The EN Awards 2026 Winners!

This award is proudly sponsored by Indy Expo & Awards

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WINNER: DSEI UK 2025 - Clarion Events

Clarion Defence & Security are the custodians of the brand DSEI, an impressive global defence and security event, with nearly 2,000 exhibitors and 162 sponsors that takes over the whole of London’s ExCel, including ships alongside on the docks and 45,000 UK and International visitors. The event in 2025 was the biggest and most successful to date with more new business and innovative sponsorships activations than ever before, resulting in the strongest rebook ever onsite of a Clarion event.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Packaging Portfolio - Easyfairs

The Packaging Commercial Team has delivered an exceptional year, achieving 26% year-on-year growth and exceeding portfolio targets by 6.9%, despite a challenging market. With beauty, luxury, and premium drinks sectors under pressure, new industry laws and legislation, and competitor events in decline, the team thrived through innovation, strategic thinking, and hard graft. They launched creative initiatives across the portfolio, including Discovery Zones, Full-Service Areas, enhanced Sponsorship offerings, Design Hubs, and many more. Their international, collaborative culture, resilience, and determination have set a new benchmark for the industry, demonstrating what a high-performing commercial team can achieve.

This award is proudly sponsored by Ticket Quarter

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WINNER: Grand Designs Live London 2025 - Media 10

In 2025, Grand Designs Live marked its 20th anniversary by reinventing itself for a new era of homeowners. With changing economic conditions and evolving audience needs, the team made the bold decision to rip up the rulebook and relaunch the show as the All New Grand Designs Live. The event was reimagined from the ground up, with a new four-day format, refreshed floorplan and a carefully curated, high-quality exhibitor mix. New themed Hubs brought together live talks, expert advice and innovative demos, ensuring visitors could find inspiration and practical guidance throughout the show. At the centre stood the Grand House, a London townhouse-style home built live over four days, featuring exhibitor products available to buy or enquire about at the event. The relaunch was supported by a creative, multi-channel marketing campaign that attracted a highly engaged audience of homeowners with active or upcoming projects. Visitors stayed longer, engaged deeply with content and advice, and left confident, informed and inspired. Exhibitors reported high-quality conversations, strong leads and sales. The result was a vibrant Grand Designs Live, fit for the future, reaffirming its position as the destination for anyone planning, building or improving their dream home.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Snowbound Expo - Raccoon Media Group

Snowbound Expo 2025: The ultimate snow sports experience Snowbound Expo 2025 was a milestone year for the East Coast snow sports community. The event brought together 23,420 visitors and 201 exhibitors, creating a hub of energy, excitement, and connection. Bold marketing, influencer partnerships, and social campaigns grew our online community to over 20,000 followers, reaching new audiences with authentic, engaging storytelling. Visitor engagement was at the core of the experience. Meet-and-greets with stars like Zeb Powell, interactive winter arcades, booth competitions, and happy hours ensured everyone was active, entertained, and connected. Families enjoyed beginner slopes and kid-friendly zones, while adults explored, competed, and networked. Community and inclusion were key priorities. ASL interpreters and accessible spaces welcomed the Deaf and disabled ski communities, while local ambassadors and ski clubs helped guide the expo and foster a sense of belonging. Snowbound Expo 2025 delivered excitement, creativity, and connection, setting a new benchmark for engagement, inclusion, and innovation in snow sports.

This award is proudly sponsored by Leading Authorities

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WINNER: The Autumn Fair - by Informa Markets

The Autumn Fair 2025 delivered a landmark year for Bahrain’s largest and longest-running consumer retail event, setting new benchmarks for attendance, exhibitor participation and commercial performance. Celebrating its 36th edition, the challenge was to scale impact across a ten-day event without increasing marketing spend, while maintaining experience quality at scale. Through an insight-led, data-driven strategy, the campaign increased registrations to by 54.3% and welcomed +63% more visitors. Exhibitor participation grew by 64%, with sold exhibition space expanding to 22,500sqm. Strong visitor quality translated into tangible commercial outcomes, with the value of goods sold reaching a 59% year-on-year increase. Marketing activity combined targeted digital performance, social-first storytelling, efficient influencer partnerships and narrative-led PR to convert awareness into attendance. Digital campaigns delivered 24.1 million impressions, influencer activity achieved a 78% conversion rate, and PR generated over USD 1 million in value, reinforcing national relevance and trust. The Autumn Fair 2025 campaign demonstrates how disciplined creativity, smart use of data and focused execution can sustainably scale a national consumer show to deliver measurable, repeatable success.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: The National Running Show - Raccoon Media Group

In 2024, the National Running Show faced its most significant challenge to date, with year-on-year revenue declining for the first time since launch and growth plateauing. With the £1m revenue milestone at risk, the marketing team took decisive action to reverse performance, attract new audiences and transition from a free-to-paid ticket model by clearly showing value. A bold, data-led marketing campaign expanded beyond core runners to reach lifestyle, fitness and beginner audiences through targeted content, influencer partnerships and strategic collaborations. The event was repositioned as a premium, must-attend experience, driven by high-profile speakers, exclusive interactions and immersive features that justified ticket pricing. Tiered ticketing and incentives boosted conversion, supported by hyper-targeted digital campaigns using user-generated content and athlete endorsements. A multi-channel approach maximised reach through influencer-led promotion, social collaboration and media partnerships, including live podcasts and digital-first content. The campaign delivered record-breaking results, including £1m+ ticket revenue (+164%), record visitor attendance (30,239) and £787k in rebookings, securing growth and reinforcing the show’s position as the UK’s leading running event.

