Introduction

In an increasingly conscious world, the events industry faces a critical challenge: delivering memorable experiences while mitigating a significant environmental and social footprint. From energy consumption and waste generation to community impact and supply chain ethics, every event leaves a legacy. The international standard ISO 20121 offers a powerful solution, providing a management system framework to address these issues systematically. The journey of a successful ISO 20121 implementation is not merely about achieving a certificate; it’s about embedding a culture of sustainability into the very DNA of an organization. This transforms event planning from a series of ad-hoc “green” initiatives into a cohesive, strategic process that drives continuous improvement, delivers measurable value, and enhances brand integrity. This article serves as a practical blueprint, demystifying the core components of the standard—policies, records, and audits—to guide you through a credible and effective implementation.

Our methodology is rooted in the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, an iterative approach central to all ISO management systems. We will demonstrate how to set clear objectives (Plan), execute sustainable practices (Do), monitor and measure performance (Check), and make informed improvements (Act). The success of this process will be measured through a suite of quantifiable KPIs, including, but not limited to: reduction in energy consumption per attendee (kWh), percentage of waste diverted from landfill, water usage per event day (liters), percentage of procurement from local and sustainable suppliers, and shifts in stakeholder Net Promoter Score (NPS) related to sustainability initiatives. By focusing on these metrics, organizations can track progress, demonstrate value, and build a compelling case for sustainable event management.

Vision, values ​​and proposal

Focus on results and measurement

Our vision is an event industry where sustainability is a fundamental driver of innovation, quality, and long-term value, not an afterthought. We champion a set of core values: leadership commitment to drive change from the top; stakeholder inclusivity to ensure all voices are heard; transparency in reporting performance; integrity in all our processes; and an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement. The strategic proposition of implementing ISO 20121 extends far beyond corporate social responsibility. It is a powerful business tool. We apply the 80/20 principle by focusing on the highest-impact areas first—typically energy, waste, transportation, and supply chain procurement—to generate the most significant results with focused effort. This approach is benchmarked against relevant technical standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for sustainability reporting and local environmental regulations to ensure full compliance.

• Value Proposition: Enhance brand reputation, mitigate regulatory risks, achieve operational cost savings (e.g., 5-15% reduction in utility and waste costs), and increase attraction for sponsors and attendees who prioritize sustainability.
• Quality Criteria: All processes must be documented, repeatable, and auditable. Objectives must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). Data must be verifiable.
• Decision Matrix: We prioritize sustainability initiatives using a matrix that weighs potential impact (environmental, social, economic) against implementation effort (cost, time, complexity). Initiatives in the “high impact, low effort” quadrant, such as switching to a renewable energy tariff or banning single-use plastic bottles, are prioritized for immediate action.
• Continual Improvement: A non-negotiable principle where data from every event feeds back into the planning cycle for the next, ensuring performance consistently improves over time. A target is set for a minimum 5% year-on-year improvement on key resource consumption metrics.

Services, profiles and performance

Portfolio and professional profiles

A successful ISO 20121 implementation requires a structured approach, often supported by specialized services and defined professional roles. Our portfolio is designed to guide an organization from initial interest to final certification and beyond. These services include: gap analysis and baseline assessment, sustainability policy development workshops, staff and supplier training programs, life cycle assessment for event materials, internal audit services, and third-party certification support. Key professional profiles involved are the Sustainability Manager, who leads the system’s development; the Event Operations Lead, responsible for on-the-ground implementation; a Procurement Officer, who vets the supply chain; and a Compliance Officer to oversee legal and other requirements.

Operational process

1. Phase 1: Discovery and Gap Analysis. We conducted a thorough review of existing practices against each clause of the ISO 20121 standard. KPI: Completion of a detailed gap report with a prioritized action plan within 3 weeks.
2. Phase 2: System Design and Policy Crafting. Development of the core Sustainability Policy, definition of scope, and establishment of SMART objectives. KPI: Final policy approved by senior management with a >95% consensus score within 1 month.
3. Phase 3: Implementation and Competence Building. We roll out new procedures, document processes, and deliver targeted training to all relevant staff and key suppliers. KPI: Achieve a >95% training completion rate with an average assessment score of 85%.
4. Phase 4: Monitoring, Measurement, and Analysis. We establish a data collection system to track performance against KPIs. KPI: Maintain a data accuracy deviation of less than 5% through regular validation checks.
5. Phase 5: Internal Audit and Management Review. An impartial internal audit is conducted to check for conformity, followed by a formal management review to assess system effectiveness. KPI: 100% of identified non-conformities have a corrective action plan in place within 30 days.
6. Phase 6: External Certification Audit. We facilitate the engagement with an accredited third-party certification body. KPI: Achieve ISO 20121 certification with zero major non-conformities and fewer than 3 minor non-conformities.

