Church House Westminster has announced a new ESG initiative for 2026 that will see the London venue eliminate all gifts and branded merchandise at exhibitions and redirect 100% of the savings to a local charity.
The Grade II listed Westminster venue spent approximately £6,000 on merchandising in 2025. Under the new commitment, that budget will instead be donated, aligning with its wider sustainability goals and community engagement strategy.
The move reflects a broader shift within the events industry, where delegate expectations around branded giveaways are evolving. Increasingly, attendees and organisers are questioning the environmental impact of promotional merchandise, particularly single-use or low-value items.
For event management professionals, the decision signals a growing focus on experience-led value and measurable ESG outcomes over traditional exhibition tactics.
Alongside the merchandising pledge, Church House Westminster is introducing quarterly ESG-themed client competitions designed to encourage more sustainable event choices. Clients who make a sustainability commitment, such as opting for a fully plant-based menu or going paperless with digital event collateral, will be entered into a prize draw. For the winning event, the venue will donate £1 to charity for every attending delegate.
Marina Papadopoulou, Head of Business Development and Marketing at Church House Westminster, said the initiative represents a natural evolution of the venue’s sustainability commitments.
“As both gifting and accepting promotional items can be at odds with a company’s green credentials, we’re excited to see the big impact a small change like this can make and hope it sets a new benchmark for the industry going forwards. This initiative recognises that the most valuable thing we can offer as a venue isn’t something physical that attendees can take away with them, but rather the experience we offer them and positive legacy their event creates.”
Church House Westminster hosts more than 800 events annually, ranging from conferences and award ceremonies to product launches and receptions. With 19 event spaces and capacity for up to 664 guests, the venue has positioned sustainability and community impact as central to its long-term strategy.
