IAEE's Expo! Expo! 2025 Achieves Gold-Level Sustainability Certification

Annual exhibition reaches highest tier in Events Industry Council standards after progressive three-year journey

By Sarah Mitchell · Published Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:41:50 GMT · Updated Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:41:50 GMT

IAEE's flagship event achieves the highest sustainability certification level after a three-year progression through bronze and silver tiers. The achievement demonstrates systematic implementation of environmental and social responsibility standards.

Progressive Sustainability Achievement

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has announced that Expo! Expo! IAEE's Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2025 has achieved Gold Level Certification under the Events Industry Council's (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards. This marks the culmination of a three-year progression, with the event earning Bronze Level Certification in 2022, Silver Level in 2023 and 2024, and now Gold Level for 2025.

Strategic Commitment to Environmental Standards

"Achieving Gold Level Certification reflects IAEE's long-term commitment to continuous improvement and to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our event strategy," said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. "This milestone represents years of intentional progress and disciplined execution, guided by the EIC Sustainable Event Standards."

The EIC Sustainable Event Standards encompass ten key performance areas: organizational management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility, and social impact.

Industry Framework Development

The standards were developed through a global collaborative process involving subject matter experts across all sectors. More than 300 professionals have participated in reviewing the standards, which provide a framework for event professionals at various stages of their sustainability journey.

EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert praised IAEE's achievement, stating: "IAEE's achievement reflects the power of sustained commitment to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. Their continued progress over multiple years demonstrates how organizations can use the standards to drive meaningful environmental and social impact while delivering high-quality, impactful events."

Third-Party Verification

The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organization, conducted the independent third-party certification of Expo! Expo!'s compliance with the Event Organizer standard. Richard Murphy, CEO, President and Managing Director of the Alliance for Audited Media, commented: "IAEE's achievement is a testament to its commitment and leadership in advancing sustainable event practices. We applaud their efforts and look forward to seeing their continued progress."

IAEE, established in 1928, represents the largest association in the exhibitions and events industry worldwide, with members including organizers of more than 20,000 exhibitions and buyer-seller events globally.

Based on reporting by IAEE. Read the original article.