Tables and examples

Representation, campaigns and/or production

Professional development and management

In the context of ISO 20121, this section translates to the on-the-ground production and execution of the sustainable event. It’s where policies and plans become tangible actions. Professional management involves meticulous coordination of suppliers, robust logistics planning, and ensuring all legal and regulatory permits are in place, particularly those related to environmental impact like noise ordinances, waste disposal manifests, and water usage permits. A key part of this is supplier engagement; it’s not enough to simply send them a policy. It requires dialogue, training, and sometimes co-investment in more sustainable solutions. The event’s execution calendar must integrate sustainability checkpoints, such as pre-event supplier briefings on waste procedures and post-event data collection deadlines for utility readings and transport logs.

• Critical Documentation Checklist:
  • Signed supplier agreements including the Sustainable Procurement Code of Conduct.
  • Copies of all required environmental permits.
  • Chain of custody documents for certified materials (e.g., FSC paper, Fairtrade coffee).
  • Staff training records on sustainability procedures.
  • Emergency response plans that include environmental incident scenarios (e.g., chemical spill).
• Supply Chain Contingency:
  • For every critical sustainable supplier, have a pre-vetted backup supplier on standby.
  • Maintain a small stock of essential sustainable consumables (e.g., compostable cutlery) to cover unexpected attendee number increases.
  • Pre-negotiate flexible terms with rental companies for AV and staging to avoid last-minute, carbon-intensive transport.
• Risk Mitigation Plan:
  • Risk: “Greenwashing” accusations from stakeholders. Mitigation: Use transparent, data-backed communication and third-party verification.
  • Risk: Low adoption of sustainability initiatives by attendees. Mitigation: Make the sustainable choice the easy choice (e.g., placing recycling bins in more convenient locations than general waste bins). Use clear, simple, and engaging on-site communication.
  • Risk: Key supplier fails to meet sustainability standards. Mitigation: Conduct on-site spot-checks during event setup and delivery. Include financial penalties in contracts for non-compliance.

Content and/or media that converts

Messages, formats and conversions

Effective communication is paramount for a successful ISO 20121 implementation. It’s not just about what you do, but how you communicate it to stakeholders to drive engagement and behavioral change. The content strategy should be authentic, transparent, and action-oriented. We use powerful “hooks” like “Join us for an event with a positive legacy” or “Help us reach our goal of zero waste to landfill.” Calls to Action (CTAs) are crucial and must be specific, such as “Bring your reusable water bottle and coffee cup” or “Choose the carbon-neutral ticket option.” We employ A/B testing on pre-event emails to determine whether messaging focused on collective environmental achievement (“Let’s save 10,000 plastic bottles together”) converts better than messaging focused on individual convenience or benefits. Conversion metrics include the uptake rate of green travel options, participation in on-site sustainability activities, and post-event survey scores on communication effectiveness.

Workflow for Sustainability Communications

1. Strategy and Messaging Development (Responsibility: Sustainability & Comms Lead): Define key sustainability messages, identify all stakeholder groups (attendees, sponsors, staff, community), and tailor content for each. Establish the tone of voice – avoid jargon, be positive and empowering.
2. Pre-Event Content Production (Responsibility: Content Creator): Develop a content calendar. Create blog posts detailing sustainability goals, infographics visualizing impact data (e.g., “The energy we save could power 10 homes for a year”), social media assets, and dedicated sections on the event website and app.
3. Pre-Event Campaign Dissemination (Responsibility: Marketing Manager): Integrate sustainability messages into all marketing channels. Use email newsletters to educate attendees on how they can participate. Run a social media campaign using a unique event sustainability hashtag.
4. On-Site Communication and Engagement (Responsibility: Operations Team & Volunteers): Deploy clear and consistent on-site signage (e.g., “What goes in this bin”). Use the event app for real-time push notifications (“Help us reach our recycling target today!”). Gamify participation with rewards for sustainable actions.
5. Post-Event Reporting and Storytelling (Responsibility: Sustainability Manager): Compile all performance data into a visually engaging and publicly available Post-Event Sustainability Report. Create a short video highlighting the achievements and thanking stakeholders for their contribution. This closes the loop and builds credibility for future events.

