Driving a Sustainable Future for Events
At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, an industry-defining announcement was made that could shape the trajectory of sustainability within the global events sector. The next phase of SHE – a community-powered Sustainability Hub for Events – was officially unveiled by Gevme, the New Zealand Convention Bureau (NZCE), and the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE). This coalition sets a strong precedent for event professionals globally, emphasizing a collaborative and community-oriented approach to climate-conscious event planning.
What is SHE?
SHE – Sustainability Hub for Events is a collaborative initiative aimed at uniting event professionals, destinations, and suppliers in building scalable and sustainable event practices. Since its launch, SHE has served as a central platform where ideas, tools, resources, and partnerships converge to drive environmental consciousness in what is traditionally a high-impact industry.
The hub is designed to be more than just a resource portal—it is a hands-on, interactive digital space powered by community contributions. In its next phase announced at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, SHE is set to become more intelligent, inclusive, and actionable for organizations across all event scales.
Why Sustainability in Events Matters Now More Than Ever
The events industry, though a driver of global business, education, and culture, has long struggled with sustainability. According to a 2023 report from The Sustainable Event Alliance:
- The average three-day conference generates around 567kg of CO2 per participant.
- Food waste at events accounts for up to 60% of total waste generated.
- 80% of event-related carbon emissions stem from travel and transportation.
These alarming statistics reflect the urgent need for industry-wide transformation. SHE’s renewed focus aligns with the global call for net-zero practices and supports the targets outlined in the UN’s Race to Zero Campaign.
Key Highlights from the IMEX 2025 Reveal
A Strengthened Alliance with Purpose
The latest phase of SHE is being driven by three major players:
- Gevme – a global event technology platform known for its cutting-edge solutions in virtual, hybrid, and in-person experiences. Gevme is committed to embedding sustainability into their digital architecture.
- New Zealand Convention Bureau (NZCE) – recognized for integrating Māori values into its destination strategies, NZCE brings indigenous knowledge and holistic sustainability practices into the forefront.
- Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe – representing over 30 European countries, this alliance provides a pan-European lens to sustainability, helping establish standardized practices across borders.
Together, they aim to refine SHE’s impact by stepping up user experience, enhancing data sharing functionalities, and creating open-source tools that empower organizers around the world to meet and exceed sustainability benchmarks.
New Features and Enhancements in SHE
As announced at IMEX Frankfurt 2025, SHE’s evolution is focused on three key pillars:
1. Enhanced Community Collaboration
SHE will now feature an upgraded community forum where professionals can:
- Share case studies and real-world sustainability practices
- Participate in peer-reviewed discussions
- Access industry-specific green event checklists
This social infrastructure builds a living library of event sustainability innovations, directly fueled by users from within the industry.
2. Smarter Data and Analytics Tools
One of the defining updates is the integration of A.I.-driven sustainability calculators that track:
- Carbon emissions by stage of event planning
- Attendee travel impact
- Vendor emission scores
This provides stakeholders with precise insights for continual improvement and decision-making in real time.
3. Localized Knowledge Centers
With the participation of NZCE and the European Convention Bureaux, SHE will now feature region-specific sustainability education modules. These include:
- Regulatory compliance overviews for each country
- Culturally appropriate sustainability recommendations
- Case studies from local events for better relevance
This localization empowers planners with actionable guidance tailored to their audience and geography.
The Strategic Vision: From Education to Action
The relaunch of SHE reflects a broader trend in the industry, where passive commitments are being replaced by measurable results. By anchoring SHE as a living and evolving platform, the partners are encouraging a shift from sustainability as a “nice-to-have” to an operational mandate.
Global Events Industry Commits to Net Zero by 2050
This initiative complements the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) pledge, which over 400 organizations have signed. Under this framework, stakeholders commit to:
- Measure and reduce event-related greenhouse gas emissions
- Develop roadmaps towards net zero
- Publish progress annually
- Support suppliers and partners with guidance
The enhanced SHE platform acts as a foundational support system for signatories of this pledge, giving them the tools and community to walk their sustainability talk.
Looking Ahead: A Model for the Future of Global Events
IMEX Frankfurt 2025 was more than just a space for networking – it became a catalyst for deep, impactful change. With organizations like Gevme, NZCE, and the SANCBE leading the charge, the events industry is poised for a transformation that extends beyond carbon targets. It’s about building a new identity rooted in accountability, regeneration, and shared responsibility.
Through SHE’s next phase, the global events ecosystem gains a future-proof resource that not only provides tools but galvanizes a collective movement. The emphasis on accessible data, empowered collaboration, and localized application ensures no organization is left behind in the journey to sustainability.
Conclusion
The next phase of SHE is not just a software update—it’s a renewed vision for the future of global events. As the pressure to decarbonize grows, initiatives like this will define the leaders of tomorrow. IMEX Frankfurt 2025 thus served as a turning point, proving that when cross-continental organizations unite with shared purpose, a greener, more responsible future is not only possible—it’s actionable.
If you’re an event planner, venue operator, supplier, or simply a stakeholder in the events ecosystem, now is the time to connect with SHE and become an agent of change within your own community.
Explore SHE. Join the Movement. Shape the Future.