This award is proudly sponsored by Delaware North - Wembley Stadium

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WINNER: Carmela Coop-Rodia - The Blue Light Show - What Else Events

With a small but highly driven team, Carmela set an ambitious vision for the show and inspired her people to believe in it, uniting them behind a strategy that delivered a launch which exceeded every KPI. Her approach reflects her wider philosophy: creating safe spaces where people can connect, grow and realise their potential.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Charlie Brandon - Trans-Global Events Ltd - Part of CloserStill Media

Charlie Brandon is an exceptional Event Director who has transformed Hydrogen Technology World Expo into the world’s leading hydrogen-focused trade show in just five years. Joining Trans-Global Events in 2021 with no prior exhibition experience, he helped launch the event amid post-pandemic uncertainty, overcoming industry scepticism through decisive leadership. Under Charlie’s direction, the show has grown into what is widely recognised as the World’s Largest Hydrogen Event, winning the EN Indy Award for Bravest Launch in 2023. His strategy was to create a technically driven, commercially focused trade show for engineers, EPCs and technology developers rather than policy-led discussion, driving global differentiation and sustained growth. In 2025, Charlie delivered £6.6m in revenue, a 15.4% year-on-year increase, while increasing exhibitor numbers, strengthening rebook rates and improving audience quality, with nearly half of attendees in senior decision-making roles. He has built a high-performing team, expanded the event to three days, and supported the acquisition of TGE into CloserStill Media. With expansion into North America and the launch of HT World Expo MENA in 2026, Charlie continues to set the benchmark for leadership and excellence in the global events industry.

This award is proudly sponsored by Grip Events

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WINNER: Packaging Innovations & Empack × BCMPA - Easyfairs

For over 20 years, the partnership between Packaging Innovations & Empack and the BCMPA, Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics, has addressed a critical industry gap by creating the UK’s first and only dedicated platform for contract packing and fulfilment. Recognising the vital role service providers play in bringing brands to market, Easyfairs embedded the Contract Pack & Fulfilment Show as a core and permanent part of Packaging Innovations & Empack. The partnership delivers clear commercial and strategic impact. In 2025 alone, the BCMPA area generated over £280K in revenue, demonstrating the scale, strength and sustainability of the collaboration. Today, more than 25% of the BCMPA’s entire membership participates in the Contract Pack & Fulfilment Zone, making it the largest and most significant gathering of contract packers and fulfilment providers at any UK event. Since 2000, the BCMPA has doubled in size, with Packaging Innovations & Empack playing a pivotal role in raising the visibility, credibility and professionalism of the sector.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: World Orphan Drug Congress Europe 2025 & FH Europe Foundation - Terrapinn

The partnership between the World Orphan Drug Congress (WODC) Europe and FH Europe Foundation (FHEF) was driven by a clear objective: to move the patient voice from the periphery of the event to the heart of the exhibition floor. Recognising that biopharma innovation requires direct, real-world patient insights, WODC provided FHEF with a platform for advocacy, networking, and thought leadership. We took a multi-layered approach to integration. FHEF was woven into the conference agenda through speaking roles in the Science & Strategy and Precision Medicine tracks, while simultaneously hosting an exhibition booth on the expo floor. By providing free full-access passes to FHEF, we ensured that every networking interaction was grounded in the human reality of rare disease. The partnership delivered measurable engagement, with FHEF securing 20 high-value meetings with industry leaders. This served as proof of concept for our rare disease event series, expanding to our Boston event, where the new Patient Group Zone was fully booked within 2 months of launch. This partnership showed how organisers can facilitate high-value, face-to-face dialogue between commercial stakeholders and the communities they serve, creating a more inclusive and high-impact event environment.

This award is proudly sponsored by ASP

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WINNER: Safety & Security Event Series - Nineteen Group

Our story is one of sustained innovation, trust, and measurable impact at scale. This team exists not simply to deliver campaigns, but to redefine how marketing drives performance across a portfolio of nineteen major industry events, setting standards others follow. Each year, we commit to bold experimentation, emerging technology, and collaboration to drive registrations, revenue, and long-term value. Innovation is embedded into how we work: new initiatives are piloted, proven, and rapidly scaled across the wider portfolio. Just as importantly, we have built a culture of autonomy and empowerment, reflected in a 100% retention rate for more than five years. In 2025, the team launched four pioneering initiatives, including AI-powered personalised journeys, WhatsApp engagement with AI-driven messaging, automated social lead generation, and a sustainability partnership with Avanti West Coast. That partnership alone repositioned sustainability as a commercial driver, delivering discounted rail travel, measurable carbon reduction, and industry recognition. Today, our innovations influence all nineteen shows. Success for us is not just what we achieve, but how: a fearless, collaborative team consistently turning innovation into tangible business results.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Autumn Fair - Informa Markets

The Autumn Fair 2025 marketing team delivered a landmark year for Bahrain’s largest consumer retail event, achieving record growth across attendance, exhibitor participation and commercial performance. Through a disciplined, insight-led approach, visitor numbers increased by 63% and registrations by 54.3%, while exhibitor participation grew to 602 and sold exhibition space expanded to 22,500sqm. Over ten days, the value of goods sold reached USD 10.2 million, reflecting strong visitor quality and purchasing intent. This growth was delivered across a ten-day event with no increase in marketing spend, requiring sharper conversion and sustained engagement at scale. Targeted digital performance, social-first storytelling, efficient influencer partnerships and national PR coverage worked together to convert awareness into attendance. Satisfaction levels exceeded industry benchmarks, with strong visitor and exhibitor advocacy reinforcing confidence in the event. Delivered with a highly efficient marketing budget, this campaign demonstrates how insight-led strategy and disciplined execution can sustainably scale a national consumer show and set a benchmark for commercial performance.