Training and employability

Demand-oriented catalogue

Building internal capacity is a cornerstone of a self-sufficient and effective sustainable event management system. Our training programs are designed to meet the specific demands of implementing ISO 20121 and to enhance the employability of event professionals in a market that increasingly values ​​sustainability expertise.

• Module 1: Foundations of ISO 20121 and Event Sustainability. For all staff and key partners. Covers the ‘why’ behind sustainability, the business case, and an overview of the standard’s structure and principles.
• Module 2: Leadership and Policy Development. For senior management. Focuses on their role in driving the system, setting a meaningful policy, and allocating resources.
• Module 3: Sustainable Procurement for Event Professionals. For procurement and event planning teams. Covers how to develop a sustainable procurement policy, vet suppliers, and embed sustainability criteria into contracts and RFPs.
• Module 4: On-Site Operational Control. For operations managers, crew, and venue staff. Practical, hands-on training for managing waste streams, monitoring energy and water use, and engaging attendees.
• Module 5: Measuring and Reporting Impact. For sustainability and marketing teams. Covers data collection methodologies, carbon footprint calculation basics, and creating compelling sustainability reports.
• Module 6: ISO 20121 Internal Auditor Training. For designated staff who will perform internal audits. A two-day intensive course covering audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up, based on ISO 19011 guidelines.

Methodology

Our methodology is a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. We use a competency-based approach, where learning is assessed through detailed rubrics. Training includes interactive workshops, real-world case study analysis from past events, and role-playing exercises (e.g., simulating a supplier negotiation or an internal audit interview). A key component is the “live event project,” where trainees must develop a mini-sustainability plan for a hypothetical event. Successful completion of advanced modules, particularly the Internal Auditor course, provides a clear pathway for career advancement within the organization. We also partner with industry bodies to offer continuing professional development (CPD) points, and maintain a talent pool of trained professionals to support future events, effectively creating a dedicated “green team” with verifiable skills.

Operational processes and quality standards

From request to execution

A standardized operational process ensures that sustainability is integrated consistently across all events, regardless of their size or type. This pipeline is the backbone of the ISO 20121 management system.

1. Diagnosis & Scoping (Input: Event Brief): Every new event undergoes a materiality assessment to identify its unique sustainability risks and opportunities. Deliverable: A Sustainability Scoping Document. Acceptance Criteria: Signed off by the event owner and Sustainability Manager.
2. Proposal & Objective Setting (Input: Scoping Document): We develop a bespoke Sustainability Management Plan with SMART objectives, targets, and KPIs. Deliverable: The formal Plan. Acceptance Criteria: Plan is realistic, resourced, and approved by the steering committee.
3. Pre-Production & Planning Integration (Input: The Plan): Sustainability requirements are integrated into all planning workstreams, from venue selection RFPs to marketing material design. Deliverable: A populated Sustainability Action Tracker; Vetted Supplier List. Acceptance Criteria: All actions have owners and deadlines; suppliers have signed the Code of Conduct.
4. Execution & Monitoring (Input: Action Tracker): The plan is implemented on-site. The “Green Team” monitors real-time performance, conducting spot-checks and collecting data. Deliverable: Completed on-site checklists and data logs (energy readings, waste weights, etc.). Acceptance Criteria: Data is collected as per the monitoring plan with <5% missing entries.
5. Post-Event Closure & Reporting (Input: Data Logs): All data is collated, analyzed, and compared against objectives. Lessons learned are documented. Deliverable: A comprehensive Post-Event Sustainability Report. Acceptance Criteria: Report is reviewed and approved by management within 45 days of the event.

Quality control

• Roles and Responsibilities: A clear RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consult, Informed) matrix is ​​defined for all sustainability processes. The Sustainability Manager is Accountable for the system’s performance.
• Escalation Protocol: A three-tier process for handling non-conformities is established. Level 1 (minor issue) is resolved on-site by the Operations Lead. Level 2 (systemic issue) is escalated to the Sustainability Manager. Level 3 (major breach) is escalated to senior management.
• Acceptance Indicators and SLAs: Performance is managed through clear indicators. For example, a catering supplier’s Service Level Agreement (SLA) might state: “A minimum of 85% of fresh produce must be sourced from within a 150 km radius. Failure to provide sourcing records will result in a 10% invoice penalty.”

