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Maritz Activate 2026 earns Silver sustainability certification
Maritz’s Activate 2026 event has been awarded Silver sustainability certification under the Events Industry Council’s standards. The announcement came in November 2026 and applies to all participants, partners and sponsors involved with the event.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Activate 2026 upgraded from Bronze to Silver sustainability certification
- Timing
- Certification announced in November 2026
- Who is affected
- Event attendees, partners and sponsors of Activate 2026
The details
- Previous rule
- Activate 2025 received Bronze certification, marking the event’s first EIC sustainability recognition.
- New rule
- Activate 2026 now holds Silver certification, reflecting expanded sustainable practices across the event.
Silver certification awarded
Maritz announced that its annual Activate 2026 conference has achieved Silver level certification under the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards. The milestone follows a Bronze rating earned for Activate 2025, demonstrating a year‑on‑year improvement in environmental and social performance.
- Silver status indicates compliance with a broader set of sustainability criteria
- Recognition was granted after an independent audit by the Alliance for Audited Media
EIC Sustainable Event Standards
The Events Industry Council developed its Sustainable Event Standards through a global collaborative process involving experts from all sectors. The framework guides event organisers in organisational management, marketing, climate action, water stewardship, material circularity, supply‑chain oversight, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility and social impact.
- Standards provide measurable targets for environmental and social responsibility
- They enable event professionals to assess progress at each planning stage
Verification and partner contributions
The Alliance for Audited Media performed the third‑party verification that confirmed Activate 2026 met the Event Organiser standard at the Silver level. Maritz also highlighted the role of its partners—including Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, Visit Orlando, Experience Kissimmee, Cohera, Hello! Destination Management and PRA Events, Inc.—in implementing sustainable measures throughout design and planning.
- Partner collaboration helped embed sustainability into venue selection and logistics
- Independent audit ensured objective assessment of the event’s practices
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing bookings for Activate 2026 remain valid; no changes to registration deadlines are required.
- Attendees can expect more visible sustainability initiatives during the event, such as waste reduction stations and carbon‑offset options.
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are introduced for participants as a result of the Silver certification.
- Travelers do not need to submit new documentation related to the certification status.
What you need to do
- Monitor event communications for any new sustainability‑focused sessions or activities.
- Consider opting into any optional carbon‑offset programs offered by the organisers.
Who this affects
-
Activate 2026 attendees
The event’s certification level directly influences the experience and sustainability features available to participants.
-
Maritz supplier partners
Partners contributed to meeting the standards required for Silver certification.
-
Event sponsors
Sponsorship visibility is linked to the event’s recognised sustainability credentials.
Frequently asked questions
What does Silver certification mean for Activate 2026?
Silver certification indicates that Activate 2026 meets a higher tier of the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards, covering expanded criteria such as climate action, water management and social impact.
How does the Silver level differ from Bronze for the event?
The Silver level requires compliance with additional and more stringent sustainability measures than Bronze, reflecting deeper integration of environmental and social practices throughout event planning and execution.
Who granted the Silver certification to Activate 2026?
The certification was awarded by the Events Industry Council after an independent audit conducted by the Alliance for Audited Media confirmed compliance with the Event Organiser standard.
Will the certification affect ticket prices for attendees?
No, the announcement does not introduce any new fees or price changes for participants; ticket costs remain as previously published.
Are there any new sustainability activities for attendees to expect?
Attendees can anticipate enhanced sustainable features such as increased recycling options, carbon‑offset opportunities and sessions focused on environmental best practices, reflecting the Silver certification requirements.
