isla is a non-profit organisation founded by event professionals and industry leaders focusing on a sustainable future for events.
We’re an independent industry body here to support the events sector transition to a more sustainable future.
Our Story
In December 2019, an idea turned into reality when 12 event agencies gathered to discuss the steps needed to create a more sustainable industry.
The vision to collaboratively address the challenges of the climate crisis and centre sustainability as a 'must have' prompted the creation of an industry-wide and independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the transition to sustainable events. Enter isla.
Due to launch in April 2020, the Coronavirus outbreak created sufficient havoc and forced us to take a pause; looking after our teams and businesses was the foremost priority.
As we slowly return to a different sort of normal and the industry begins its recovery, the virus presents an enormous challenge to the sector for both logistics and sustainability.
Safety and security are clear priorities but the need to create a more sustainable future remains as pressing as ever.
Brands and the public are demanding a green recovery from the crisis and a shift away from the previous build and burn culture of the events industry is essential.
Recognising the need to build back better and keep sustainability on the agenda, the founding member group gathered again in June to continue the work, and elected an advisory board to provide strategy, scrutiny and support in achieving the aims of the organisation.
isla launched in September 2020 with 12 founding agency members.