The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and GDS-Movement have launched the Net Zero Carbon Events Academy, a global training programme designed to close the business events sector’s critical climate skills gap.
Endorsed by the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative, the academy provides a structured, tiered learning pathway to help event professionals navigate rising energy volatility and tightening global regulations around greenwashing.
The curriculum is aligned with the eight Net Zero Carbon Events work streams and spans three competency levels. Net Zero Beginner builds core climate literacy and sustainability understanding; Net Zero Practitioner applies carbon measurement and reduction strategies; and Net Zero Certified Leader enables organisational and supply chain transformation.
“Volatility in fossil fuel markets is exposing the risks of business-as-usual and accelerating the shift towards energy efficiency, renewable energy, and more local, circular supply chains,” said Guy Bigwood, CEO of GDS-Movement.
“At the same time, many organisations do not yet have the skills to act. This academy is about bridging that gap, moving from ambition to capability, and from carbon emissions’ commitments to real, lasting change.”
The initiative has secured early backing from regional destination agencies. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has signed on as a supporting partner, while the Macau Fair & Trade Association will host the academy’s inaugural courses in June 2026.
Alexander Alles, JMIC executive director, said: “The events industry has made bold commitments on climate action; now we have a structured and systematic framework to build the skills to deliver on them.”
