Net Zero Carbon Events Academy launch: Building climate skills for the business events industry
The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative and the Global Destination Sustainability-Movement (GDS-Movement) launch a new global training program to accelerate climate action across the events value chain
Rising energy volatility, alongside growing regulatory pressure and scrutiny of sustainability claims, is reshaping how events are planned and delivered. As expectations increase, the global events industry faces mounting pressure to reduce carbon emissions. However, a persistent climate skills gap continues to slow meaningful progress.
In response, GDS-Movement and JMIC have developed the Net Zero Carbon Events Academy, a global training program endorsed by and aligned with the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative. Designed for event professionals, the Academy provides practical knowledge, tools and confidence to turn net zero commitments into measurable action, supported by clear and credible communication.
“The current energy and climate context is a wake-up call for the industry,” said Guy Bigwood, CEO, GDS-Movement. “Volatility in fossil fuel markets is exposing the risks of business as usual and accelerating the shift toward energy efficiency, renewable energy, and more local, circular supply chains. At the same time, many organizations still lack the skills needed to act. This Academy is about bridging that gap—moving from ambition to capability, and from carbon commitments to real, lasting change.”
Bridging the industry’s climate skills gap
With growing demand for more sustainable events and no standardized, globally recognized training pathways, the sector faces a clear capability challenge. The Academy responds with a structured learning pathway that supports professionals at every stage of their sustainability journey, from entry-level practitioners to senior leaders.
The program focuses on real-world event delivery through applied learning. Participants build skills in climate literacy, carbon measurement, net zero event planning, stakeholder engagement, reporting and leadership. This enables organizations to embed sustainability into everyday decision-making.
A globally aligned, tiered learning pathway
Aligned with the eight Net Zero Carbon Events workstreams, the Academy reinforces existing global frameworks and industry commitments. Its tiered structure supports progression from foundational knowledge to strategic leadership.
The program is delivered across three levels:
- Net Zero Beginner, building core climate literacy and sustainability understanding
- Net Zero Practitioner, applying carbon measurement and emissions-reduction strategies
- Net Zero Certified Leader, enabling organizational and supply chain transformation
Flexible delivery formats—including online, in-person and hybrid learning—ensure accessibility across regions, roles and organizational sizes.
Alexander Alles, Executive Director, JMIC said, "The events industry has made bold commitments on climate action; now we have a structured and systematic framework to build the skills to deliver on them. The Net Zero Carbon Events Academy gives professionals everywhere the tools and knowledge to move into practice. This is how we turn a global initiative into real-world impact."
Supporting credible action in a changing policy and market landscape
As EU and global regulations, green-claims legislation and corporate reporting requirements continue to evolve, event professionals face increasing pressure to demonstrate transparent and credible climate action. The Academy strengthens both technical capability and leadership skills, helping organizations respond with clarity and confidence.
Supporting partners
The launch of the Net Zero Carbon Events Academy is supported by the Macau Fair & Trade Association (MFTA) and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), reflecting growing global commitment to building climate capability across destinations and event communities. MFTA will host the Academy’s first courses in June 2026.
“Building climate capability is essential for the future competitiveness and resilience of our industry,” said Dr. Supawan Teerarat, President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). “By investing in knowledge development, collaboration and standards, TCEB is supporting our sector in reducing emissions while creating more sustainable and future-ready events. We are proud to support the Net Zero Carbon Events Academy as a platform for accelerating this transition globally.”
A collaborative global initiative
The partnership between JMIC and GDS-Movement reflects a shared commitment to accelerating climate action through skills development, collaboration and systems-level change.
Call to participate
The Academy invites organizations, destinations and associations to engage as partners, sponsors, pilot program organizers or hosts of local training hubs—helping scale impact and embed net zero capability across the global events industry.
GDS-Movement
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