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Join us for a one-stop festival where all the discussions you've been wanting to have, or didn't realise you needed to have about event sustainability happen under one (rather beautiful) roof.
From sessions led by thought leaders, where you can listen and learn, to workshops and roundtables where you can contribute as much as you like - there's value for everyone, whether you're just starting out or leading the charge. Plus, you'll be able choose an itinerary that's tailored to your needs and network with your industry colleagues during a networking lunch.
Arrive with questions and ideas, leave with answers and solutions - this festival is a hub of progressive conversation - fuelled by a shared mission to reduce the event industry's environmental impact and make change possible. You won't want to miss it!
This is an exclusive event, specifically for individuals working within the events industry. Tickets are priced at £195 + VAT per person and there are 50 tickets available.
If you are an isla Member, this event is included in your Membership. Please register via your Member Hub. If you are a TRACE User this event is included in your TRACE subscription, to register please contact trace@weareisla.co.uk.
Registration from: 9.30 | First sessions: 10.00 | Networking Lunch: 12.55 - 14.20 | Event close: 15.00

Your agenda
We have curated a lineup of thought leaders and change makers who are spearheading the event industry's movement towards limiting our environmental impact. Expect expert-led sessions, roundtables, workshops and unique education opportunities...
Stuart Goldsmith is a highly respected stand-up comedian, podcaster and corporate speaker. He has won awards and critical acclaim for his stand up performances about the climate crisis and how to cope with our feelings about it. Over to you Stuart!

In 2023, our first Temperature Check Report provided a snapshot of sustainability in UK events. Now, in 2025, we’ve expanded our scope across Europe, capturing a broader, more detailed picture of how climate change, policy, and operational challenges are shaping the industry. We’ll assess what’s changed (or hasn’t), where businesses are feeling the most pressure, and where action is most urgently needed.
This session unpacks the latest findings, revealing whether reduction efforts have made an impact, where the biggest gaps remain, and what the data tells us about the next critical steps. Expect clear insights, practical takeaways, and an honest reflection on what we know now that we didn’t before.
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The events industry is facing a reality check - so, just how bad is it? And more importantly, where do we go from here? This session unpacks the key drivers for change identified through the isla Temperature Check Report, offering a clear picture of what ‘good’ really looks like. We’ll explore where businesses, events, and the wider industry need to focus next, backed by data and real-world insights. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or ready to take action, this talk will provide the direction and tools to be part of the solution.
Come away with a clearer understanding of the industry’s biggest sustainability challenges, key areas for progress, and the knowledge to help shape a more resilient and responsible future.

Measurement is just one piece of the puzzle in driving sustainability progress. This panel discussion will explore the next steps in managing and advancing the changes that have been measured. Featuring insights from industry leaders at Ascential, Jack Morton, and others, we’ll go beyond measurement to uncover the actions and strategies needed to turn data into meaningful change. Join us as we discuss what comes after measurement and how the events industry can continue evolving toward its sustainability goals.
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Join Joss Ford, CEO and Founder of Enviral, a full service, B Corp marketing agency; on his mission to save the world from boring sustainability stories.

With so many accreditations and certifications available, how do you know which ones truly add value or work best for your business? This interactive session brings together industry professionals to share their experiences; what these credentials do, what they don’t, and what the process of obtaining them really looks like.





How engaged are your stakeholders? Interested but passive? Supportive yet inactive? Or simply not at all?
Too often, engagement is surface level - seeking approval or checking a box rather than fostering real connection. True engagement requires building relationships, cultivating trust, and inviting meaningful cooperation.
Join us for this interactive workshop where we’ll explore what genuine collaboration looks like, why current approaches often fall short, and how to shift from surface interactions to deeper, lasting involvement. Gain insights into assessing your current engagement approach, overcoming barriers, and building stronger stakeholder relationships that drive real impact.

When it comes to sustainable accountability in our supply chains, where does responsibility truly lie?
This interactive roundtable brings organisers and suppliers together for an open exchange of perspectives, exploring the challenges, gaps, and opportunities in supply chain accountability. From data sharing to communication issues, we’ll debate what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.
Expect honest conversations, fresh insights, and a chance to gain clarity on the roles and responsibilities shaping a more transparent supply chain network.


