Sustainability in Trade Shows with Informa's Head of Sustainability Ben Wielgus

In Episode 70 of Trade Show Talk, Host Danica Tormohlen speaks with Ben Welgus, Head of Sustainability at Informa, about the evolving landscape of sustainability in the trade show industry. They discuss the successes and challenges faced in 2025, the launch of the Better Stands initiative, and the goals for 2026, including the importance of achieving net zero emissions. The conversation highlights the significance of sustainability in enhancing business value and the need for industry-wide collaboration to create a positive impact. In our monthly advocacy update, we talk with Tommy Goodwin, Executive VP for the Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance. They discuss ECA’s policy agenda for 2026, including an update on tariffs, international travel and the new Global Policy Forum planned for May in Washington, D.C.  

Key Takeaways 

The Faster Forward program aims for zero carbon and zero waste. 

Better Stands initiative promotes reusable exhibition stands. 

Exhibitors, particularly those outside of the U.S.. are motivated by recognition in sustainability efforts. More than 1,000 exhibitors in Europe have been recognized by the Better Stands initiative. 

Net zero goals require significant carbon emission reductions. 

Sustainability is becoming embedded in business practices. 

Informa has reduced carbon emission by 80% in the last decade. 

Natural Products Expo West, winner of the TSNN Sustainability Award in December 2025, exemplifies comprehensive sustainability efforts. 

Investing in renewable energy is crucial for sustainability. 

Tariffs and international travel remain key policy issues for ECA in 2026.  

New Global Policy Forum launches May 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C.

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Trade Shows 

04:06 Reflecting on 2025: Wins and Challenges 

05:55 Unpacking the Faster Forward Program 

08:00 Looking Ahead: Sustainability Goals for 2026 

09:51 The Game-Changer: Better Stands Initiative 

15:29 Net Zero Goals: Current Status and Challenges 

25:44 Sustainability in Business: Reality vs. Perception 

30:48 Celebrating Success: Natural Products Expo West 

33:20 Getting to Know Ben Welgus 

36:27 Future Trends in Sustainability for 2026 

40:26 Tommy Goodwin's Policy Agenda for 2026 

45:00 Global Policy Forum and Future Trends 

 

Guest bios

Ben Wielgus, Head of Sustainability, Informa plc

A 25 year veteran of sustainability in large corporates, Ben Wielgus joined Informa in spring 2016 in the newly created Head of Sustainability role. His briefing: to create a competitive advantage from sustainability, building stronger relationships with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders. In 2023, he was short-listed as Sustainability Leader of the Year in the EDIE awards.

Over the last 10 years, FTSE100 member Informa has repeatedly been recognised as one of the most improved businesses in sustainability and is currently listed in the top 1% of sustainable media business according to Dow Jones and MSCI. In 2020, Informa launched its FasterForward sustainability programme setting out an ambitious set of goals to become a zero carbon, zero waste business where sustainability is embedded within each of its products. Informa’s multi award-winning Sustainable Event Fundamentals are now being used across more than 500 events globally.

Before joining Informa, Ben spent nearly 15 years working as part of KPMG’s Sustainability Advisory Group.  He was responsible for leading dozens of engagements working with senior audiences in large, global organisations helping them understand how sustainability can be an asset that returns on the investment in it rather than acts as a cost. 

Ben specialises in helping organisations understand how the risks and opportunities from sustainability can affect an organisation’s overall strategy.  He works with them to build suitable governance and embed responses to the challenges.

About Informa: Informa is a leading business intelligence, academic publishing, knowledge and events business, operating in the Knowledge and Information Economy. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100.

Tommy Goodwin, Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance

Tommy Goodwin is Executive Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the advocacy association for the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s work on behalf of the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, event and meeting organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the global business events landscape.

Prior to joining ECA, Tommy spent more than 20 years working for several globally recognized associations and corporations, including Oracle, AARP, and the Project Management Institute.

Recognized by The Hill in its list of association "Top Lobbyists" every year since 2020, Tommy has also received several industry awards including:

• CEO Update/Association Trends: Leading Association Lobbyist (2023)

• American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): ASAE Fellow (2022)

• DCA Live: Association Innovation Leader (2022)

• Trade Show news Network: Industry Support Award (2022)

• MeetingsNet: Changemaker (2022)

  Podcast Host Bio: Danica Tormohlen

  An award-winning journalist who has covered the trade show industry since 1994, Danica Tormohlen is VP of Group Content, Meetings, Sports, Travel for Informa Connect. In her role, she oversees content for Trade Show News Network, Corporate Event News, BizBash and Connect's portfolio of in-person events. These leading media brands publish websites, newsletters, social media channels, video, podcasts and online and in-person programming for the trade show, corporate event, association meeting, experiential marketing and exhibition industries. 

  Tormohlen currently serves as immediate past president of the Women in Exhibitions Network North America chapter. She has been a speaker and moderator at major industry events, including the TSNN Awards, IMEX, IAEE, SISO, UFI, ESCA, DI and Large Show Roundtable — to name a few.