Sustainability at IAAPA Expo Europe

IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 has been approved as a Certified Sustainable Event by Greentime through an independent third-party certification process. The certification aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and recognised best practices within the events industry. 

This strategic initiative reflects IAAPA’s commitment to lead by example as we continue to integrate environmental, social, and governance principles into our Expo operations.

The following are key sustainability practices at this year’s Expo:

• Sustainable travel guidance highlighted on IAAPA’s website, encouraging attendees to choose lower-emission transportation options such as rail, public transportation, walking, and cycling where feasible.
• Travel information collected during the registration process to calculate the climate footprint (CO₂ emissions) of attendees traveling to the Expo.
• Sustainable accommodation options highlighted on IAAPA’s website and accommodation booking platform, including hotels close to the venue to help reduce transportation needs and related emissions.
• All shell scheme stands at the event will use GES’s AMP modular stand system, which is more sustainable than a traditional shell scheme because its reusable aluminium framework can be reconfigured and used across multiple events, reducing material waste and the need for new stand construction.
• Publicising booths constructed using more sustainable materials.
• Accessibility and inclusion measures together with Excel London and event partners, including step-free access, wide aisles, accessible toilets and parking, and free admission for personal assistants.
• Multilingual IAAPA staff available on-site to support attendees in a wide range of languages, with visible language flags helping participants easily identify staff speaking their preferred language.
• Two sustainability ribbons will be introduced to help increase visibility and raise awareness.
• Opportunity for attendees to contribute to the IAAPA Foundation scholarship fund through donations and an online silent auction.
• Free Expo access on Thursday to students with a valid student ID. In addition, free access to young people connected to The Marketing Academy - "Explore Career in the Attractions Industry".
• Reduction of printed signage whenever possible.
• Digital distribution of all Education session handouts.
• Digital administration of Education session surveys.
• Digital distribution of Exhibitor materials.
• Transition from a traditional printed “literature wall” to a paperless solution for media partner materials to help reduce printed materials and related waste.
• Show guide is not printed and attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to use the website and Connect+ app.
• No IAAPA show bags are distributed, reducing material use and waste.
• Reduction of the air conditioning temperature to save energy.
• Ear plugs are available at registration, and in the member lounge.
• Recycling of all carpet laid to gangways, public areas, shell scheme stands including all IAAPA featured areas.
• Introduction of a waste patrol team to assist in reducing waste and improving waste streams.
• Badge design eliminates the need for additional badge holders; tickets are integrated with badges instead of printed separately.
• Collection and recycling of lanyards and badges.
• Donation partnership with Excel London and their sustainability and community engagement programs to support the reuse and donation of event materials in collaboration with charitable organizations.

IAAPA has partnered with companies that support the sustainability certification and initiatives for IAAPA Expo Europe 2026. The following are some of the key contractors and service suppliers, along with examples of their sustainability efforts.

Excel London
IAAPA is working together with the venue Excel London for this Expo, including catering, cleaning services, and more. Excel’s sustainability efforts are described on their website.

Key sustainability resources and commitments are included in their:

• Sustainability Policy
• Sustainability Strategy
• Net Zero Transition Plan
• Sustainability Report

Excel London is also certified according to:

• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
• CarbonSAVER Triple Crown of Sustainability
• Planet Mark Certified Business
• PAS 2060:2014

A few examples of their initiatives supporting IAAPA’s Expo certification are highlighted below.

• Close access to public transportation and on-site bicycle parking facilities to support lower-emission travel options for attendees.
• Procurement of 100% renewable electricity from their energy provider since 2020.
• Hej Coffee offered as a more sustainable and responsible coffee option for freshly brewed coffee, with transparency around climate footprint and environmental and social sustainability practices.
• A wide range of vegan, vegetarian, and plant-forward food options, with seasonal ingredients prioritized where possible to help reduce environmental impact.
• Main cleaning products used across high-contact surfaces and public areas carrying the EU Ecolabel.
• Food waste management processes focused on minimizing waste through forecasting, redistribution of surplus food, on-site treatment solutions, and conversion of remaining food waste into renewable energy and biofertilizer.
• Waste management systems supporting sorting into multiple waste streams across the event site, combined with color-coded bins, regular waste collection, and initiatives to improve recycling and reduce littering.