This award is proudly sponsored by Stand Out Hire

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WINNER: Zuzanna Poslad -  CloserStill Media

At just 24 years old, Zuzanna is one of the most impressive newcomers CloserStill Media has seen in recent years. Since joining in February 2024, she has led content delivery across four global veterinary events, managing programmes with over 820 speakers and contributing to record-breaking speaker satisfaction, including the highest-ever LVS speaker NPS score of 67. In under two years, she has launched multiple new feature areas - including The Studio, the Business Lab and the Wellbeing Hub, taking concepts from blank page to live delivery. These initiatives have driven paid speaker conversion, increased audience seniority by 3%, generated $32k+ in new revenue and diversified the content offering across UK and US events. She also secured and delivered a headline keynote from Professor Brian Cox, resulting in the busiest session in London Vet Show history with over 1,800 attendees and directly supporting early entry and two-day attendance. Combining creativity, commercial awareness and exceptional attention to detail with a collaborative, values-led approach, Zuzanna is universally respected by colleagues, speakers and clients. With additional events under her leadership and a team soon to report into her, she is not only an outstanding newcomer - she is a future leader.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Katie Rutherford - DSEI - Clarion Events

Katie joined the DSEI team in January and, in just ten months, has established herself as a standout performer and rising star in the events industry. She adapted immediately, impressing colleagues and clients with her confidence, insight, and energy. During her second month at IDEX in Dubai, Katie independently secured her first contract—worth over £100,000—demonstrating her fearless, results-driven approach. In her first year, Katie took ownership of the Aerospace, Tech and Space domains at DSEI, representing over 20,000m² of show floor. She successfully sold out every zone, with clients frequently praising her professionalism, knowledge and relationship-building skills, despite it being her first exhibition. Katie has shown a strong ability to understand both the market and the exhibitions industry, developing a fresh, consultative sales approach that resonated with new and non-traditional exhibitors. She quickly expanded into sponsorship sales, increasing sponsorship revenue in her areas by 25% year on year and securing strong rebooking commitments for future editions. Her collaborative work with marketing and focus on delivering value throughout the customer journey culminated in a fully sold-out onsite rebook, securing every square metre of her zone for the next event.

This award is proudly sponsored by Creative Hire & Creative Live

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WINNER: Clarion Gaming

In 2025 Clarion Gaming’s operations team demonstrated operational excellence by successfully relocating all 3 of our events. Our flagship Global Gaming Week, incorporating ICE and iGB Affiliate, was moved from excel London to Fira Barcelona after having been in the city for 88 years, and not satisfied with that challenge, we then moved iGB L!VE ‘s 22,000sqm exhibition + beach club from Amsterdam to London. This has meant one thing: CHANGE. Unable to just “do what we did last year” with even a single aspect has meant us literally rewriting the playbooks. All new: floor plans, manuals, schedules, technical regulations, and H&S regulations. We embraced the opportunity to examine everything we had always done to see if it was going to still work. We've dealt with unannounced celebrities and influencers, engineers condemning stands 15mins before show open, designed and delivered 11 features 6 weeks out and even stayed calm when a member of the team was detained by immigration for having too many prize giveaways in their luggage. And we still tried to do more by introducing a new waste policy to better our sustainability credentials, resulting in 47% of overall waste being reclaimed for recycling.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: LAMMA - Agriconnect

The LAMMA Operations Team delivers one of the most complex live event operations in the UK, responsible for producing the largest indoor farming show in the country and the largest event hosted annually at the NEC Birmingham. LAMMA’s operational complexity is heightened by the event’s unique history and audience. Originally an outdoor show, LAMMA’s move to the NEC transformed not just the venue, but the entire operational model of the event. While this transition took place several years ago, the Operations Team continues to work closely with the farming community to help exhibitors adapt to the very different rules, regulations and safety requirements of a large-scale indoor venue. What sets this team apart is not just scale, but precision under pressure. They consistently deliver a seamless, safe and commercially successful event that involves moving hundreds of heavy agricultural vehicles indoors, coordinating thousands of stakeholders, and operating within an exceptionally tight build window, all while maintaining outstanding exhibitor and visitor satisfaction.

This award is proudly sponsored by InGo

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WINNER: Martha Townrow - MA Exhibitions

Over the past six years, Martha Townrow has built an outstanding career as an event marketer defined by growth, leadership, and clear commercial impact. Joining the business as a Marketing Manager, she demonstrated immediate value through results-driven delivery and strong strategic thinking, progressing to Senior Marketing Manager and then Head of Marketing, reporting to the Marketing Director. Martha’s focus is on growing audiences, revenue, and brand strength while developing people. As the sole marketer for four major engineering events, she has exceeded targets. Against a 10% attendance growth target, her largest event welcomed over 6,500 visitors, attracted nearly 200 exhibitors, and generated close to £1 million in revenue, outperforming a co-located competitor with a six-person marketing team. Her execution combines creativity with commercial discipline. In 2025, she introduced new digital acquisition and retention channels to reach wider audiences while continuing to leverage trusted partnerships. Beyond performance, Martha is a respected leader and mentor. She develops marketers new to exhibitions, fostering confidence and accountability, and is widely regarded as a trusted advisor. As a member of the Next Generation Board, she also helps shape the company’s future.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Alexis Jaime Plancarte - CPHI Frankfurt 2025 - Informa Markets

Alexis Jaime Plancarte is being recognised for his outstanding impact as Marketing Manager of CPHI Frankfurt 2025. In his first year in role, he delivered record commercial performance, including €4.1M in ticket revenue, over 60,000 onsite attendees and an 82% registration-to-attendance conversion rate, while operating with a marketing budget under 8% of revenue. Alexis introduced innovative strategies that transformed the campaign from traditional promotion into a value-driven commercial model. By developing premium ticket tiers, paid add-ons and new monetisation routes, he unlocked new revenue streams and increased the average paid ticket value from €149 to €214. His approach combined creativity, innovation and performance marketing, proving that attendee marketing can function as a scalable revenue engine. The campaign not only delivered exceptional growth and ROI, but also set a new standard for organiser marketing excellence within Informa Markets.

