Course description

This engaging course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to design, implement, and improve an Event Sustainability Management System (ESMS) in accordance with ISO 20121:2024. You’ll learn how to identify sustainability issues throughout an event’s life cycle, engage stakeholders, manage resources efficiently, and ensure compliance with social, environmental, and economic requirements. The course connects ISO 20121 principles to international sustainability frameworks such as the UN SDGs and GRI Standards, preparing participants to deliver responsible, inclusive, and low-impact events that align with organizational strategy and stakeholder expectations.

What you’ll learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Interpret the structure and intent of ISO 20121:2024 and its key requirements.

• Identify sustainability issues, impacts, and opportunities across the event life cycle.

• Develop a sustainability policy and integrate it into event planning and operations.

• Engage stakeholders effectively and manage communication and transparency.

• Apply risk-based thinking to event sustainability management and decision-making.

• Establish monitoring, measurement, and evaluation systems for sustainability performance.

• Demonstrate continual improvement and prepare for third-party certification audits.

Who should attend

• Event planners and coordinators

• Sustainability managers and officers

• Marketing and communications professionals

• Hospitality and venue managers

• NGO and government event organizers

• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) professionals

• Consultants aiming to align events with ISO 20121 sustainability principles

Recommended

• Basic understanding of event management is helpful

• No prior ISO 20121 experience required

• Suitable for organizations of any size hosting events