The sustainable meetings movement has evolved from eco-friendly measures into multi-layered strategies that help events and host destinations achieve lasting environmental and social impact.
“The most effective planners are shifting their approach from checking boxes to forming meaningful, values-aligned partnerships,” said Guy Bigwood, CEO, Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS).
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He points to the 2024 ESCRS Congress in Barcelona, where procurement decisions cut food-related carbon emissions, supported local farmers, and reduced waste with bulk purchasing and compostable service ware — showing how purchasing choices can drive climate action, economic benefit, and community well-being simultaneously.
The following strategies are key to a more holistic approach to sustainability.
1. Carefully Evaluate Destinations and Venues
Choose destinations with credible commitments to regeneration, equity, and climate action. Cities in programs like the GDS-Index demonstrate measurable progress on environmental and social performance.
When selecting venues, look for LEED certification, which recognizes buildings for sustainability at levels from Certified to Platinum. As of March 2025, the U.S. Green Building Council reported more than 4,100 LEED-certified lodging projects, with Marriott International leading the sector.
2. Source Locally
Meeting planners are serving more plant-based dishes and sustainably sourced seafood and sourcing seasonal local ingredients that require less energy-intensive growing practices and reduce long-distance transportation.
Sourcing locally doesn’t just apply to food, but also to furnishings, merchandising, talent, and storytelling. Local sourcing not only reduces emissions while strengthening the destination’s economy and culture — leaving a lasting social impact.
3. Create Partnerships
Seek out partners that don’t just deliver services, but also collaborate to create outcomes, whether that’s through inclusive hiring, local supplier development, or legacy projects that live beyond the event.
For example, IMEX is implementing the Better Stands Initiative to reduce disposable booths, and will publish the outcome in a full sustainability report they create after the October show.
It is also partnering with the American and Australian Psychological Associations to pilot the Neurodivergent Inclusive Event Certification. “For us, sustainability must include inclusion, and that means creating spaces where everyone can thrive,” said Watts.
4. Seek Measurable Results
Go beyond certifications: Ask suppliers to show measurable outcomes.
There are products and services designed to help planners calculate event-related carbon emissions at all levels: The Institute for Sustainable Events offers a comprehensive review and comparison of nearly 40 greenhouse gas tools, calculators, and apps for events.
IMEX’s two shows are a model of measurement: Last year, they diverted 93 percent of waste from landfill, eliminated nearly 18,000 PET plastic bottles, returned 88% of carpet to inventory, Recycled 100% of badge holders, and added five electric buses to the show fleet.