Marriott International will support a two-year industry research project by IMEX Group into event sustainability.

The research coincides with IMEX’s talking point for its 2020 and 2021 exhibitions, ‘nature’.

As the exclusive supporter of the studies, Marriott International will provide full backing for what is IMEX’s largest ever research project.

Guy Bigwood, managing director of the Global Destination Sustainability Index, will lead the research efforts and, together with his team, will produce three pieces of research providing tangible insights and hands-on resources to event planners and strategic direction to directors and the C-suite.

IMEX plans to offer the research findings free of charge to industry professionals and supplement the content at IMEX in Frankfurt and IMEX America with education, and activations.

IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer said choosing ‘nature’ as the talking point is a “big, bold step”.

“It’s a rallying cry for us all to do more to save the planet, to protect, conserve and help regenerate natural resources and species,” she said.

“It’s easy to overlook or not even realise the wisdom of nature and how much she has to teach us. Nature can also help us to design events, unlocking creativity and boost our abilities to solve complex challenges and increase event results.”

Tammy Routh, senior vice president of global sales at Marriott International, said the hotel giant is thrilled to support the research.

“It comes as our company deepens its commitment to our sustainability goals, such as reducing landfill waste by 45 percent by 2025,’ she said.

“We look forward to continuing this conversation in the next two years.”

Events industry professionals at all skill levels around the world are encouraged to share their views in an industry benchmarking survey. Take part in the survey here.