Evolve Events Wins C&IT Award for Most Sustainable Initiative
Our Go Sustainable Study Trip to Switzerland Recognised as “A True Game-Changer for the Future of Sustainable Events”
We’re thrilled to announce that Evolve Events has won the prestigious C&IT Award for Most Sustainable Initiative for our Go Sustainable study trip to Switzerland, a programme that proved sustainable incentive travel can be exciting, transformative and deliver extraordinary results.
This recognition means the world to our team, our partners and every delegate who joined us on this journey. It validates our validates our position as a leading sustainable event agency and our belief that sustainability doesn’t have to be a compromise but can elevate the entire experience.
What the judges said
The C&IT judges didn’t hold back in their praise, describing our entry as:
“A groundbreaking and inspiring approach to sustainable event planning, demonstrating how sustainability can be seamlessly embedded into every aspect of an event. Far more than a trip, it was a manifesto, a blueprint for the future of the industry, showing what can and should be done.”
They highlighted the programme’s impressive environmental outcomes and the transformative mindset shift experienced by participants:
“This initiative proved that sustainability can be exciting, engaging and transformative… a vital pilot programme that inspires change, demonstrates leadership and is a true game-changer for the future of sustainable events.”
For everyone involved in creating this experience, these words represent exactly what we set out to achieve.
A Movement, Not Just a Trip
The Go Sustainable study trip wasn’t conceived as an awards entry. It was designed as a statement about what the future of incentive travel can be. A community effort. A movement. A practical demonstration that sustainable event planning can be seamlessly woven into every decision, from concept to delivery.
Working in partnership with the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau, the convention bureaus of Zurich and Lucerne, Eurostar, TGV Lyria and Metropolis DMC we brought together 35 UK event professionals for a four-day transformative journey that challenged industry assumptions about sustainable travel.
The question we asked: Can we create an unforgettable incentive experience while achieving massive carbon reductions?
The answer: Absolutely – with over 90% carbon savings compared to flying.
How We Did It: The Journey Became the Event
Low-Carbon Transportation That Inspired
Instead of a two-hour flight, we turned the journey into an integral part of the programme. Delegates travelled from London to Switzerland using only low-carbon transport:
- Eurostar from London to Paris
- TGV Lyria to Switzerland
- Swiss intercity trains
- Cogwheel trains through stunning alpine landscapes
- Lake boats for scenic transfers
This intentional choice resulted in carbon savings of over 90% compared with flying – backed by transparent data and independently validated by event:decision, who awarded the programme a Distinction across 30 ESG criteria.
But here’s what made it truly special: the journey wasn’t just sustainable, it was memorable. Thoughtfully curated moments (an ice-breaker quiz, a vintage tram ride in Zurich, intentional pacing that allowed space to breathe and connect) turned travel time into shared emotional experiences that delegates are still talking about.
Every Detail Designed for Impact
The entire programme embodied responsible practice without sacrificing creativity or guest experience:
- Zero-waste meals with locally sourced seasonal ingredients
- Circular economy workshops that were hands-on and engaging
- Venues accessible by public transport that offered authentic local character
- Reusable materials throughout -no disposables
- Mindful travel kits supporting delegate wellbeing
Delegates didn’t just learn about sustainability in theory; they experienced what it feels like in practice. And that made all the difference.
The Power of Partnership
This award belongs to everyone who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life.
We were honoured to receive this testimonial from Reto Konrad, Head of the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau UK/Ireland:
“One of the standout collaborations was Anna’s key involvement in the ‘Go Sustainable Study Trip’ to Switzerland. Nine months after our initial discussions, a group of 38 MICE professionals travelled by train from London to Switzerland, experiencing the sustainable offerings of Lucerne and Zurich. The goal was to demonstrate that it is not only possible to travel to Switzerland with a group by train, but that the journey itself can become an integral and engaging part of the overall study trip. Thanks to Anna’s commitment, this ambitious concept became a reality.”
“I have come to know Anna as an excellent team player, a great sparring partner, and a highly knowledgeable resource when it comes to sustainability. I can wholeheartedly recommend working with her—her broad expertise and dedication to sustainable practices are truly inspiring.”
His words capture the spirit of collaboration that made this programme -and this award – possible.
What This Win Means for the Industry
The judges summarised it perfectly:
“The approach to transportation, circular economy principles and sustainable venues, combined with strong collaboration between industry partners, sets a standard for how the events industry can evolve.”
“Measured on all fronts, with data-backed impact and careful consideration of real challenges like emissions, this initiative inspires change, demonstrates leadership and is a true game-changer.”
For Evolve Events as a sustainable event agency, this recognition is validation that the MICE industry is ready to embrace a new standard. One where sustainability and exceptional experience aren’t in tension but in harmony.
A Blueprint for What’s Possible
This award celebrates more than one successful programme. It recognises a replicable, scalable blueprint for sustainable incentive travel that MICE buyers can adapt for their own programmes.
The Go Sustainable study trip proved that you can:
✓ Achieve 90%+ carbon reduction without compromising on experience
✓ Turn sustainable choices into memorable, engaging moments
✓ Create meaningful impact backed by validated data
✓ Design travel itself as a valuable part of the programme
✓ Deliver on corporate ESG commitments while exceeding stakeholder expectations
What Comes Next
This award is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, but it’s just the beginning.
We’ll continue to:
- Champion flight-free and low-carbon travel for European and UK incentive programmes
- Design human-centred, responsible events that prioritise wellbeing and connection
- Support MICE buyers who want to create meaningful, measurable impact
- Collaborate with destinations leading the way in sustainable MICE futures
The next chapter of Unrushed Events like Go Sustainable is already taking shape and we’re excited to bring even more MICE buyers and event professionals along for the journey.
Join the Movement
If you’re an event planner looking to align incentive travel with your organisation’s ESG commitments, without compromising on the wow factor, we’d love to talk.
The Go Sustainable study trip proved that sustainability can be exciting, engaging and transformative. Let us show you what’s possible for your next incentive programme.
Contact Evolve Events to explore how we can create an award-worthy sustainable experience tailored to your goals.
About Evolve Events
Evolve Events is an award-winning sustainable event agency specialising in low-impact, high-inspiration incentive travel and corporate events. We design programmes that put people, planet and purpose at the centre, proving that sustainability elevates rather than limits the experience.
Our Go Sustainable study trip to Switzerland won C&IT’s Most Sustainable Initiative Award, demonstrating what happens when you embed sustainability into every decision, from concept to delivery.
Learn more about the Go Sustainable programme and see the full itinerary highlights.