In recognition of its efforts to transform itself into a sustainable event business, Messe Frankfurt has received the AEO Excellence Award 2023 in the Best Sustainability Initiative category.
Every year, the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) in the UK presents its AEO Excellence Awards for outstanding performance in the event sector. The association represents the UK target market, which is of particular importance for Messe Frankfurt as a venue operator in the Locations business field. AEO members organise events in and outside the UK. As Uwe Behm, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt, explains: “This award underlines the transparent and professional way we deal with the key issue of sustainability when playing host to other trade fair, congress and event companies. We are proud to be singled out in this way, especially given the highly competitive nature of the event market. The competitors were high-calibre and there were eight other renowned companies on the shortlist.”
The panel of judges had praise for the company’s fine work, excellent statistics and long-term sustainability projects. As one of the world’s leading trade fair organisers with its own exhibition grounds that also plays host to around 250 guest events every year, Messe Frankfurt has firmly established sustainability as a central pillar in its corporate strategy. With a comprehensive sustainability strategy and a long-term plan of action, Messe Frankfurt has ushered in a transformation process aiming to reduce the event industry’s carbon footprint.
In past years, the Group has undertaken a series of voluntary commitments relating to sustainability, such as the United Nations Global Compact, the Charter of Diversity and the ‘fairpflichtet’ sustainability code. In 2022, Messe Frankfurt completed an ESG rating (Environmental, Social and Governance) for the first time and was awarded a bronze medal. As well as supporting the sustainability initiatives of sector associations AUMA and UFI, the company has signed the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge. By the end of 2023, Messe Frankfurt wants to be the first company in the German trade fair sector to secure a certificate from environmental management system Eco Management & Audit Scheme (EMAS).