This award is proudly sponsored by GES

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WINNER: Jack Hall - Operational Real Estate Hospitality Investment Portfolio - Questex

Jack Hall has played a pivotal role in driving growth and strengthening partnerships across Questex’s global hospitality investment portfolio. Working across leading international events and media platforms, he is recognised for combining strong commercial performance with a strategic, audience-first approach to sales. Jack is known for building long-term partnerships rather than transactional sponsorships. By taking time to understand client objectives and aligning them with audience insight, he has helped brands unlock greater value and deliver more meaningful engagement. This approach has supported portfolio-wide growth while increasing retention and long-term commitment from key partners. Beyond individual performance, Jack has influenced how the wider team operates. He has introduced more insight-led proposals, improved data discipline and encouraged closer collaboration between sales, content and marketing teams. His leadership style is collaborative and generous, supporting colleagues while raising standards across the business. Jack’s ability to balance commercial results with creativity, teamwork and responsible partnership building makes him a standout contributor and a highly deserving finalist for this award.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Paul Lane - DSEI UK 2025 - Clarion Events

Paul is an exceptional sales professional whose performance consistently exceeds every benchmark and expectation. He has a rare ability to combine an unwavering focus on results with a commitment to his clients’ long-term success. Sales is never just about closing a deal; it is about building meaningful partnerships that deliver sustained value for everyone involved. Driven by ambition, Paul sets exceptionally high standards for himself and isn't to step outside his comfort zone in pursuit of growth and excellence. He has a natural ability to identify opportunities before they emerge, enabling him to strategically position himself and the business as a market leader. His passion, entrepreneurial mindset, and relentless drive make him a formidable presence in sales. Clients trust Paul because he listens deeply, understands their challenges and delivers tailored solutions that consistently exceed expectations. Known for his exceptional responsiveness and reliability, he goes above and beyond to support clients whenever needed. Within the organisation, Paul is a respected mentor and team player who leads by example. He generously shares his knowledge, fosters cross-department collaboration and inspires others through integrity, hard work and a people-first approach.

This award is proudly sponsored by Flow Design & Build

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WINNER: Sitka

Sitka is an award-winning event insights and engagement service that uniquely combines three live data streams in one platform: blue dot navigation data, event app engagement data, and exhibitor lead capture data. Together, these power real-time Sitka Attendee Intelligence® reporting, giving organisers and exhibitors actionable insight into movement, engagement, and show performance. Sitka was deployed at the UK Food & Drink Shows 2025 (William Reed), held at NEC Birmingham (7–9 April), welcoming 37,000+ visitors and 1,400 exhibitors. The challenge was to improve navigation and discovery across a complex multi-hall venue, prove exhibitor ROI, reduce print, and replace fragmented tools with one connected solution. Sitka delivered a fully branded app with indoor navigation, exhibitor discovery, bookmarking, appointment scheduling, and built-in lead capture. Results included 72% adoption (above the 25–30% benchmark), 11% more leads vs the previous supplier, and nearly 6x growth in navigation usage. Attendee Intelligence® captured 5.5m+ behavioural data points and 17,000+ bookmarks, helping organisers optimise flow and future layouts, while giving exhibitors clearer signals to prioritise follow-up.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Whitespace XPO

Whitespace XPO is a specialist event services partner delivering high-quality, sustainable events for organisers across the UK and Europe. Handling 30-40 events per year, including trade shows with up to 350 exhibitors, XPO combines operational expertise, creative design, and ESG-focused solutions to make complex events effortless for organisers. Our approach prioritises flexibility, responsiveness, and measurable impact. Every build is fully modular, with reusable and recyclable graphics, reducing waste and long-term costs. Recent initiatives, including campaigns encouraging exhibitors to reuse materials, achieved a 19% uptake vs 2024, providing organisers with tangible ESG outcomes. Following the recent acquisition by Creaplan Group, the company has invested in extending in-house production capabilities. New black modular system, led tiles, and additional transport assets to enhance creative scope, speed and reliability on-site. Our small, agile team, supported by the global presence of the group, ensures consistent delivery, seamless logistics, and excellent services, even at scale.

This award is proudly sponsored by Asia World Expo

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WINNER: Chicago Build - Oliver Kinross

Chicago Build 2025 marked a milestone year for the Midwest’s largest construction event, reinforcing its role as a free-to-attend platform uniting the AEC community through practical learning, meaningful connections, and commercial value. Driven by strong demand, the event expanded into a new exhibition hall and welcomed 10,079 attendees - a 36% year-on-year increase. From 23,439 pre-registered professionals, Chicago Build achieved a 43% attendance conversion rate, underscoring strong intent and engagement. The show is firmly established as a must-attend annual gathering. The conference programme was a major driver of success. Over two days, 412 speakers delivered thought leadership across 13 tracks, addressing challenges including workforce shortages, rising costs, digital transformation, climate adaptation, and DEI. New formats such as fireside chats encouraged open discussion, while the launch of the AI & Digital Construction Stage positioned Chicago Build at the forefront of innovation. The Festival of Construction approach elevated the experience, driving deeper engagement and stronger exhibitor ROI. With 300 exhibitors, rebook rates rising to 69%, and a record NPS of 43, Chicago Build 2025 set a new benchmark for construction events in the Midwest.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Pharmacy Show 2025 - CloserStill Media