GES
IAAPA is working together with GES as the official stand builder and supplier for shell scheme extras, electrics, furniture, and graphics for the Expo. GES’s sustainability efforts and commitments are described on their website: https://www.ges.com/about/sustainability/ or https://www.ges.com/eu/

A few examples of their commitment are highlighted below.

• Their approach is built around six core principles: Rethink, Reduce, Refuse, Repair, Recycle, and Reuse. These guide the decisions they make, from materials selection to logistics, ensuring that sustainability isn’t just a goal, but a standard.
• They are encouraging clients how to make shows and events more sustainable, for example through
  • selecting destinations designed with efficient travel considerations;
  • encouraging lower shipping emissions with efficient packing;
  • encouraging events to co-locate with yours;
  • providing pre-show exhibitor training;
  • materials management;
  • promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• GES EMEA’s dedication is reflected in their certifications and achievements:
  • Signed the Net Zero Carbon Pledge for the Events Industry, committing to deliver Net Zero emissions by 2050.
  • Awarded Event & Supplier Services Association (ESSA) Sustainability Tier 5 Accreditation.
  • ISO certified according to ISO20121:2024, adhering to strict Sustainable Event Management processes and procedures.
  • Members of the Active Association (ESSA) Working Group and the Crossmember of the Event Supplier and Services Association Sustainability Working Group (AEV, AEO, ESSA).
  • Successfully met FESPA UK Waste Accreditation standards, advancing the circular economy by keeping materials in use for as long as possible.
  • A Member of the Better Stands Supplier Working Group.

DSV
IAAPA is working together with DSV for onsite logistics, handling, freight, and transport services for the Expo. DSV’s sustainability efforts and commitments are described on their website.

A few examples of their sustainability commitment are highlighted below.

• Their strategy is centred around our sustainability priorities and associated material topics within environment, social and governance.
• ISO certified according to the following: ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Health Safety Management), and ISO 9001 (Quality Management).
• Sustainability commitments:
  • Act as a key enabler for decarbonisation across their value chain with the aim of reducing transport and logistics emissions. They are committed to reducing their environmental impact throughout their operations.
  • Strive to ensure that all employees can thrive and realise their potential in a diverse and inclusive environment. They respect human and labour rights and are committed to ensuring a healthy and safe working environment. They engage locally and globally to support communities and address global challenges.
  • Governed by a strong set of ethical standards, which set expectations for their own operations and for their suppliers. They do business with integrity by putting in place measures to promote transparency, ethical conduct and accountability throughout their global operations and supply chain.
• Committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, both in their own operations (scope 1 and 2) and across the value chain (scope 3).
• Dedicated to reducing waste and adopting a circular approach to managing waste and resources.

Aztec
IAAPA is working together with Aztec regarding technical production and AV equipment. Aztec’s sustainability efforts and commitments are described on their website.

A few examples of their commitment are highlighted below.

• Early adopter of sustainable practices and equipment. Accredited by ESSA, for Health & Safety and have achieved Tier 5 consistently for the last few years.
• ISO certified (Aztec, Chessington HQ) according to the following: ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 45001 (Health Safety Management), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), and ISO 20121 (Event Sustainability Management Systems).
• Prioritizes waste reduction throughout production, investing in LED panels and modular framework systems.
• Advocate for reusable fabric prints, cardboard furniture, and dissuading single-use props/materials.
• Review equipment purchases to minimise our carbon footprint, prioritising repair and repurposing when feasible.
• Are able to provide accurate carbon footprint calculations for their clients. Their carbon calculations are broken down into 3 core areas:
  • Event technology - emissions from use of the physical technical hardware during the event.
  • Event logistics - emissions from actual event haulage, getting the equipment to/from the chosen venue/location.
  • Crew Movements - emissions from getting technical crew to/from the event.

Exhibitors play an important role in supporting the sustainability ambitions of IAAPA Expo Europe 2026. Through the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge, participating companies commit to implementing at least seven sustainability actions during the Expo within the following categories:

• Reducing Energy Use and Transport Emissions
• Designing for Reuse and Resource Efficiency
• Minimising Emissions and Packaging from Logistics
• Preventing Waste and Lower the Environmental Footprint
• Offering Sustainable and Low-Waste Food & Beverage
• Responsible Sourcing and Accessibility

See the full list of items here.

Thank you to the following companies that have taken this year’s Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge - Coming Soon!