MaReSz’s Sustainable Event Planning Guide has been published

The gap-filling knowledge material, prepared with broad professional cooperation and the involvement of numerous experts, was reviewed by experts from the Budapest University of Economics and the University of Pannonia.

The research prior to the preparation of the MaReSZ Guide – which examined the relationship between the domestic event industry and sustainability – pointed out that the majority of those operating in the sector still identify sustainability with environmental protection and are not familiar with any sustainability certification system. The majority are already dealing with the requirements of the Hungarian ESG Act and many also indicated that they also rely on professional background materials and specialist books to expand their knowledge.

International trends and literature sources make it clear that the interpretation of sustainability in the global event industry is no longer limited to reducing the environmental footprint: social and economic dimensions are also increasingly being addressed – however, this is even less evident in Hungarian practice.

“So far, no comprehensive event professional material has been produced in Hungary that would present all three pillars of the ESG framework in an integrated manner and would help event organizers navigate the legal environment and the relevant standards and certificates. This lack gave rise to the Sustainable Event Organization Guide, written by the Association of Hungarian Event Organizers and Service Providers, which approaches the issue of sustainability in a complex way and contributes to the spread of ESG-based thinking in the event sector.” – emphasized Balázs Szűcs, Secretary General of MaReSz.

Theoretical part

The theoretical part of the MaReSz Sustainable Event Management Guide briefly introduces concepts relevant to the event industry, international and domestic guidelines, legislation, as well as the most important standards and certificates, with the aim of helping companies operating in the event industry navigate the topic of corporate sustainability. The connections between the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Hungarian ESG Act are explained from the perspective of companies operating in the sector, while at the same time giving examples of how companies can incorporate a sustainability approach into their activities and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The Guide specifically addresses the support tools that the government provides to SMEs to prepare for ESG compliance.

In the chapter entitled International and national sustainability standards and certifications in event management, the document deals with standards and certifications that are also relevant to the Hungarian event industry.

The sustainability standard system developed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) for the MICE sector, the GSTC MICE Standard, is presented in particular, and the official Hungarian version of which was prepared by MaReSz – as a partner of GSTC.

GSTC representative Michelle Janke, at the joint invitation of MaReSz and Visit Hungary, participated in the Tourism Summit Budapest 2025 conference on October 15, where she announced that the official Hungarian translation of the GSTC MICE Standard – which also serves as a guide for the sustainable operation of the Hungarian events industry – is now available on the organization’s website.

The relevant GSTC press release can be read by clicking here.

Practical part

In the practical part of the MaReSz Sustainable Event Management Guide, edited by the sustainable event agency HighVibes, experts and renowned representatives of the business event industry introduce interested parties to their sustainability practices and motivations, while numerous examples and good practices also help MICE community members on the path to sustainable event management. We can learn the basics through the 6R model of event management, the application and proper documentation of which clearly shows the saved production quantities and costs, as well as how much harmful emissions are reduced.