The Pharmacy Show 2025 overcame internal and external challenges to deliver record-breaking success by focusing on a people-first strategy, built on three visions: uniting the sector, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and delivering unmatched value for every participant. In line with the main objectives of maintaining market leadership as the UK’s largest pharmacy event, growing the community, improving audience quality and generating Exprom leads, the team implemented a year-round multi-channel campaign. The team introduced innovative initiatives such as pre-show webinars to foster connections, WhatsApp campaigns to overcome email limitations, strategic partnerships to reach new audiences, and new onsite features like the Pharmacy Owners Forum and Networking Zone. VIP and telemarketing campaigns targeted high-value audiences, while creative marketing tactics, including a social storm campaign and downloadable content modules, drove engagement and data capture. The Pharmacy Show 2025 was the largest edition yet, attracting 9,613 pharmacy professionals, featuring 328 exhibitors, and hosting 222 speakers across 167 sessions. It defied expectations for a mature event, delivering growth through innovation, collaboration, and a relentless focus on audience needs.

This award is proudly sponsored by WhitespaceXPO

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WINNER: DSEI Japan - Clarion Events

“We are currently facing the most severe and complex security environment since the end of the Second World War”, Japan’s PM Ishiba, announced at DSEI Japan 2025. Japan and its allies are faced with huge threats to their national security. DSEI Japan provided a much needed gathering of World Leaders, Chief of Staffs, Ambassadors to meet, network and collaborate on how to protect themselves against current threats. It also gave industry the opportunity to meet with the very people that depend on their technology and manufacturing excellence. This was a trade show that operated outside a traditional trade show remit, it showcased how the power of events can be utilised to create change needed to protect sovereignty and keep societies safe. Partnering with the Japanese MOD and Government, several goals central to boosting Japan’s global positioning, increasing its own defence capabilities were created.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: PATS (Pets & Aquatic Trade Show) - Raccoon Media Group

PATS has entered an exciting new phase of growth, building on its strong foundations to evolve into a more commercially focused, modern and internationally relevant trade show. The objective has been to support sustainable growth through a sales-led approach to event management, underpinned by a modernised marketing strategy and a clearer understanding of the total addressable market. A structured 12-month sales cycle was introduced, including an onsite rebook programme, creating earlier commitment, stronger exhibitor confidence and a more predictable revenue base. Marketing activity was expanded into a multi-channel, data-led approach. Visitor targets were ambitiously extended, supported by improved digital engagement and the launch of a focused international visitor campaign. Co-location with BETA International further strengthened the proposition, expanding reach, increasing dwell time and enhancing value for visitors and exhibitors. The move to the NEC provided a platform for the next stage of growth, opening access to broader UK and international audiences. As a result, PATS is experiencing strong momentum and is now confidently positioned as a world-leading trade platform for the pets and aquatics industry, with a clear pathway for continued growth.

This award is proudly sponsored by MCH Messe Basel and Zurich

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WINNER: Global Health Exhibition - Tahaluf

Global Health Exhibition (GHE) 2025 delivered strong results in global collaboration, innovation, and healthcare impact. GHE 2025 hosted 2,200 exhibiting brands, an 83% year-on-year increase, with 85% international participation. Global leaders such as Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Siemens Healthineers were represented. First-time exhibitors accounted for 53%, with 65% reporting satisfaction, including Google and Boston Oncology. The event received 175 startup applications from 35 countries through the NextGen competition, spanning AI, MedTech, and Biotech. More than 500 data scientists collaborated on genomics and biotechnology solutions, while the LiveWell Youth Competition engaged over 600 students from seven universities. GHE facilitated $35.5 billion in deals, a 166.9% YoY increase, including $3.24 billion in venture and strategic funding. The Investment Forum welcomed 679 attendees, hosted over 200 investor meetings, and featured institutions managing more than $30 billion in assets. A total of 607 speakers delivered 150+ sessions across 16 tracks, including over 120 CME hours. GHE welcomed 131,000 visitors from 125 countries, supported by strong digital engagement with 44,000 app downloads and 55,000 active users.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: World Gaming Week 2025 - Clarion Gaming

Transitioning to a new country for one of Europe’s biggest trade shows was never going to be easy, but ICE and iGB Affiliate came together in January 2025 as ‘World Gaming Week’ - a spectacular celebration packed with content and connections. With 88 years of UK industry history and a deep attachment to London by visitors, we had to navigate a new venue, new country, and new language, while continuing to secure ongoing KPIs around new markets. The evolution of our customer need drove the move to Barcelona and required a highly dynamic ‘Festivalised’ delivery to increase loyalty. This was an entirely new way of Clarion working, a total reinvention of the event proposition. It gave attendees the opportunity to see World Gaming Week not just as a destination for business transactions, but as a policy forum between existing operators, legislators, and regulators, a hospitality and entertainment hub across the city, all while engaging Barcelona’s role as a tech innovation hub. 2025 was make-or-break, and we delivered over, and above expectations for the next decade and beyond.

This award is proudly sponsored by RAI Amsterdam

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WINNER: LEAP - Tahaluf

LEAP 2025 marked a deliberate shift in how world-scale technology events approach growth. Having already achieved global reach, LEAP chose to prioritise relevance over volume, redesigning its marketing strategy to attract a more senior, higher-intent audience and drive more meaningful participation. The campaign moved away from scale-led promotion and embraced a quality-first approach. Creativity was expressed through focus and restraint, with authority-led moments replacing high-volume output. High-profile speakers and brand ambassadors played a central role in leading the narrative, enabling clearer messaging, stronger engagement and greater cut-through across channels. The results validated this approach. LEAP delivered significantly stronger onsite conversion, a clear uplift in senior decision-maker participation, and improved commercial outcomes through a curated, premium event experience. Higher-quality audiences also unlocked greater value across the event ecosystem, driving deeper engagement with AI-powered networking tools and stronger outcomes for exhibitors. LEAP 2025 demonstrated that modern trade show marketing isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what matters, and designing for relevance at scale.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: CPHI Frankfurt 2025 - Informa Markets

