At the first-ever SITE GB Supper Club, industry leaders gathered over dinner at the 1 Hotel Mayfair in London to discuss the trends shaping sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the world of events and incentive travel.

The conversation covered everything from food and beverage innovation to destination selection, carbon tracking, and the evolution of sustainable luxury.

Here are a few key takeaways from the evening…

1. Moving Beyond the Buzzwords: Making Sustainability Meaningful

The discussion began by addressing the reality of sustainability in events—is it truly being integrated into corporate strategies, or is it still seen as a trend? The consensus was clear: sustainability is no longer optional. While certifications like B Corp and Green Key help set benchmarks, true progress comes from authentic action and long-term commitment rather than simply ticking boxes.

2. Food & Beverage: Thinking Beyond the Plate

Sustainability in events often focuses on food waste reduction and plant-based menus, but an unexpected takeaway was the impact of beverages. Packaging, transportation, and sourcing play a major role in carbon emissions. While plant-based menus gained popularity in recent years, many attendees noted a shift back to local, ethically sourced ingredients—proving that proximity and production matter just as much as the menu itself.

3. Destination Selection: Sustainability Beyond the Hotel

Choosing a sustainable event venue goes beyond the hotel—the destination itself matters. While some locations are leaders in sustainable tourism, others face challenges due to infrastructure, local policies, and economic reliance on tourism. The group agreed that sustainability should not mean avoiding developing destinations, but rather supporting responsible tourism through local employment, ethical sourcing, and fair-trade practices.

4. Carbon Tracking & Legislation: The Industry’s Biggest Challenge

One of the most pressing challenges discussed was the lack of standardised sustainability metrics across the events industry. While some agencies offer carbon tracking and reporting as part of their proposals, there is no universal framework to compare hotels, DMCs, or venues. With 2026 set to bring more corporate accountability and government legislation, the need for clear measurement tools and benchmarks has never been greater.

5. Sustainable Luxury: Redefining High-End Incentives

Luxury incentives are evolving. In the past, high-end experiences often meant private jets and exclusive resorts, but now, authentic cultural experiences and environmental consciousness are shaping luxury travel. Companies are rethinking their incentive strategies, balancing long-haul travel with meaningful, lower-carbon experiences on the ground—for example, choosing a high-end eco-lodge in Vietnam over a traditional luxury resort in Europe.

6. Bleisure & Extended Stays: A Sustainability Opportunity?

A growing trend in corporate travel is “bleisure”—blending business and leisure travel. Many attendees noted that employees are extending their stays around conferences and incentives, which reduces the need for additional flights. While not the primary driver, this trend presents an opportunity to optimise travel and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

7. Education & Accountability: The Future of Sustainable Events

Looking ahead, education was highlighted as the most critical factor in advancing sustainability. Clients often rely on agencies for guidance, meaning industry professionals have a responsibility to lead the conversation. Whether through internal training, supplier engagement, or clearer ROI metrics, the focus must shift from simply offering sustainable options to making them the standard.