European BEFuture consortium wins the 2026 IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award

BEFuture was recognised at IMEX Frankfurt with the 2026 IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award, which honours initiatives showing how collaboration, innovation and practical action can advance a more sustainable and resilient business events industry. BEFuture is led by a consortium of eight organisations across six European countries, bringing together destinations, convention bureaux, universities, SMEs, industry associations and innovation specialists to explore new business models, build industry capacity and accelerate real-world solutions. Its programme included an open innovation ecosystem, international research and think tanks, talent development programmes, and direct support for 80 innovative projects across Europe. The initiative is coordinated by Sonia Serracarbassa, Director of the Catalunya Convention Bureau, who set out the reasoning behind the project and what the wider business events community can take from its collaborative approach to sustainability and innovation.