The CPHI Frankfurt 2025 Attendee Marketing Campaign shows how trade show marketing can become a powerful commercial growth engine. With a highly efficient marketing approach, the campaign delivered record performance, welcoming over 60,000 onsite attendees, achieving an 82% conversion rate, and generating €4.1M in ticket revenue. By rethinking ticketing strategy, introducing premium experiences and creating a more value-driven attendee journey, the team unlocked new revenue streams while protecting attendance volume. This shift allowed CPHI Frankfurt to move beyond traditional promotion and build a more sustainable commercial model. Creative campaigns transformed engagement into measurable results, proving that strong storytelling, urgency and audience-first design can directly drive conversion. The campaign combined creativity, data and commercial strategy to exceed ambitious targets and deliver one of the strongest ROI performances across Informa Markets’ portfolio. This project didn’t just grow revenue. It set a new benchmark for how global trade shows can innovate, scale and deliver meaningful business impact through marketing.

This award is proudly sponsored by Mash Productions

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Clinical Pharmacy Congress - CloserStillMedia

Clinical Pharmacy Congress (CPC) 2025 delivered its strongest edition to date, responding to a year of significant pressure and change across the pharmacy profession with a programme built on relevance, clarity and practical value. Designed for time-poor healthcare professionals, the content strategy prioritised sharp, evidence-led learning over volume, balancing clinical excellence with strategic insight. The result was record performance. CPC achieved the highest attendance in the event’s 14-year history, with 13% year-on-year growth and exceptionally strong satisfaction scores. Delegates praised the quality and breadth of the programme and engagement levels remained high across both days. The audience profile also strengthened, with significant growth among senior decision-makers, reinforcing CPC’s value as a trusted platform for the profession. Anchored to national priorities and delivered through refreshed formats and expert speakers, CPC 2025 helped pharmacy professionals navigate uncertainty with confidence. By combining clinical rigour, strategic clarity and meaningful engagement, the programme demonstrated what a Content Programme of the Year should achieve- supporting professional development while strengthening the performance and reputation of the event itself.

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New York Build 2025 - Oliver Kinross (part of Nineteen Group)

At New York Build 2025, we delivered the most inclusive, engaging and high-impact agenda seen at a US construction event, uniting the city’s entire AEC community under one roof. At the heart of our show was a reimagined conference programme featuring over 450 speakers that represented every corner of the construction, architecture and real estate industries. Rather than relying solely on traditional panels, we introduced interactive session formats including fireside chats, one-to-one CEO interviews, government Q&As and workshops, creating a buzzing showfloor that led to inspired conversation and debate. New stages reflected local priorities and global trends, including AI & Digital Construction, Tall Buildings & Skyscrapers and International Business, alongside region-specific discussions addressing New York City legislation, market updates and critical topics such as fire safety. Speakers included some of the sector’s most senior and influential figures, including city commissioners, heads of digital transformation and executive leaders from top AEC firms. By prioritising relevant content, diverse voices and expert-led discussion, we delivered an agenda that inspired, educated and connected our industry, cementing our position as New York’s flagship AEC gathering.

This award is proudly sponsored by Pylon One

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WINNER: Accessible Events Show 2025

The Accessible Events Show is a first-of-its-kind industry event dedicated entirely to accessibility in live events. The show places accessibility at the centre of event design and delivery, reframing it as a commercial and creative opportunity rather than a compliance exercise. A 2025 events industry report found that 93% of disabled event attendees experience accessibility barriers, underlining the need for change. Disabled people were central to the event as speakers, panellists, exhibitors and attendees, ensuring lived experience shaped every aspect of delivery. The content-led programme combined practical panels, case studies and live demonstrations, with contributions from leading organisations including HSBC, Primark, Channel 4 and VisitBritain. Inclusion was embedded throughout the experience, from accessible venue design and inclusive stage formats to live captioning, assistive technology, quiet spaces and hybrid participation options, enabling participation both in person and online, attracting a diverse audience from across the UK and internationally. As a new entrant to the industry calendar, The Accessible Events Show has quickly established itself as an inclusive platform, setting a new benchmark for how diversity and inclusion can be delivered professionally.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: New Scientist Live - Harmsworth Media

New Scientist Live exists to make science welcoming, vibrant and human. Our event is designed so people from all backgrounds can see themselves in STEM-not just as spectators, but as participants with a sense of belonging. Inclusion is built into the way we plan, programme and deliver the show. Through our Widening Participation programme, we provide 6,000 tickets to schools, charities and community groups each year, helping remove financial and confidence barriers. This reaches those most underrepresented in STEM: 58% of school tickets went free in 2025 to schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged students A dedicated Schools’ Day, alongside family‑friendly formats and hands‑on content, allows young people and first‑time visitors to engage with scientists in an accessible way. We curate diverse speakers and relatable role models, brief partners to use clear, jargon‑light content to make complex ideas approachable without compromising rigour. The result is an inclusive environment that feels curious and welcoming reflected in our audience, 56% of whom identify as female. By designing for inclusion from the start, New Scientist Live is building trust, confidence and long‑term STEM opportunity for everyone.

