IAPCO data suggest at least half (58%) have a designated in-house sustainability role, but key challenges in advancing sustainability remain.
The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and Business Events Australia (BEA) have launched joint initiatives to strengthen and accelerate sustainable practices for the global meetings and events industry.
IAPCO research found 71% of its members do have a clear sustainability vision and strategy, while at least half (58%) have a designated in-house sustainability role.
“However, respondents identified the increased cost of implementation and a lack of sustainability subvention and subsidy programmes as key challenges in advancing sustainability across the events industry. Which is why this partnership is so important,” said Ajay Bhojwani, IAPCO sustainability committee chair and regional managing director, Middle East and Africa at MCI Group.
“It’s a defining principle for the future of our industry,” said Sissi Lignou, president of IAPCO and CEO of AFEA Congress. “Through this partnership, IAPCO and Business Events Australia are empowering our members to lead by example, demonstrating how creativity, collaboration, and responsibility can coexist to deliver exceptional and impactful events worldwide.”
Launched at IBTM World last week, the partnership will launch two initiatives: a new sustainability award, and the development of a new sustainability toolkit.
Helming the award is Business Events Australia, honouring outstanding achievements by IAPCO member companies demonstrating leadership and innovation in sustainable event management.
Nominations are now open, which will be judged by a panel of industry stalwarts coming from IAPCO, BEA, Joint Meetings Industry Council, Global Destinations Sustainability Movement, IFES, PCMA, International Congress and Convention Association and AIPC.
Lending continuity to the movement is the sustainability toolkit. Slated for a March 2026 release, the digital resource will offer actionable strategies, checklists, and tools that PCOs can implement into their operations.
The partnership reinforces IAPCO’s pledge to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, aligned with the UN sustainable development goals.