IMEX Frankfurt 2026 education track report
At IMEX Frankfurt 2026, the Impact track went beyond carbon reporting to include regeneration, biodiversity, inclusion, social legacy and clear proof of impact.
Speakers challenged the industry to measure outcomes, not just activity, and to leave destinations and communities better off than before. Sustainability was positioned not as a compliance task, but as a core business strategy and mindset. Closing the gap between good intentions and measurable results is essential to progress.
Key takeaways
1. Biodiversity is key—not just carbon
Biologist Frauke Fischer, Agentur auf!, argued that focusing only on the climate falls short. She pointed to research from the European Central Bank and British intelligence showing how economies depend on nature.
She highlighted the declines—80% of insects and over 70% of vertebrates lost in 50 years—and showed how AI-powered pattern recognition can now track wildlife and detect deforestation in real time.
2. Sustainability must evolve into circularity and regeneration
Mike Van der Vijver, Orange Gibbon, explained that reducing harm is no longer enough. He called for circular supply chains using materials such as banana leaves and water-based inks.
Gorazd Cad, Kongres Magazine, took this further, advocating for regenerative events that leave destinations better than they found them, with examples from legacy-driven sports bodies such as FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) and FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski et de Snowboard).
3. IMEX sets measurable group sustainability targets
David Harrison, CFO, IMEX Group, and Anna Abdelnoor, isla, launched IMEX’s sustainability strategy on Earth Day this year. The goal: reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2030 across Scopes one, two and three.
With nearly 90% of emissions linked to air travel, IMEX Group has increased UK staff rail travel to IMEX Frankfurt from around 5% to more than 40%.
4. Inclusion drives business value—not just goodwill
Mirko Korder, Potenzial Pioniere, reminded attendees that around 90% of severe disabilities are acquired through illness, making accessibility relevant to everyone.
Sabine Böhling and Medina Dzonlic, sb2 concepts, emphasized that social sustainability is about participation and belonging; and also that inclusion drives engagement, strengthens employer branding and fuels innovation.
5. Africa is ready—and proving it
In Africa in motion, Janet Karemera, Rwanda Convention Bureau, highlighted Rwanda’s early plastic bag ban and strong safety record, despite lingering perceptions.
Yoadan Tilahun, Flawless Events, positioned Ethiopia hosting COP32 in 2027 as global recognition of a continent already delivering green legacy projects and high-level events.
Key challenges
1. Intention rarely becomes action
The “say-do gap” came up repeatedly. Speakers agreed: behavior only changes when decisions are designed into the planning process early.
2. Data gaps weaken credibility
David Harrison identified unmeasured exhibitor booth emissions as IMEX’s biggest gap, with a 2026 goal to measure 60%.
Chloe Richardson, ELX, cited UFI and Explori research showing only 6% of exhibitors can confidently prove value—leaving 94% unable to justify budgets.
3. Cost perception still blocks progress
Rajeev Kohli, Creative Travel India & Beyond, and Amanda Lampe, Business Events Sydney, highlighted a common challenge: sustainable options are often perceived as more expensive.
Tobias Weber, format:c live communication, noted that greener choices aren’t always more costly—but the perception that they are, remains a barrier.
4. Default event formats waste potential
Mike Van der Vijver challenged industry norms, from passive PowerPoint sessions to networking formats that exclude quieter participants.
He argued that planners stick with familiar formats because they feel safe—even if they limit impact.
Johanna Fischer, tmf dialogue, and Johanna Roodt, Leladijo, added a generational perspective, pointing to a gap between experienced professionals and younger talents who need clearer frameworks and mutual understanding.
5. Data risks and AI misinformation are growing
Frauke Fischer warned of real risks, including poachers accessing wildlife tracking data and the rise of AI-driven misinformation.
She also highlighted the environmental cost of AI, from water and energy use to mining rare earth materials that can damage ecosystems.
Key opportunities
1. AI can protect nature and personalize impact
AI is already transforming conservation—analyzing animal movement, soundscapes and satellite data to detect threats early.
The next step is using trusted datasets and citizen science apps to generate reliable insights that also support marketing and reporting.
2. Small actions can scale fast
Chris Kaiser, Click A Tree, showed how simple actions, backed by SMART goals and accountability, can drive change.
He demonstrated how impact can be priced and understood—whether planting trees in Ghana or recycling ocean plastic into school furniture.
3. Circularity can cut costs and waste
Tobias Weber shared how a 400-square-meter Asmodee booth was reduced to just two cubic meters of waste.
Reusable materials—such as carpet tiles used over 100 times—delivered both cost savings and environmental benefits.
4. Commercial and social value can align
Christoffer Sapienza, DNB showed how education-led strategies can grow underserved markets.
Alessandro Teichner’s Colors for Good turned event materials into income for rural communities—demonstrating that purpose-led stories resonate more than branding alone.
5. Measure what matters—including experience
Chloe Richardson emphasized defining success before the event through clear objectives.
From legacy outcomes to participant experience—and even joy—measurement is evolving beyond traditional ROI.
This report was created with the help of Snapsight.
