How do you move from commitment to delivery at scale? The Net Zero Carbon Events Academy provides the answer through structured, globally aligned learning. It strengthens climate literacy, builds technical expertise, and embeds sustainability into decision-making. Delivered across flexible formats, the programme supports professionals at every level, from emerging practitioners to senior leaders driving organisational transformation.

20 May 2026

Net Zero Carbon Events Academy Launch: Building Climate Skills for the Business Events Industry

Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement), endorsed by and aligned with the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative, launch new global training programme to accelerate climate action across the events value chain.

Rising energy volatility and increasing regulatory pressure and scrutiny around sustainability claims are reshaping how events are planned and delivered. The global events industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon emissions, but a critical climate skills gap continues to slow progress.

In response, the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) announce the launch of the Net Zero Carbon Events Academy, a global training programme endorsed by and aligned with the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative.

Designed for events professionals, the academy equips organisations and individuals with the practical knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to turn net zero commitments into measurable action supported by credible communication.

“The current energy and climate context is a wake-up call for the industry,” said Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement. “Volatility in fossil fuel markets is exposing the risks of business-as-usual and accelerating the shift towards energy efficiency, renewable energy, and more local, circular supply chains. At the same time, many organisations do not yet have the skills to act. This academy is about bridging that gap, moving from ambition to capability, and from carbon emissions’ commitments to real, lasting change.”

Bridging the Industry’s Climate Skills Gap

With growing demand for more sustainable events and a lack of standardised, globally recognised 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 programme focuses on real-world event delivery through applied learning. Participants build capabilities in climate literacy, carbon measurement, net zero event planning, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and leadership, enabling organisations to strategically embed sustainability into everyday all 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. It follows a tiered structure that enables progression from fundamental knowledge to strategic leadership.

The programme is delivered through three levels:

• Net Zero Beginner, building core climate literacy and sustainability understanding
• Net Zero Practitioner, applying carbon measurement and reduction strategies
• Net Zero Certified Leader, enabling organisational and supply chain transformation

Flexible delivery formats include online, in-person, and hybrid learning to ensure accessibility across regions and roles.

Alexander Alles, JMIC Executive Director says: “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 expectations evolve, event professionals face increasing pressure to demonstrate transparent and credible climate action. The academy strengthens both technical capability and leadership skills, helping organisations 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 ecosystems. MFTA will host the first academy courses of the academy 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 organisations, destinations, and associations to engage as partners, sponsors, pilot programme organisers, or hosts of local training hubs, helping scale impact and embed net zero capability across global event ecosystems.

ENDS

About

About GDS-Movement

The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that catalyses socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions worldwide. Its mission is to empower tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in. Discover more at www.gds.earth.

About JMIC

The JMIC is the global umbrella organisation for the meetings and events industry, representing international associations and stakeholders across the sector. JMIC provides a unified voice for the industry, advocating for its economic and social value while supporting collaboration, knowledge sharing and strategic alignment. Discover more at www.themeetingsindustry.org