Cases and application scenarios

Case 1: Global Technology Summit (15,000 Attendees, 5 Days)

Challenge: A massive international event with a significant carbon footprint from air travel, high energy demands for exhibition tech, and vast quantities of waste from catering and exhibition stands. The client wanted to position itself as an industry leader in corporate responsibility.

ISO 20121 Implementation & Solution: A comprehensive system was implemented with a primary focus on carbon, energy, and waste.

– Carbon Management: A partnership was established with a certified carbon offsetting provider. A ‘carbon calculator’ was integrated into the registration portal, allowing attendees to easily offset their flight emissions. The event committed to matching all attendee contributions. KPI: Achieve 60% attendee offset participation.

– Energy Management: The venue was contractually required to source 100% of its electricity from certified renewable sources for the event duration. A ‘power down’ policy was enforced for all exhibitors after show hours. KPI: Reduce exhibitor energy consumption by 20% compared to the previous year’s baseline.

– Waste Management: A strict ‘zero waste to landfill’ policy was implemented. Exhibitors were given a list of prohibited materials (e.g., vinyl banners, single-use carpet) and a guide to sustainable stand design. A dedicated team sorted all waste on-site. KPI: Achieve a >90% waste diversion rate.

Results: The event achieved a 94% waste fun rate, with 65% of attendees opting to offset their travel. Exhibitor energy use dropped by 23%, saving an estimated €75,000. The post-event sustainability report was downloaded over 20,000 times, generating significant positive PR and an NPS score of +62 on sustainability efforts, a 20-point increase from the previous year.

Case 2: Community Music Festival (8,000 Attendees, 3 Days)

Challenge: Potential negative impacts on the local park environment, high volume of single-use plastic waste from food and drink vendors, and ensuring a positive social legacy for the local community.

ISO 20121 Implementation & Solution: The implementation focused on stakeholder engagement, circular economy principles, and local impact.

– Circular Economy: All single-use plastics were banned. A mandatory reusable cup system was introduced for all beverages, managed with a small deposit. Water refill stations were plentiful. Food vendors were required to use only certified compostable serviceware. KPI: Eliminate >95% of single-use plastic items by volume.

– Community Engagement: A local sourcing policy was mandated, requiring >70% of the food budget to be spent with vendors from within a 50 km radius. A portion of each ticket price was donated to a local park conservancy group. Local residents were offered discounted tickets. KPI: Generate €100,000 in direct economic impact for local businesses.

– Environmental Protection: A pre-event ecological survey was conducted to identify sensitive areas, which were then fenced off. The “Green Team” performed litter sweeps during and after the event to ensure the park was left cleaner than it was found. KPI: Post-event site inspection score of 9.5/10 from park authorities.

Results: An estimated 120,000 single-use plastic cups and 80,000 plastic bottles were avoided. The festival generated over €125,000 for local businesses and donated €15,000 to the park conservancy. The positive community relationship led to a smoother permit renewal process for the following year.

Case 3: High-Profile Corporate Product Launch (300 C-Suite Guests)

Challenge: For a luxury brand, the perception of sustainability had to align with a premium, high-quality experience. The goal was to demonstrate authentic commitment to CSR to a discerning audience of investors and media without compromising on quality.

ISO 20121 Implementation & Solution: The focus was on a deeply integrated, high-touch sustainable supply chain and transparent, sophisticated communication.

– Supply Chain Integrity: Every single supplier was meticulously vetted. The catering menu was 100% organic, locally sourced, and featured a ‘low carbon’ menu designed by a celebrity chef. All decor was rented or made from reclaimed materials. Staff uniforms were from a sustainable fashion label. KPI: 100% of procurement spend aligns with the Sustainable Procurement Code of Conduct.

– Digital-First Approach: All invitations, event programs, and post-event materials were digital. On-site information was provided via tablets and a bespoke event app, eliminating paper waste. KPI: Reduce paper consumption by 99% compared to a traditional event of this scale.

– Legacy Project: Instead of traditional gift bags, the company made a significant donation on behalf of the guests to a relevant environmental project, and guests could vote on which project to support. KPI: Achieve >90% guest satisfaction with the legacy project initiative.

