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.

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.

The world has a serious problem of global yawning! We need creativity in communications to connect hearts and minds, gain competitive advantage and tackle our global challenges.
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.

This workshop tackles one of the most common challenges in event planning: how to make sustainable choices without breaking the bank. Through open discussion and fresh thinking around ROI, participants will explore where savings can be found and how to communicate the broader value of sustainability - beyond just cost. Expect a practical, solutions-focused session designed to shift mindsets from barriers to opportunities, no matter the budget.

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.

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.

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.
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?