This award is proudly sponsored by Live Recruitment

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WINNER: Diversified UK & Europe

At Diversified, we put each of us at the heart of everything we do. Our objective is simple: create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. We understand that a great culture doesn't happen by chance. It's built through shared values, emotional investment, and consistent listening. Our four cornerstones—Listening & Innovating, Strengthening our Communities, Collaborating with Care, and Embracing Diversity—guide everything we do. Our approach combines industry-leading benefits with genuine care for our people. From enhanced pension contributions and mental health support to fertility assistance and financial wellbeing education, we've invested significantly in our team's welfare. We provide exceptional training opportunities, including our Global Leadership Programme and partnerships promoting DEI. The results speak for themselves: an exceptional Employee NPS score of +76, voluntary turnover under 6%, and staff satisfaction scores of 4.6-4.7 out of 5. Our DEI Clusivity Survey increased from 67 to 78, with no gender pay-gap and no barriers to progression. We're proud to have created not just a great place to work, but a thriving community where fun, respect, and ambition go hand in hand.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Nineteen Group

In 2025, Nineteen Group experienced unprecedented growth through organic expansion and scaling our team significantly while opening new international offices. Throughout this transformation, our culture remained our foundation and competitive advantage. As a people-first organisation, we believe exceptional culture isn't just a tickbox, it's a cruical part of our DNA. Our commitment delivered strong internal feedback and external recognition as one of the country's best workplaces. Our KADI values (Kind, Agile, Driven, Inclusive) aren't just buzzwords on a wall. They're lived daily and celebrated through our peer recognition programme, which saw record engagement and growing participation year-on-year. We invested strategically in our people's development through enhanced onboarding experiences, structured mentorship, and comprehensive training programmes and leadership development. Transparency and connection drive everything we do. Regular company-wide sessions featuring diverse expert speakers keep our global team aligned and learning together. Beyond business, we champion social impact through significant charitable contributions supporting causes from mental health to emergency services. Our culture isn't what we say, it's what we do, day-in, day-out.

This award is proudly sponsored by Olympia

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WINNER: Subcon - MA Exhibitions

Our submission for the Exhibition Expansion Award reflects Subcon’s evolution through a clear strategic reset and sustained investment. We began by asking fundamental questions about who Subcon serves and how it can deliver real value. This led us to focus on four core sectors - automotive, aerospace, defence and medical - and rebuild the show around their needs. Growth has been deliberate and measurable. We've invested in a 100% UK-focused visitor database, refined the brand as “The Manufacturing Solutions Show,” and elevated content with interactive workshops, panel discussions, and CPD-accredited sessions led by industry experts. We raised the bar for exhibitors to ensure a relevant, high-value show floor and enhanced the visitor experience with networking, awards, experiential features, and VIP facilities. Strategic partnerships have expanded, supported by consistent annual marketing growth of over 15%. With international expansion underway, a growing sales team, and ongoing commitment to UK manufacturing, diversity, and innovation, Subcon has become a focused, future-facing platform delivering tangible business outcomes with clear momentum and long-term growth.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Cityscape Global - Tahaluf

Cityscape Global has achieved remarkable growth, solidifying its position as the leading global real estate exhibition. From its inception in 2023 to 2025, exhibition space grew by 121%, while the number of exhibiting companies rose by 92%. In 2025 alone, the event expanded by 38% in floor space, adding two new halls and optimising visitor engagement across zones. Notable growth was seen in key areas such as the AI & Tech Zone (78%), startup zone (75%), and Design & Architecture Zone (27%). Spanning 166,000 SQM of exhibition space, Cityscape Global is over twice the size of Expo Real Europe and 8.6 times larger than MIPIM. It boasts the highest global attendance in the sector welcoming 164,868 visitors from 120 countries. In 2025, the event generated $63 billion in announcements and onsite transactions, and $649 million in direct economic impact. Strategic initiatives have enhanced exhibitor satisfaction, doubling the NPS score to 18 and increasing rebook rates by 25%, while international attendance grew by 34%, reflecting its global appeal. Cityscape Global exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and ambition, earning recognition as the “Davos for real estate” and inspiring transformative urban development worldwide.

This award is proudly sponsored by K4 GROUP OF COMPANIES

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WINNER: Excel London

With some 350 events and almost four million visitors, 2025 was undoubtedly Excel London’s biggest and best year yet – coinciding with its 25th anniversary. Key projects include a £350 million investment programme in the venue, the opening of its new 25,000sqm expansion, the delivery of the UK’s largest immersive entertainment district – Immerse LDN – on the venue’s redeveloped waterfront, the acquisition and management of the Business Design Centre, a bold brand refresh, the creation of a large scale photo mosaic celebrating the events industry, new commercial partnerships and, of course successfully hosting some of the world’s biggest exhibitions and events.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Scottish Event Campus

The SEC celebrates 40 years of connecting Glasgow to the world through exhibitions that shape industries, drive innovation, and inspire communities. In 2025, the campus hosted 48 events, including immersive, consumer, trade, sports, and cultural events, welcoming over 490,000 visitors. Flagpole events such as Tutankhamun, All-Energy, and Comic-con highlight SEC’s mixed reach and ability to deliver first-time, multi-year, and record-breaking exhibitions. The campus continues to prioritise ESG and community impact, supporting the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, facilitating accessible festive experiences, and embedding sustainability into operations. High client satisfaction, seamless visitor experiences, and ongoing investment in facilities and digital tools ensure that organisers return year after year. Through operational excellence, innovation, and strategic vision, the SEC has solidified its position as Scotland’s premier exhibition venue, making a measurable economic contribution of £468m net additional expenditure in Glasgow in 2025, while reinforcing the city as a global events destination.