Results: The event was lauded in industry press as a “new benchmark for sustainable luxury events.” Investor feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with sustainability being a key discussion point. The brand successfully used the event’s detailed sustainability report in its annual CSR filing, strengthening its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) rating.

Step-by-step guides and templates

Guide 1: How to Conduct a Materiality Assessment for Your Event

A materiality assessment helps you identify and prioritize the most significant sustainability issues for your specific event.

1. Identify Potential Issues: Brainstorm a long list of all possible economic, environmental, and social issues related to your event. Think across the entire event lifecycle: planning, marketing, on-site, and post-event. Examples: carbon emissions, water use, accessibility, local employment, health and safety, food sourcing.
2. Identify Your Stakeholders: List all key stakeholder groups. Examples: attendees, staff, sponsors, suppliers, local community, regulators, investors.
3. Gather Stakeholder Input: Engage with your stakeholders to understand what issues are most important to them. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or focus groups. Ask them to rank their top five concerns.
4. Assess Business Impact: For each issue on your long list, assess its potential impact on your event’s success. Consider risks (reputational, financial, operational) and opportunities (cost savings, innovation, brand enhancement). Use a simple High, Medium, Low scale.
5. Create the Materiality Matrix: Draw a matrix with two axes. The Y-axis is “Importance to Stakeholders,” and the X-axis is “Impact on Business.” Plot each issue on the matrix.
6. Prioritize: The issues that land in the top-right quadrant (high importance to stakeholders and high impact on the business) are your material issues. These should be the primary focus of your ISO 20121 system and objectives.
7. Document and Review: Document the process and the final matrix. This is a key record for your management system. Review the assessment annually or when significant changes occur.
8. Final Checklist:
   • Have at least five different stakeholder groups been consulted?
   • Is the assessment of business impact documented with reasoning?
   • Is the final matrix clear and easy to understand?
   • Have the prioritized material issues been translated into formal objectives in the Sustainability Management Plan?

Guía 2: Developing SMART Sustainability Objectives

Vague goals lead to poor results. Use the SMART framework to create effective objectives.

1. Specific: Clearly state what you want to achieve.

   Vague: “Reduce waste.”

   Specific: “Reduce the total weight of waste sent to landfill from the main event venue.”

2. Measurable: Define how you will measure success. You need a quantifiable indicator.

   Not Measurable: “Improve our recycling.”

   Measurable: “Achieve a waste diversion rate of 85%.” (The indicator is the diversion rate percentage).

3. Achievable: Set a goal that is challenging but realistic given your resources, budget, and timeline.

   Unachievable: “Become 100% carbon neutral in our first year with no budget.”

   Achievable: “Reduce Scope 2 emissions by 100% by switching to a renewable electricity tariff, and reduce overall emissions by 10% from baseline.”

4. Relevant: Ensure the objective aligns with your material issues and overall sustainability policy.

   Irrelevant: “Plant 1,000 trees in another country” (if your main impact is local water usage).

   Relevant: “Reduce freshwater consumption at the venue by 20% compared to the previous event.”

5. Time-bound: Set a clear deadline for achieving the objective.

   Not Time-bound: “We will eventually source more local food.”

   Time-bound: “Source at least 60% of the total food and beverage budget from suppliers located within 150 km for the 2024 edition of the event.”

Guía 3: Building a Sustainable Procurement Supplier Questionnaire

Use this questionnaire as a starting point to vet new suppliers and evaluate existing ones.

1. Section 1: Corporate Commitment
   • Do you have a publicly available environmental or sustainability policy? (Please provide a copy/link).
   • Is a specific person in your senior management responsible for sustainability?
   • Do you hold any third-party certifications (e.g., ISO 14001, B Corp, Fairtrade)?
2. Section 2: Environmental Management
   • Do you measure and monitor your energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation?
   • What percentage of your waste is diverted from landfill?
   • What actions are you taking to reduce your carbon footprint? (e.g., use of renewable energy, electric vehicles).
3. Section 3: Social Responsibility
   • Do you have a policy on diversity, equity, and inclusion?
   • How do you ensure health and safety for your employees?
   • Do you pay your employees at least the local living wage?
   • Do you have a process for checking for modern slavery in your own supply chain?
4. Section 4: Product/Service Specifics
   • (For caterers) What percentage of your ingredients are locally sourced, seasonal, and/or organic?
   • (For production) What is the recycled content of your materials? Are your products designed for disassembly and recycling?
   • (For transport) What is the age and fuel efficiency of your vehicle fleet?

