Planning an event involves decisions that extend beyond what guests see. A 2026 study from the Events Industry Council and Oxford Economics found that business events generated $1.3 trillion in direct spending worldwide in 2025. While that figure covers a broader sector than luxury events, it highlights the scale of purchasing involved and the opportunity to consider how those resources are used.
Sustainability frameworks offer guidance for approaching those decisions. ISO 20121:2024 addresses environmental, social, and economic considerations across event planning and delivery. But applying these principles across markets requires an understanding of regional differences. Europe's sustainability landscape differs from that of the U.S., creating distinct business opportunities within the event industry that can adapt to local expectations.