This award is proudly sponsored by International Confex

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WINNER: Motorvate, part of Automechanika Birmingham 2025 - Messe Frankfurt

Motorvate was created to address the UK automotive aftermarket’s biggest challenge: skills, recruitment, and retention. Partnering with the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry), it provided an inclusive platform connecting emerging talent, career-changers, employers, educators, and professional bodies, showcasing career pathways, training, and practical workforce solutions. Set within the Ignite Arena at Automechanika Birmingham 2025, the festival-style experience featured interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, competitions, gaming zones, and careers content. Collaboration with leading brands such as Toyota, LKQ, and KwikFit, alongside IMI, SMMT, IAAF, and HEVRA, ensured credibility and relevance. Key features included careers advice, apprenticeship and training provider engagement, and skills showcases, helping students and jobseekers explore tangible pathways into employment while giving businesses practical tools to attract, upskill, and retain talent. Motorvate drew 3,600+ visitors, exceeding its target of 2,500, and achieved an NPS of +61. By combining education, engagement, and entertainment, it established a trusted, scalable platform for talent development and long-term workforce sustainability, creating a lasting legacy for the UK automotive aftermarket.

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HIGHLY COMMENDED: Naidex - ROAR B2B

For over 50 years, Naidex has been a vital landmark for the disability community. Founded in 1974 in Brighton as a one-day conference for 300 professionals, the event has evolved into a national platform for social change. 2026 marks a “New Era,” moving beyond the trade show model to champion the Social Model of Disability and dismantle societal barriers. We curated an entire ecosystem - spanning Naidex, Naidex Junior, Business Without Barriers, Care & Dementia, and Neuro Rehab, welcoming 12,500 attendees. By ensuring the community’s voice is the primary architect, we provide a high-profile platform to amplify the perspectives of disabled people. Through features like the Disabled People’s Conversation Corner and the Business Without Barriers Hub, we created a forum where disabled people take the lead, sparking debates that influence national policy. From Elevate: The Disabled Founders Pitch to the launch of Naidex Junior, our approach targets systemic gaps in economic empowerment and youth transition. With a scaling impact set to reach 18,000 visitors annually by 2028, Naidex stands out as a catalyst for an equal society. Our legacy is a more inclusive world with accessibility at the forefront.

This award is proudly sponsored by Stambridge Group

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WINNER: Money20/20 Middle East - Tahaluf

Led by Tahaluf, the launch and rapid growth of Money20/20 Middle East have accelerated the development of the region’s fintech ecosystem, bringing together innovators, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to shape the future of fintech. Through world-class content, curated networking experiences, and innovative startup and investor programs, Money20/20 Middle East created a platform where real business opportunities begin. By combining global expertise with strong regional collaboration, the event continues to raise the standard for fintech gatherings while strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role as a leading centre for financial innovation. Our success is amplified by the support of key partners, including the Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP), the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the Capital Market Authority (CMA), and the Investment Authority (IA). By blending thought leadership, innovation, and collaboration, Money20/20 Middle East continues to differentiate itself as a catalyst for fintech transformation in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial markets.

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Ai4 2025 - CloserStill Ai4 LLC

Ai4 2025 marked a defining moment for the Artificial Intelligence industry, bringing together 6,725 leaders from enterprise, government, academia, and startups for three days of practical insight, collaboration, and real-world application. Now the largest AI conference in America, Ai4 accelerates responsible, scalable AI adoption across sectors. The 2025 programme featured 600+ speakers across 50+ tracks, including headline keynotes from Geoffrey Hinton and Fei-Fei Li. Hinton’s “mother AI” remarks generated international coverage, highlighting Ai4 as a serious forum for global dialogue. Tracks in Generative AI, AI Agents, AI Infrastructure & Scalability, and industry verticals delivered both depth and immediate relevance. Beyond content, Ai4 fostered connection and commercial value. The 24,500-sq.-ft. exhibit hall hosted 224 companies, while executive roundtables, curated meetups, investor programming, and community receptions enabled high-quality partnerships and knowledge exchange. Post-event surveys showed nearly all attendees and exhibitors reported measurable ROI. By combining rigorous programming, a marketplace for innovation, and a platform for policy and governance dialogue, Ai4 2025 set a new standard and lasting momentum for the AI industry.

This award is proudly sponsored by Business Design Centre

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Enablement and Impact at RX 

At RX, we see sustainability as a powerful opportunity to shape the future of events — creating greater value for our people, customers & partners, and our industry. By embedding sustainability into how events are designed, delivered and experienced, RX is demonstrating that real-world action can strengthen quality and value at scale. RX has evolved sustainability from a specialist-led function into a shared organisational capability. Through communication, engagement & learning, event teams are being empowered to apply sustainability priorities confidently and make decisions that support RX’s Net Zero commitments. This approach is underpinned by measurement and practical enablement. RX has developed in-house carbon calculators and in 2025 launched its sustainability training programme, embedding clear direction through tools such as the Events Sustainability Scorecard. This drove measurable 2025 progress: improved data coverage, more responsible decision-making, stronger collaboration & clearer accountability in event delivery. Beyond its own portfolio, RX is contributing to industry-wide progress through collaboration with partners and industry bodies, recognising that meaningful sustainability impact can only be achieved collectively.

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Excel London

For 25 years, Excel London has strived to become a world-class event venue but also one that is sustainable. In line with its owners ADNEC Group, the past months and years have seen rapid growth in this area as it works to complete its pledge of becoming Net Zero by 2045 – a first for a UK venue of its kind. Yet this success is not just down to providing world-class facilities. We encourage, our staff, event organisers and exhibitors to share our wider purpose of creating a positive impact on the local community and the world around us. As well as supporting seven local charity partners, we are immensely proud of our achievements to date, most notably being certified carbon neutral in 2022 - and the first UK venue to achieve the internationally recognised PAS 2060 status. We also procure 100% renewable electricity, send zero waste to landfill (and have done for more than 10 years), earned the 'Triple Crown of Sustainability' and even house the UK's largest wormery. We have also signed up to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, committing us to a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and to become net zero by 2045. Our vision is to be a sustainability leader within our industry by shaping the future of events into one that is net zero, resource efficient and equitable.