IAEE achieves EIC Sustainability Certification for third consecutive year

DALLAS – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) announced that Expo! Expo! IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2024 has been recognized by the Events Industry Council for achieving the Silver Level Certification in its Sustainable Event Standards. Expo! Expo! also achieved Silver Level Certification for its 2023 event and Bronze Level Certification for its 2022 event.

“Earning Silver Level Certification from the EIC for the second consecutive year is a testament to our ongoing dedication to sustainability and responsible event management,” said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM., who was elected to the EIC Board in 2025. “At IAEE, we believe that sustainable practices are not just a one-time achievement but a continuous journey of improvement. By following the EIC Sustainable Event Standards, we can refine our processes, reduce our environmental impact and set a positive example for the exhibitions and events industry.”

 Flanagan also recognized the efforts of IAEE Director of Events and Sustainability Hannah Deters, CEM, CMP for her leadership in advancing the organization’s sustainability initiatives and ensuring continued progress toward these standards.

The EIC Sustainable Event Standards were created through a global collaborative process with participation from subject matter experts in all sectors. They provide a framework for collaboration and a strong focus on guidance and metrics so that event professionals at all stages of their sustainability journey have the support needed to implement and measure sustainable practices.

The standards specify performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility, and social impact. To date, more than 300 professionals have participated in the review of the standards. The venue standard is one of several comprehensive standards for environmentally sustainable events.

EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert congratulated Expo! Expo! on its accomplishment. “IAEE’s continued success in achieving Silver Level Certification underscores its leadership and commitment to integrating sustainable practices into the events industry,” Calvert said. “Expo! Expo! serves as a model for how organizations can prioritize environmental and social responsibility while delivering impactful and engaging events. We congratulate IAEE on this achievement and commend their ongoing efforts to advance sustainability in our industry.”

The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organization, performed the independent third-party certification of the event’s compliance with the Event Organizer standard.

“IAEE’s achievement reflects its dedication to continuous improvement in sustainable event management,” said Richard Murphy, CEO, President and Managing Director, Alliance for Audited Media. “We applaud their efforts and look forward to seeing their continued progress.”