Recursos internos y externos (sin enlaces)

Recursos internos

• Template: Event Sustainability Management Plan
• Checklist: On-Site Sustainability Pre-Opening Check
• Form: Internal Audit Non-conformity and Corrective Action Report
• Policy: Sustainable Procurement Code of Conduct for Suppliers
• Calculator: Basic Event Carbon Footprint Calculator (Excel)
• Guide: Staff Handbook on Sustainability Procedures

Recursos externos de referencia

• ISO 20121:2012 – Event sustainability management systems — Requirements with guidance for use
• ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental management systems
• ISO 19011:2018 – Guidelines for auditing management systems
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards for Sustainability Reporting
• The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard
• BREEAM and LEED green building certification standards

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the main benefit of ISO 20121?

While compliance and certification are a key outcome, the main benefit is the establishment of a strategic framework for continual improvement. It moves an organization from random “green” acts to a systematic, data-driven approach that reduces risks, creates efficiencies (cost savings in energy, water, and waste), strengthens stakeholder relationships, and enhances brand reputation in a tangible, verifiable way.

How long does ISO 20121 implementation take?

The timeline varies depending on the size and complexity of the organization and its events, as well as the maturity of its existing management systems. For a medium-sized organization with some existing processes, a realistic timeline is typically 9 to 18 months from project start to achieving third-party certification. A smaller organization or a single event might achieve it in 6 to 9 months.

Is ISO 20121 only for large events like the Olympics?

No. While the standard was famously used for the London 2012 Olympics, it is designed to be scalable. It can be applied to any type and size of event, from a small corporate meeting or a local festival to a massive international conference. The key is to tailor the system to the specific context and impacts of your event.

What’s the difference between an internal and external audit?

An internal audit is conducted by the organization itself (using trained, impartial staff) to check its own systems for compliance with the ISO 20121 standard and its own policies. Its purpose is self-assessment and improvement. An external audit (or certification audit) is conducted by an independent, accredited certification body. Its purpose is to provide an impartial verification that the system meets all the requirements of the standard, leading to official certification.

How much does it cost to implement and get certified?

Costs can be broken down into three main categories: 1) Internal costs (staff time for developing and managing the system). 2) External support costs (optional, for consultants or training). 3) Certification costs (fees paid to the external auditor). These can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros/dollars. However, many organizations find that the ROI from resource efficiency (e.g., lower energy and waste bills) and enhanced brand value can offset these costs over time.

Conclusión y llamada a la acción

The path to sustainable event management is a strategic imperative in today’s business landscape. As we have detailed, a successful ISO 20121 implementation is far more than a box-ticking exercise; it is a transformative journey that embeds resilience, responsibility, and innovation into the core of event planning and execution. By establishing clear policies, maintaining diligent records, and embracing the discipline of regular audits, organizations can move beyond aspirational goals to achieve measurable results: reduced environmental footprints, significant cost efficiencies, strengthened community ties, and a powerful brand narrative. The case studies demonstrate that whether for a global summit or a local festival, the principles of ISO 20121 deliver tangible value.

Your journey begins with a single step. We encourage you to use the guides and frameworks within this article to take immediate, practical action. Start by conducting a simple materiality assessment for your next event to understand your most significant impacts. Use the SMART criteria to set just one or two meaningful improvement objectives. The process of continual improvement is built on these foundational actions. Take the first step today to begin creating events that not only captivate attendees but also contribute to a positive and lasting legacy.

Glosario

PDCA Cycle

Plan-Do-Check-Act: An iterative four-step management method used for the control and continual improvement of processes and products.

Stakeholder

Any group, individual, or organization that can affect or is affected by the activities of an event. This includes attendees, employees, suppliers, sponsors, the local community, and regulators.

Materiality

The principle of identifying and analysing the most significant economic, environmental, and social issues that impact an organization’s business and its stakeholders.

Non-conformity

A failure to meet a specific requirement of the ISO 20121 standard or a requirement defined within the organization’s own management system.

Corrective Action

The action taken to eliminate the root cause of a detected non-conformity to prevent its recurrence. It is different from a ‘correction’, which simply fixes the immediate problem.

Scope 2 Emissions

A category of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are indirect, resulting from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, or cooling consumed by the organization.