Events Industry Council (EIC) has launched its online Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) Programme.

To earn the certificate, event professionals must complete 16 online course modules covering a variety of topics related to sustainability, social impact and event management.

“As the industry that at its core fosters human connections driving both measurable economic and social impact, we have a remarkable opportunity to champion the notion of people, planet and prosperity. By committing to the journey of creating events that reflect these core values we ensure a relevant and resilient future,” said Amy Calvert, CEO, EIC. “This certificate program will inspire and equip professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to produce events that align with their organizational values and with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

The SEPC was initially launched and is still available as an in-person course, but has been updated and expanded to feature interactive, accessible online learning.

Developed by a globally diverse group of business events industry leaders and experts in the areas of sustainability, social impact and event management, the course covers 16 modules that include understanding the business value of sustainability, improving the environmental performance of meetings and events, and effective methods for achieving corporate social impact goals.

The online modules are:

• Sustainability in Events
• Sustainability Frameworks
• Sustainable Event Planning
• Carbon Emissions
• Food and Beverage
• Materials Resource Management
• Exhibitions
• Social Impact and Community Service
• Diversity Equity and Inclusion
• Accessible Events
• Human Trafficking
• Supply Chain Management
• Measurement and Reporting
• Marketing Communication and PR
• Business Case

Event professionals who earn the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate also receive 12 hours of continuing education (CE) credits toward their CMP application or recertification.

The $495USD fee includes access to the full online course and workbook, an SEPC digital badge and 12 CEs. For a limited time, discounts will be available for individuals who currently hold the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate or who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19.

“The events industry will be critical for the achievement of the sustainable development goals, as we foster the connections needed to innovate, collaborate and accelerate action for the goals,” said EIC Board of Directors chair Mark Cooper. “It is a business imperative for us as an industry to operate responsibly, equitably and sustainably.”