Once driven mainly by luxury, exclusivity and entertainment value, many corporate hospitality clients are now prioritising environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance as part of their event strategies. From the food served to the venues selected, sustainability can be a core decision-making factor for organisations looking to host memorable, responsible events. For event professionals attending the Event Organisers Summit, this shift is transforming what ‘great hospitality’ looks like, creating new expectations around transparency, innovation and accountability…
Carbon-Conscious Catering Moves to Centre Stage
Catering is one of the largest contributors to an event’s carbon footprint, and clients are increasingly demanding menus that reflect sustainable values without compromising quality.
Leading hospitality teams are responding with:
- Plant-forward menus that reduce emissions while offering creative, gourmet dishes
- Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to cut food miles
- Certified sustainable seafood and ethically sourced meats
- Zero-waste kitchen initiatives using whole-produce cooking and composting
- Carbon-labelled menus allowing guests and clients to understand their impact
Sustainability is no longer the ‘alternative menu option’, it’s becoming the standard.
Venues Under Pressure to Demonstrate Green Credentials
Venue choice is now one of the biggest levers for reducing event impact. Corporate clients, especially in finance, technology and professional services, increasingly require evidence of:
- Renewable energy use
- LED and energy-efficient lighting systems
- Robust recycling and waste management plans
- Water-saving technologies
- Sustainable procurement policies
- Verified carbon reporting
As a result, venues with strong environmental certifications (BREEAM, ISO 20121, Green Tourism) are rising to the top of the shortlist.
Some venues now provide post-event carbon impact reports, which are quickly becoming an expectation rather than an added extra.
Ethical Supply Chains and Social Impact Matter More Than Ever
Corporate hospitality is not just judged on environmental performance, it’s also evaluated on social and ethical factors. Clients increasingly look for suppliers who demonstrate:
- Fair employment practices
- Local community engagement
- Diversity and inclusion commitments
- Ethical sourcing from minority-led or social enterprises
Event organisers are building broader ESG narratives into their hospitality packages to support clients’ corporate values.
A New Era of Hospitality: Responsible, Transparent, Impactful
The move toward sustainable corporate hospitality is reshaping the industry, elevating providers who can blend exceptional guest experiences with measurable ESG outcomes. For event management professionals, success in 2026 means embracing a mindset where hospitality is not just enjoyable, but accountable, ethical and future-focused.
Corporate clients aren’t just hosting events anymore. They’re demonstrating values. And hospitality teams who help them do that will lead the next era of the industry.
Are you looking for Hospitality solutions for your upcoming projects? The Event Organisers Summit can help!
Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash
