Sustainability at Convening Leaders 2026
At Convening Leaders 2026, sustainability isn’t a side initiative—it’s central to how we honor our legacy, drive momentum, and foster unity. As the business events industry transforms, we’re committed to evolving with intention—rethinking how we design, produce, and experience events.
PCMA achieved Platinum status in the EIC Sustainable Events Standards in 2025, and this year, we’re aiming to build on that achievement. Our goal is clear: to model what’s possible and show that sustainable progress can be both ambitious and achievable.
Explore how we’re leading with purpose:
commitment
Understand PCMA’s passionate commitment to sustainability.​​
We believe sustainability is not just a responsibility—it’s a driver of long-term industry resilience. PCMA is shaping a future where business events champion environmental stewardship and social progress. Through bold action and a mindset of continuous evolution, we’re showcasing what a sustainability-by-design approach can achieve.​​
PCMA is committed to leading the global community forward through the creation of platforms and environments that will:​
- Drive sustainability leadership ​
- Advocate for and showcase the importance of a Sustainability by Design approach ​
- Rethink our industry’s production, operations and revenue models
PCMA Convening Leaders is committed to striving to reduce environmental impacts that lead to carbon emissions.
PCMA is committed to employing carbon reduction solutions when planning the programs and initiatives at Convening Leaders and transparently reporting on those emissions that can’t be avoided.
PCMA is committed to influencing the growing business case for investments in sustainability, building trust and confidence to shape a future where every event is a catalyst for sustainability progress and inspiration.​
progress
Learn the actions we’re prioritizing this year to make progress.​
We’re putting sustainable practices into action, from reducing carbon emissions to rethinking signage, sourcing, and serviceware. We’re investing in digital tools, compostable materials, and donation programs to divert waste and support local communities. Every choice reflects our commitment to meaningful, measurable progress.
​Donation Programs:​
Exhibit materials such as furniture and household items will be diverted from the landfill and donated. We will be working with PCC to support food rescue programs to help the community fight food insecurity.
​Composting:​
Serviceware such as plates and bowls are made from sugar cane. Forks, knives and spoons are commercially compostable products made from 100% U.S. grown corn.​
Waste Stations:
Throughout the convention center you’ll find clearly labeled waste bin systems (recycle and landfill) to maximize clean waste streams.​
Community Impact:​
PCMA supports the location communities which host CL. Scheduled activities to see how you can support the Do Good, Feel Good projects and join us for Party with a Purpose. ​​
Signage:​
Convening Leaders eliminated foam core signage in favor of recyclable and reusable materials like honeycomb substrate long ago. Now we are looking to reduce all printed signage and move to digital through the convention center. ​
Reusables:​
Look for water refill stations throughout the convention center to allow for easy water refill. You won’t find single-use plastic water bottles at our vendors anymore!
​Vendor Procurement and Sustainability Guides:​
We implemented supply vetting systems and provided exhibitors with best practices to reduce the environmental impact of the expo.
Support the Future Professionals:​
PCMA offers the Next Gen Rate to Business Event Organizers and Business Event Suppliers who are early in their career.​
partnership​
Meet the incredible partners helping implement strategies.​
The Pennsylvania Convention Center’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility has been a long-standing priority for our team. As a steward of the public good, our mission is to operate in a manner that leads to the advancement of the Greater Philadelphia region, while also ensuring that every facet of our operations meets the highest sustainability standards.
We’ve partnered with Honeycomb Strategies to manage the sustainability of our event.​
Honeycomb Strategies provides sustainability expertise for live events and venues. We help trade shows, conferences, convention centers, arenas, and organizations identify sustainable solutions, engage stakeholders, develop data management systems and implement programs to measure impact so that events can thrive. From immediate action planning to long-term goals, our work helps clients demonstrate leadership and commitment to environmental and social sustainability. As a women-owned business and accredited B Corporation, Honeycomb Strategies aims to inspire people to see sustainability as both an opportunity and responsibility.
