TSNN, IAVM, and Honeycomb Strategies Launch Industry-First Sustainability Benchmarking Platform for Venues
April 22, 2025
In a groundbreaking move for sustainability in the live event space, Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), and Honeycomb Strategies have announced the launch of Venue Sustainalytics—a first-of-its-kind sustainability benchmarking and data intelligence platform purpose-built for venues and event organizers.
Launching officially on Earth Day, April 22, the announcement marks the start of a powerful new collaboration that aims to bring consistency, visibility, and accountability to sustainability efforts across convention centers, stadiums, arenas, performing art centers, and other live event spaces.
“This initiative is a game changer for both venues and event organizers,” said Lindsay Arell, CEO of Honeycomb Strategies. “It delivers consistent, reliable data that helps track environmental impact, benchmark progress, and guide smarter, more sustainable decisions. By standardizing how we measure and report, we not only create transparency but also unlock insights that drive meaningful progress across the live events industry.”
A Platform Built for Progress
The Venue Sustainalytics platform will:
- Offer a user-friendly online dashboard to track environmental performance
- Establish a standardized framework for data collection and reporting
- Produce an annual industry benchmarking report highlighting trends and leaders
- Provide educational resources such as toolkits, webinars, and case studies
- Celebrate excellence through a recognition and awards program
“Event organizers are eager to take action on sustainability, but the industry has lacked a consistent way to compare venues—until now,” said Danica Tormohlen, VP of Group Content, Meetings, Travel & Sports, for Informa Connect, which publishes TSNN. “By launching this data-driven resource with the first-ever industry benchmarking report, this partnership solves that gap and helps event organizers who want to align strategy with impact.”
A United Industry Effort
Each partner brings unique strengths to the collaboration:
- TSNN, the industry’s leading media platform, will drive awareness and recognition through editorial coverage and integration into the TSNN Awards.
- IAVM, as the association partner, will leverage its vast venue network to increase participation and incorporate benchmarking insights into member education and strategy.
- Honeycomb Strategies, a recognized sustainability consultancy, will lead the platform’s development, data analysis, and knowledge-sharing.
“Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. Venue Sustainalytics empowers our members with the data, tools, and industry insights they will need to lead with purpose and transparency,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, IAVM President & CEO. “This collaboration brings the industry together in a unified effort to drive meaningful progress, and we’re proud to support our venues in setting a higher standard for environmental responsibility.
A Long-Term Commitment
The program launches later this spring with a data collection phase running through the end of 2025. The first industry benchmarking report is expected to be released in early 2026, along with the recognition of top-performing venues through dedicated case studies and awards.
The initiative is funded through a combination of partner contributions and sponsorships, with in-kind support from Honeycomb Strategies and Year One funding provided by IAVM. For information about becoming a founding sponsor, contact John Rice, TSNN Director of Sales, at (617) 201-7088 or email: jrice@tsnn.com
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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