The Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative is preparing a new phase of work as it marks five years of efforts to reduce the events industry’s carbon emissions, with plans to strengthen member engagement, expand training and improve practical guidance for organisations working towards net zero.
The initiative presented its plans for the future at IMEX America, highlighting how the appointment of Programme Director Johanna Fuhlendorf in June 2026 has increased its capacity to support members and coordinate industry-wide action.
Launched in 2021, Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) brings together organisations from across the global events industry to develop shared approaches to reducing emissions. Its membership has grown to more than three times its original size, creating a broader range of needs that the initiative says must be reflected in its future strategy and governance.
“The 5-year anniversary has been a unique opportunity to take stock,” said James Rees, president of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC).
Rees said NZCE is reviewing its strategy and governance structure to make use of the additional capacity provided by its new programme director. The review will also take account of changes in legislation and the increasingly diverse needs of its growing international membership.
Since its launch, NZCE has worked to establish common standards and guidance for decarbonisation across the events sector. By bringing together venues, organisers, suppliers and other industry stakeholders, the initiative aims to ensure that its recommendations reflect the practical realities of delivering events.
The next phase will place greater emphasis on implementation, moving beyond the shared framework developed during the initiative’s early years to help organisations apply decarbonisation measures in their operations.
The Javits Center in New York is among the organisations contributing experience to that effort. The venue joined NZCE in 2021 and has shared lessons from its own sustainability work, including the installation of solar energy systems, a reported 44% waste diversion rate and the measurement of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
“From installing solar energy and achieving a 44% waste diversion rate to measuring our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, we believe progress comes from action and collaboration,” said Joyce Leveston, president and CEO of the Javits Center.
Leveston said the centre welcomes Fuhlendorf’s appointment and looks forward to helping the initiative extend its reach, particularly across North America.
For members, the revised approach is expected to bring more regular communication, additional learning opportunities and practical resources. Fuhlendorf said NZCE plans to provide monthly newsletters with updates on its projects, alongside free quarterly webinars and guidance documents offering step-by-step instructions for reducing emissions.
The first training sessions will focus on event venues, with further programmes planned for other parts of the events value chain.
The focus on training reflects the challenge of turning broad climate commitments into operational changes. Venues and other event businesses need guidance that can be applied to their own activities, while collaboration across the sector can help organisations share experience and develop more consistent approaches.
NZCE is also seeking feedback from its existing members as it determines its priorities for the coming years. A supporter satisfaction survey is due to launch later in 2026, giving members an opportunity to contribute to the initiative’s future strategy.
Organisations that are not yet members can find information about joining through the initiative’s official website at https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/join-us/.
As NZCE enters its next phase, its stated priorities are to strengthen participation, improve access to practical decarbonisation guidance and help more organisations across the events industry put net zero ambitions into practice.
