Conventa Meet 2026 advances sustainability through measurable impact

Conventa Meet 2026 has reinforced its position as one of the leading sustainable trade shows in New Europe’s events industry by once again introducing measurable sustainability practices, transparent impact assessment and regenerative event methodologies. This year’s edition marked an important step forward in Conventa’s long-term sustainability development, while also hosting the inaugural SWITCH, a new conference dedicated to climate action, ESG topics, and the future of sustainable event organising.

From 10 to 12 February 2026, Conventa transformed Ljubljana into a vibrant meeting point, weaving sustainable solutions into every step of the attendee experience. Using the Planet Positive Event methodology, organisers tracked both environmental and social impacts, and rolled out creative initiatives to reduce waste, promote eco-friendly travel, and deepen ties with local partners.

• The event’s total carbon footprint increased slightly from approximately 114.7 tonnes CO2 in 2025 to 118 tonnes of CO2 in 2026 (+2.9%).
• Attendee mobility remained the largest source of emissions in both editions, accounting for 56.9% of total emissions in 2026, excluding the SWITCH mobility.
• Conventa continued to shine as a frontrunner among sustainable boutique trade shows in New Europe, setting new standards for the region.

Sustainable mobility and reducing unnecessary waste

A key sustainability highlight at Conventa Meet 2026 was inspiring attendees to explore Ljubljana on foot. With the main venue set in the city’s heart, walking became the natural choice. Participants received handy guides with walking distances, step counts, and even estimated calories burned, turning each saunter between hotels and event spaces into an opportunity to discover the city while reducing their carbon footprint.

Mobility nevertheless remains one of the key sustainability challenges for international events, representing 56.94% of Conventa’s preliminary measured carbon footprint and 57.44% of SWITCH’s footprint.

Partnering with Grand Hotel Union, Conventa encouraged guests to refill reusable water bottles at dedicated stations, with glass bottles on hand for anyone without their own. The event championed responsible consumption and close collaboration with local suppliers. Nearly every material, product, and service was locally sourced, and event equipment like signage, stands, tablets, and computers found new life through reuse, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to a circular event philosophy.

Sustainability measures also extended to catering and food management. Food quantities were carefully planned to minimise unnecessary surplus, while Jezeršek Catering implemented food-waste monitoring during the Meetings Star award ceremony at Cankarjev Dom.

“At Conventa Meet 2026, sustainability felt like part of the event, not an extra topic.”

Conventa 2026 also put attendee well-being and inclusivity in the spotlight. In partnership with Calm Nest Collective, organisers created a tranquil corner at the main venue, offering participants a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge during the event.

“At Conventa Meet 2026, sustainability felt like part of the event, not an extra topic. From the choices made behind the scenes to the experience on site, it showed how events can be more responsible, thoughtful, and connected to the place they happen in,” said Francisca Flajs, Green Manager, Planet Positive Event.

A standout feature of this year’s sustainability programme was SWITCH by Planet Positive Event, a brand-new conference that kicked off Conventa Meet 2026. SWITCH was dedicated to all things sustainability in event organising, from climate action and ESG to the future of regenerative gatherings. Through hands-on examples and lively discussions, SWITCH delved into carbon footprint tracking, circular event production, sustainable mobility, smart resource management, and honest sustainability communication.

SWITCH’s advent also brought sustainability to life with practical solutions: no single-use plastics, water in reusable cups, locally sourced products and services, and a fully vegan menu. Attendees explored the SWITCH Lab, where they compared the carbon footprints of various materials, connected with sustainable exhibitors, and calculated their own event footprint using an interactive touchscreen.

“It was inspiring to bring together people who see sustainability not as a trend, but as the future standard for how events should be organised.”

SWITCH also highlighted the social dimension of sustainability. The event featured a balanced speaker line-up of seven women and five men, while 90% of the organising team were women.

“The first edition of SWITCH showed that sustainability in the meetings and events industry is no longer just a conversation, but something that can be implemented through real actions, collaboration and shared responsibility. It was inspiring to bring together people who see sustainability not as a trend, but as the future standard for how events should be organised. We see SWITCH as just the beginning of a much broader movement towards more responsible and meaningful events,” commented Aleksandra Petrovska, Project Manager, Planet Positive Event.

Conventa’s journey toward sustainability has gained remarkable momentum in recent years. Since 2022, organisers have tracked the event’s environmental impact with precision, all while expanding hands-on sustainability initiatives, forging new local partnerships, and pioneering regenerative event solutions.

Through initiatives such as SWITCH and the integration of measurable sustainability practices into the event itself, Conventa continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading platforms for the future development of sustainable meetings and events in the region.

Learn more about Planet Positive Event here.