IAPCO and Business Events Australia have announced a new strategic partnership aimed at accelerating sustainable practices across the global meetings industry. The collaboration was launched last week at IBTM World 2025 in Barcelona.
Central to the partnership are two new initiatives: the IAPCO Sustainability Award powered by Business Events Australia, and a forthcoming Sustainability Toolkit.
The award will recognise IAPCO member organisations demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation in sustainable event management.
The digital toolkit, set to launch in March 2026, will offer practical strategies, templates and checklists aligned with international best practices.
“Sustainability is no longer optional – it’s a defining principle for the future of our industry,” said Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO. “This partnership empowers our members to lead by example and deliver events that are both impactful and responsible.”
Robin Mack, Acting Managing Director of Tourism Australia, reinforced the alignment with national priorities: “Sustainability is one of our core pillars. Partnering with IAPCO enables us to help accelerate sustainable change across the global business events sector.”
The collaboration builds on IAPCO’s commitment as a signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, and responds to recent member research showing growing interest in sustainability but ongoing barriers, particularly around costs and limited subvention opportunities.
“This partnership represents a united front for meaningful action,” added Ajay Bhojwani, Chair of the IAPCO Sustainability Committee. “We want to equip every organiser, regardless of size, with the tools to make a real difference.”
The initiatives will be supported by joint branding, education and engagement campaigns in the lead-up to the toolkit’s release and the first award announcement at IAPCO’s Annual Meeting in February 2026.