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Barbican Centre, London  Tuesday 6 May
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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

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A growing agenda - more to be announced!

We are curating a lineup of thought leaders and change makers who are spearheading the event industry's movement towards limiting our environmental impact. Through expert-led sessions, roundtables, workshops and unique education opportunities, expect sessions such as...

10.05-10.25
Comedy from: Stuart Goldsmith
Comedy set

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!

Stuart Goldsmith
Comedian
10.25-10.45
The 2023 vs 2025 Temperature Check. How much more do we know now?
Presentation
Business Operations, Event Deliveries, Leadership, Sustainability

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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Anna Abdelnoor
CEO & Founder, isla
10.50-11.10
How screwed are we? And what we can do about it?
Presentation
Business Operations, Event Deliveries, Leadership, Sustainability

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.

 

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Alex Camacho
Community & Stakeholder Engagement Manager, isla
11.35-12.15
What next after measurement?
Panel
Event Deliveries, Leadership

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.

Emily Shephard
TRACE Services Delivery Manager, isla
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Milda Salciute
Director of Events Consulting and Academy, GDS-Movement
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Martha Jennings
Head of Sustainability, LIONS (Ascential)
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Roger Lehner
Senior Operations & Sustainability Executive, IMEX
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Louise Palmer
Sustainability Officer, Strata
14.15-14.50
Engaging your supply chain, with Diageo
Presentation
Leadership, Sustainability
Emily Shephard
TRACE Services Delivery Manager, isla
Angus Peterson
Global Procurement Lead, Diageo

11.35-12.25
Engagement is dead - the process to help you get buy-in
Workshop
Business Operations, Sustainability

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.

Briony Pete
Director, The Circular Life
12.40-13.35
Supply chain: whose responsibility is it anyway?
Roundtable/Debate
Business Operations, Event Deliveries, Sustainability

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.

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Lucie Hackney
Community Action Manager, isla

9:00–10:00
Sustainability Budgeting Masterclass
Workshop
Event deliveries
Alex Camacho
Community & Stakeholder Engagement Manager, isla
12.50–13.55
It’s time for a reality check. Are we making transformation possible?
Roundtable (Invite-only session for leaders)
Leadership

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.

Anna Abdelnoor
CEO & Founder, isla
Iain Watt
Climate Risk and Corporate Climate Strategy Freelancer
14.20-15.00
The #1 Tool for Mastering Sustainability Leadership
Workshop
Leadership, Sustainability

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.

Briony Pete
Director, The Circular Life

11.35–12.10
Who's who in accreditations and certifications
Panel
Sustainability

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. 

Ellie Ashton-Melia
Community Director, isla
Lee Wateridge
Director - Special Projects, The Imagination Group Limited
12.30-12.50
How to make sustainability communications less boring?
Presentation
Sustainability

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.

Joss Ford
CEO and Founder, Enviral
14.20-15.00
Action at isla
Workshop
Business Operations, Sustainability

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? 

Lucie Hackney
Community Action Manager, isla
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Barbican centre Blob

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 8DS


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In partnership with (4)
isla Banners (4)

With isla membership, you can confidently reach your event sustainability goals with expert guidance and a supportive community, allowing you to demonstrate real progress.