Despite growing awareness, industry action on sustainability remains stagnant, and business resources aren’t being channelled where they’re needed most. Despite growing pressure to act, the 2025 Temperature Check Report reveals a stark reality - progress isn’t keeping pace with our ambition.
This leaders-only roundtable, hosted under Chatham House rules and facilitated by isla founder and CEO Anna Abdelnoor, is a chance to step back and take an unfiltered look at where the industry stands. Are we making the right calls? What’s holding businesses back? And what needs to shift to turn intent into real impact? Expect frank discussions, shared accountability, and a reality check on the road ahead.
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Sustainability professionals are leaders - we are leading change.
We need to influence upwards and inspire action across the organisations. To negotiate priorities, and implement change management techniques…
And we need to strengthen our leadership skills - but often, we’ve not yet been taught how.
In this workshop, you'll learn a 5-step sustainability leadership framework grounded in emotional intelligence (EQ) and neuroscience insights.
✔️ Build self-awareness and clarity
✔️ Navigate stress and setbacks
✔️ Strengthen relationships and trust
✔️ Guide teams and stakeholders through change
✔️ Inspire action and long-term commitment
No shortcuts—just the essential mindset and skills to lead with confidence and impact.

This session explores why driving meaningful change on sustainability in our industry and in our businesses can feel so difficult - even when the will is there. We’ll delve into the emotional and structural barriers that often stand in the way, from fear and frustration to feelings of grief and overwhelm.
Through guided discussions and exercises, we’ll create space to acknowledge these challenges openly, and begin to reframe them as sources of insight and motivation. You’ll leave with a stronger sense of how to connect the dots within your organisation, build shared momentum, and take action from a place of clarity and confidence.

We want to turn bold sustainability ideas into real-world action. In this dynamic workshop, we’ll explore how to create powerful Action Groups that move from ideation to implementation in just one week. Using real examples from our company’s initiatives - waste management, materials, and designing out waste - you’ll gain insider insights into what works. Plus, be part of the launch of The Sustainable Venue Exchange, a new isla Action Group driving industry collaboration. Whether you're a sustainability champion or just getting started, this is your chance to connect, strategise, and make things happen. Ready to take action?

Session tracks - personalise your day
To help you create a day that aligns with your sustainability goals and interests, we've created session tracks for you to follow. To see which panels, presentations, workshops and roundtables correspond to each session track, look for the yellow label in the top right corner of each session, on the event agenda above.
For those managing the inner workings of event businesses, this track explores the evolving landscape of event operations, finance, compliance, and business strategy. Sessions will help you navigate industry regulations, optimise internal processes, and embed sustainable business models that drive efficiency and long-term success. Whether you're a senior leader shaping company strategy or a specialist ensuring operational excellence, you’ll gain actionable insights to enhance decision-making, improve resilience, and future-proof your business.
Who should attend?
- Senior leaders shaping business strategy
- Operations, finance, and HR professionals
- Sustainability specialists embedding compliance and best practices
This track is designed for those bringing events to life—from concept to execution. Whether you're an event manager, coordinator, or rising industry talent, you’ll get practical insights on designing, planning, and delivering high-impact, sustainable events. Sessions will cover everything from supplier collaboration and logistics to integrating sustainability in creative event production. Expect hands-on strategies to help you future-proof your event planning and take your skills to the next level.
Who should attend?
- Event managers and coordinators
- Agency teams and in-house planners
- Early-career professionals looking to build expertise
Sustainability is no longer a side initiative—it’s a business imperative. This track is for senior leaders and decision-makers who are driving the transition to more responsible, resilient event businesses. Expect forward-thinking discussions on embedding sustainability into business models, navigating policy shifts, and leading with purpose. With a mix of strategic insights, peer learning, and leadership-driven conversations, this track equips you with the tools and mindset to lead transformational change in your organisation and across the industry.
Who should attend?
- Founders, directors, and senior leadership teams
- Sustainability and business strategy decision-makers
- Industry pioneers shaping the future of events
For those responsible for the nuts and bolts of sustainability in events, this track offers deep dives into best practices, regulations, and innovations shaping the industry. Whether you’re managing supply chain sustainability, tracking carbon footprints, or implementing climate-positive initiatives, these sessions will give you the latest data, tools, and case studies to drive measurable impact. If you're focused on making sustainability practical, scalable, and compliant, this is your space to learn, connect, and problem-solve.
Who should attend?
- Sustainability managers and consultants
- Technical and compliance specialists
- Anyone responsible for measuring and implementing sustainability in events

An inspiring venue
The Barbican is an arts, learning, and conference centre in the heart of the City of London. As an events venue, The Barbican offers an incredible range of spaces - including their famous Conservatory, which you will enjoy views of from the Conservatory Terrace at the Made Possible Festival.
Each session in the festival itinerary will take place within The Barbican's state of the art auditorium and conference rooms, giving you the perfect insight into their event spaces.
You'll also enjoy a delicious networking lunch on the conservatory terrace, a location which should help inspire some creative conversation!
Location
Barbican Centre Silk St, City of London, London EC2Y 8HQ
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With isla membership, you can confidently reach your event sustainability goals with expert guidance and a supportive community, allowing you to demonstrate real progress.