Sustainable Events in Italy
Our commitment to sustainable event management
As part of the SME Hub and ambassadors of Positive Impact Events, we are committed to ensuring our activities, agenda and business strategy are based on specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on implementing ISO 20121 (which offers guidance and best practice to help us manage our events and control our social, economic and environmental impact) and on achieving net-zero emissions before 2050.
The UN created 17 SDGs as a roadmap to a sustainable future. At Italian Special Occasions, we believe human connections are vital to achieving these goals; collaboration, innovation, and inspiration are the keys to a regenerative events industry.
Ultimately, it’s about creating value not just for attendees, but for the destination itself—what we define as responsible events in Italy.
Our is a holistic and strategic approach, fully integrated into sustainability and authentic experiences.
HIGHLIGHT – BEFuture: Innovating the Future of Business Events
Italian Special Occasions DMC & Events is proud to be a winner of the BEFuture Acceleration Programme, an ambitious initiative funded by the European Commission through the Single Market Programme (SMP).
Selected from nearly 200 proposals across Europe, our project was chosen for the Event Experience category. This programme aims to future-proof the business events sector by promoting sustainability, resilience, and digital innovation in alignment with the European Tourism Transition Pathways.
- Our Winning Project: Making Sustainability Accessible for Event SMEs Our initiative tackles a critical challenge in the $439 billion global event sector: helping Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) implement strategic sustainability despite limited resources.
- The Goal: To test a digital platform that simplifies sustainability through Materiality Assessments.
- The Impact: By helping SMEs identify and prioritise the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues that matter most, we unlock their ability to take high-impact, targeted action. (SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure & SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals).
Our Sustainable Event Planning Initiatives
Here are some of our sustainable event management initiatives, how our actions translate into projects and how they align with specific Sustainable Development Goals.
SME CLIMATE HUB
As part of the SME Hub, we are committed to constantly reviewing and improving our data by halving our greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions before 2050.
(SDG 13 – Climate action)
BEYOND ITALY
We educate and inspire the industry about sustainable tourism through our wonderful initiative: Beyond Italy is a series of itineraries and events built around Italy’s cultural heritage, alongside authentic and unique sustainable experiences.
(SDG 8 – Sustainable tourism)
CREATIVE ITALY
Through our sister company Creative Italy, we invite people worldwide to learn how to use their hands and ingenuity with artisans. Creative Italy teaches the importance of creating quality objects, consuming responsibly and respecting heritage.
(SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production)
LESS PLASTIC, MORE EDUCATION
To combat plastic pollution, we commit to supplying each event attendee with a reusable water bottle. The profits go to community-based projects that prioritise quality education for disadvantaged children.
(SDG 4 – Quality education)
BY CREATING, YOU LEARN
A unique educational experience that blends history, art, sustainability and wellness. It takes place in Feudo San Pietro in Milazzo, Sicily, a cultural lung of historical importance. It facilitates the exchange of resources and skills, fostering a positive impact on the local community.
(SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production)
POSITIVE IMPACT EVENTS
We are Ambassadors of Positive Impact Events and participate in many of their online events for education and exchanges on sustainability, such as Earth Day and the Global Week to #Act4SDGs.
(SDG 8 – Sustainable tourism)
Our Strategic Objectives for Eco-Friendly Event Planning
Less waste
Carefully organise events to:
- reduce food waste and donate any left-over quality food;
- offer sustainable packaging, decoration and food service ware;
- educate event venues, suppliers and attendees on the importance of recycling during and after the event.
Focus on materiality
Analyse the event goals and stakeholders to determine all the positive and negative impacts (economic, environmental, and social) that the event can have.
Engage with our Clients and design the event around those findings and by implementing ISO 20121. For more, read How to Apply Materiality in the Event Sector.
Carbon reporting
We measure our events’ impact. Our aim is to minimise carbon emissions at live, hybrid and digital events.
We include this mission in our contracts to strengthen the transparency and consideration of our interest groups.
Why Italy for sustainable events?
Italy’s deep connection to heritage, local communities, and slower rhythms naturally supports a more thoughtful approach to impact.
Discover why Italy is the ideal context for sustainable and responsible events.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainable Event Design and Planning in Italy
How does Italian Special Occasions ensure events are sustainable?
Italian Special Occasions follows the ISO 20121 framework to manage social, economic, and environmental impacts. As a winner of the EU-funded BEFuture Acceleration Programme, we use materiality assessments to identify the most significant ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues for each event, ensuring targeted and high-impact sustainability actions.
What is a “Materiality Assessment” in the context of event planning?
A materiality assessment is a strategic process used to identify and prioritise the sustainability issues that matter most to a business and its stakeholders. Through our innovative BEFuture project, Italian Special Occasions is digitising this process to help SMEs make sustainability more accessible, measurable, and strategic for every event they host.
Why is Italian Special Occasions considered a leader in sustainable tourism in Italy?
Beyond logistical planning, we are ambassadors for Positive Impact Events and creators of the Beyond Italy initiative. We focus on “Regenerative Tourism”—ensuring that events give back to local communities, support traditional artisans through our sister company Creative Italy, and preserve Italy’s cultural heritage for future generations.
What makes an event sustainable in Italy?
A sustainable event in Italy goes beyond reducing environmental impact. It means designing experiences that respect local ecosystems, support communities, and preserve cultural heritage. This includes responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and aligning the event with clear ESG priorities through a strategic approach like materiality.
How are sustainable events measured in terms of impact?
Sustainable events are measured through a combination of environmental, social, and economic indicators. This includes tracking carbon emissions, waste management, local sourcing, and community engagement. At Italian Special Occasions, we apply ISO 20121 guidelines and materiality assessments to focus on the most relevant impact areas, ensuring that results are measurable, transparent, and aligned with event objectives.
What is the difference between green events and responsible events in Italy?
Green events mainly focus on reducing environmental impact—such as cutting emissions or eliminating plastic. Responsible events take a broader view, including social and economic dimensions. In Italy, this means supporting local artisans, preserving heritage venues, and contributing to regional economies.
Can sustainable events still be luxurious and impactful?
Yes—and often they are more meaningful. Sustainability doesn’t limit creativity or exclusivity; it refines it. Choosing authentic venues, working with local excellence, and designing intentional experiences can elevate both the perceived value and the impact of an event. This is especially true for Sustainable retreats and offsites, where environment and purpose play a central role.
How can local communities benefit from corporate events in Italy?
When designed responsibly, corporate events can generate real value for local communities. This includes working with local suppliers, supporting artisans, creating employment opportunities, and investing in regional heritage. In some cases, events can also contribute to environmental or social initiatives, leaving a positive legacy that extends beyond the event itself.