Event industry sustainability body isla has announced it will close its membership programme at the end of 2025 to focus on “strategic action at scale to drive positive sustainability impact”.
In a statement released today (14 August), CEO Anna Abdelnoor said: “From the very beginning, isla has been about the Mission – driving systemic change in the events industry to create a low-carbon, circular sector that thrives within the limits of our planet.
“Today, our industry faces more acute intersecting pressures – rising costs, supply chain volatility, shrinking margins, talent shortages, AI-anxiety – all against a backdrop of geopolitical instability. These are not isolated issues; they have deep sustainability implications across the sector.”
She said that while the isla community has made real progress together since 2020, including the launch of the TRACE carbon measurement platform and proseed best practice framework, there is still significant progress to be made.
“True leadership requires us to take stock and re-adjust strategies to deliver better outcomes. The strategies that worked five years ago are not the strategies we need today. That’s why 2025 will be the final year of the isla Membership programme, and with it the beginning of a new chapter for isla,” she continued.
“Our Mission hasn’t changed, nor has our commitment – to lead the work that moves the dial for the sector. In the near term, that means prioritising TRACE – setting the standard for credible carbon measurement, ensuring consistency in reporting, and turning data into actionable insights that guide industry-wide change.”
Abdelnoor said that isla’s next chapter will be about acting on those insights to deliver impact at scale.
“We are deeply grateful to every member, partner, and supporter who has walked this journey with us so far. Your commitment, ideas, and energy have shaped isla – and they will continue to shape the future we build together. An action-driven community remains central to how we work. In the months ahead, we’ll invite the sector into consultation to co-design isla’s next phase.
You can register for the first webinar taking place on 18 August here