At TerraCycle, our mission is Eliminating the Idea of Waste®. Businesses, government entities, and people like PCMA work with us globally to keep trash out of landfills or from incineration. Through collaboration and innovation, we’ve developed the world’s first solutions in everything from recycling to reuse.
SourceOne Events is supporting Convening Leaders 2026 by reducing environmental impact through smarter material use, efficient builds, and responsible waste management. By coordinating closely with partners and applying decades of production experience, we’re helping deliver a more sustainable, scalable event model without compromising the attendee experience.
As our proud Environmental Partner, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) brings a spirit of innovation and collaboration to the urgent work of addressing climate challenges. For 25 years, BEF has united partners across all sectors to co-create entrepreneurial solutions that restore freshwater ecosystems and accelerate a clean, renewable energy future for all. Designed from the beginning to think differently, BEF is an independent nonprofit with a deep commitment to partnership.
We’re honored to partner with BEF as they continue advancing tangible, lasting solutions for our environment.
exploration
Find out how exhibitors and participants can make an individual impact. ​
We invite exhibitors and participants to take part in this shared journey. From digital handouts and reusable booth materials to plant-based dining choices and recycling right—your actions matter. Together, small steps add up to major change.
​Exhibitors:​
- Create a lasting impact at PCMA CL26 by participating in the PMCA CL26 Sustainability Survey. Small actions like waste reduction, water and energy conservation, and sustainable procurement can make a significant difference when embraced by all exhibitors. Be sure to consult with Source One on your expo orders.​
- We encourage all exhibitors to limit paper waste. Providing information digitally to collect customer contact information for future follow-up is good for business and the environment. Every 8,300 sheets you don’t print saves one tree!​
- Booth and business materials should be reusable at best and recyclable at worst. Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a 100-watt light bulb for 20 hours, a computer for 3 hours, and a TV for 2 hours (Environmental Protection Agency). Talk to Source One early about options for rental furniture and other sustainable materials for your booth build.​​
- For those items that can’t be reused by you, PCMA has partnered with The GRB and Honeycomb Strategies to offer a donation program which will serve the local community. For more details, see the Exhibitor Kit. ​
- Remember to pack in / pack out all materials. You are responsible for disposing of your waste correctly during move in and move out, as well as during your time at the event.​
- If your exhibit provides samples, encourage attendees to forego packaging, or accommodate a reusable bag or cup provided by your patron. ​
- Follow procurement guidelines from show management – for sustainable, reusable and recyclable items:​
- Signage — if you can, use digital signage like an iPad or flatscreen that can be used over and over. If this isn’t an option, print signs on honeycomb substrate or other recycled and recyclable material. Any flyers or cards should also follow this guidance.​
- Swag — consider the gift guide linked here.
​Participants:​
- Recycling Made Simple: Make it matter by using the correct bin when discarding items. Recycling
is single stream, meaning recyclable materials are sorted at the recycling facility. No need to sort your
recycling at the event.​ - Moderate consumption and plant-based foods: Take only what you need at food functions and
choose to eat vegetarian at least one meal per day. This will help reduce carbon emissions associated with food
production.​ - Reuse and Reduce: Bring your favorite reusable water bottle or coffee mug to reduce your waste
and resources footprint.​ - Be energy smart: Remember to turn off lights when leaving your hotel room and participate in
your hotel’s Linen Reuse Program which will conserve water.​ - Alternative Transportation once in Philadelphia:
Walkability: All hotels, except one, are located within a 4-block radius of the Pennsylvania
Convention Center and do not require transportation due to the highly walkable nature of downtown Philadelphia.- Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia Shuttle: The Hotel Palomar is the only exception and
will have a daily shuttle route running from Sunday to Wednesday during conference hours. - Events: Transportation will be provided for the two special evening events:
- PWAP
- Tuesday’s Closing Reception
- Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia Shuttle: The Hotel Palomar is the only exception and
This plan ensures convenient access to the Convention Center while minimizing the environmental impact.
- Mobile App: We’ve loaded all the useful information for the conference, including schedules,
maps, and emergency information onto our mobile app. The app increases convenience and access for essential
materials and decreases the impact of printed materials on the show floor.