, and infrastructure — highlighting multiple intervention points beyond travel alone.
Those who invest early in data systems, supply chain transparency, and emissions tracking will be better positioned to meet compliance requirements, secure new partnerships, and maintain commercial resilience.
The challenge ahead is how swiftly the event sector can adapt — not just to regulatory requirements, but to a new economic and environmental reality that demands resilience, accountability, and bold decision-making.
**Dataset **
This report draws from the largest dataset of its kind in Europe — analysing 954 events across 22 countries, with a total recorded carbon footprint of 56,000 tCO₂e. New benchmarks and deeper insights into audience and staff travel, catering, material use, and waste provide a clearer picture of where meaningful action can be taken.
Data from 954 events across 22 European countries.
Regulation
While regulation is a proven catalyst for change, much of the sector’s leadership is emerging ahead of mandates. Among leading businesses, 38% are already measuring emissions, embedding sustainability into job roles, and establishing dedicated committees - despite only 17% being legally required to report.
At its core, compliance is about using data to reduce impact and manage risk
Culture
This shift is not only regulatory, but cultural and commercial - driven by rising investor expectations, public scrutiny, and evolving client demands. 86% of event professionals cite ethical and moral responsibility as their leading motivation for sustainability action, yet values alone don’t always translate into progress. Bridging that gap is critical.
Ethical and moral responsibility motivates 86% of event professionals.
The sustainability landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, and the events industry is at a critical juncture. Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a lived reality, already disrupting events through extreme weather, insurance volatility, and infrastructure stress.
The sector is increasingly exposed to physical climate risks, making adaptation essential for business continuity. Events must now be planned within planetary boundaries, acknowledging limits to resource use and the impact of rising emissions, alongside shifting global geopolitical and economic pressures.
At the same time, regulation is catching up. From emissions disclosure to restrictions on environmental claims and new circular economy mandates, a wave of sustainability legislation is rapidly reshaping expectations. By the end of this decade, practices now seen as progressive will become baseline legal requirements.
Measurement practices are improving, with higher energy and waste data capture rates, but significant gaps remain — particularly in audience travel reporting. The data shows that while travel remains the largest contributor to event emissions, over 60% of emissions arise from production, materials, catering, and infrastructure — highlighting multiple intervention points beyond travel alone.
Those who invest early in data systems, supply chain transparency, and emissions tracking will be better positioned to meet compliance requirements, secure new partnerships, and maintain commercial resilience.
The challenge ahead is how swiftly the event sector can adapt — not just to regulatory requirements, but to a new economic and environmental reality that demands resilience, accountability, and bold decision-making.
**Dataset **
This report draws from the largest dataset of its kind in Europe — analysing 954 events across 22 countries, with a total recorded carbon footprint of 56,000 tCO₂e. New benchmarks and deeper insights into audience and staff travel, catering, material use, and waste provide a clearer picture of where meaningful action can be taken.
Data from 954 events across 22 European countries.
Regulation
While regulation is a proven catalyst for change, much of the sector’s leadership is emerging ahead of mandates. Among leading businesses, 38% are already measuring emissions, embedding sustainability into job roles, and establishing dedicated committees - despite only 17% being legally required to report.
At its core, compliance is about using data to reduce impact and manage risk
Culture
This shift is not only regulatory, but cultural and commercial - driven by rising investor expectations, public scrutiny, and evolving client demands. 86% of event professionals cite ethical and moral responsibility as their leading motivation for sustainability action, yet values alone don’t always translate into progress. Bridging that gap is critical.
Ethical and moral responsibility motivates 86% of event professionals.
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