Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors have gained significant importance in recent years, with companies, investors and regulatory bodies having increasingly recognised the impact of non-financial risks and opportunities on business results and long-term sustainability. This trend is now extending to the events industry, where the European Union is introducing a regulatory framework in 2025
The DMC Vekol consulting team is bringing an ESG tool specifically designed to measure sustainability in event management to the domestic market for the first time. We spoke with its founder and CEO, Tanja Bogdanov, about the importance of sustainability metrics, new EU regulations and their impact on the events industry.
Why is it important for events to measure and report on sustainability, particularly given the new EU regulations starting in 2025?
— As a leading regional DMC (destination management company) that has hosted the likes of Deutsche Telekom and Walt Disney, and that has organised over 350 major events, we strive to keep pace with modern innovations and global trends.
Starting in 2025, the European Union is expanding its ESG legislation to include mandatory sustainability measurement and reporting across all sectors, including the events industry. This means that organisers will no longer be able to disregard their environmental impact.
Sustainability metrics provide concrete, measurable data that help companies reduce their environmental footprint, comply with regulatory requirements and satisfy the market’s growing demand for transparency and accountability.
What does ESG certification entail, and how does it help clients prepare for future reporting requirements?
— ESG certification confirms that an event has been organised in accordance with the highest sustainability standards. This involves detailed analysis of all aspects of an event—from carbon emissions and waste management, to its broader impact on the local community.
In partnership with international ESG experts, DMC Vekol is introducing a tool that enables the precise measurement of every event’s environmental, social and economic footprint. The Planet Positive ESG audit is a validated self-assessment process that allows companies to build a robust sustainability management system in the first step, which is then sent for verification in the second step.
The Planet Positive ESG audit can also be combined with other corporate business audits. Our team is trained to use this tool at the highest level, ensuring clients not only comply with upcoming regulations, but also optimise their ESG ratings through compensatory measures.
Whether you aim to measure your company’s ESG performance for reporting or support investment decisions, the DMC Vekol team has the expertise to help you achieve your goals. This tool is universally applicable to all events and is available for use by all interested clients.
How do you view the introduction of ESG methodology that’s set to transform the events industry in Serbia and around the region?
— Organisers will need to think long-term and use resources more wisely. This will lead to a qualitative shift across the entire industry, opening doors to international clients seeking partners aligned with their sustainability standards.
This, in turn, will improve Serbia’s reputation as a destination for sustainable events. As pioneers in implementing ESG standards, DMC Vekol offers everyone the opportunity to become part of the new era in the events industry.