Built By Our Industry: What The Updated ISO 20121 Means For Exhibition And Event Organizers
Sustainability expectations for exhibitions and events are rising, from attendees and exhibitors to sponsors and host cities. ISO 20121, the international standard for event sustainability management systems, gives organizers a framework to reduce environmental impact, manage waste, and track carbon metrics. But it doesn’t update itself. During this session participants will hear directly from Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM, President and CEO of IAEE, and Julie Kagy, CEM, Executive Director of ESCA, who represent the US exhibitions and events industry on the international committee responsible for ISO 20121 and the event standards coming next. They made sure the standard reflects how exhibitions and events are actually planned, built, and delivered. In this 45-minute webinar, you’ll hear how industry professionals contributed to the revision process, what changed in the standard, and why it matters for your organization. You’ll leave with practical ways to apply ISO 20121 principles to your own events, whether you’re pursuing certification or just starting your sustainability journey.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the role IAEE and ESCA volunteers play in shaping international event standards.
- Identify the key components of ISO 20121 and the most significant updates to the standard, including how it addresses environmental impact, waste management, and carbon tracking.
- Apply ISO 20121 principles to their own exhibitions and events by finding at least one actionable step their organization can take, from setting baseline carbon metrics to engaging contractors and suppliers in sustainability goals.
IAEE webinars are free to members and available to non-members for $79. This session is eligible to earn 0.75 clock hours towards CEM recertification.
Presenter(s): Julie Kagy, CEM & Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM
Sponsor(s): New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and New Orleans & Company
