AUMA and fwd: publish a reporting guide for voluntary sustainability reporting

AUMA – the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry – and fwd: the Federal Association of the Events Industry have drawn up joint guidelines on voluntary sustainability reporting. The Reporting Compass adapts the Voluntary Standard (VS) adopted by the European Commission in July 2026 to the requirements of the trade fair and events industry and presents key content in a practical way for the sector.

Voluntary transparency regarding sustainability performance is gaining in importance

Voluntary reporting under the VS is intended for companies with up to 1,000 employees. A large proportion of businesses in the trade fair and events industry are not expected to be covered by the statutory reporting obligation. At the same time, there is a growing need for reliable and verifiable information on sustainability performance – for example, from customers, clients, partners, banks and other stakeholders. The guide provides guidance, facilitates the step-by-step development of a voluntary reporting framework and thereby strengthens companies’ future viability.

Identifying and prioritising relevant topics

The Reporting Compass provides a concise introduction to the logic of the Voluntary Standard and maps selected reporting topics to the specific characteristics of the sector. Guidance, advice for individual sectors and further references help companies to prioritise relevant topics, better understand data requirements and present existing sustainability performance in a structured manner.

The focus is on disclosure points with particular practical relevance for the trade fair and events industry. These are divided into three areas: the strategic integration of sustainability, environmental aspects and social issues. The document is aimed in particular at those responsible for sustainability, quality management, controlling and compliance.

“With the Reporting Compass, we are providing companies in the events industry with practical guidance on how to get started with voluntary sustainability reporting. Small and medium-sized enterprises in particular need clear guidance to identify relevant issues, build up data step by step and credibly showcase their sustainability performance,” says Marko Roscher, Sustainability Officer at fwd:.

A step towards greater standardisation and comparability

The trade fair and events industry is characterised by a value chain that is both heterogeneous and closely interconnected. The new guidance therefore takes into account the different perspectives of trade fair organisers, stand-building companies, technical service providers, agencies, logistics firms and catering companies. This sector-specific framework helps companies to realistically assess requirements.

Nikolai Mizin, Sustainability Manager at AUMA, says: “The guidance document was developed in close dialogue with members of both associations. Whether it’s the circular economy or greenhouse gas accounting: many complex issues require looking beyond the boundaries of one’s own company, as well as a uniform and consistent approach. The Reporting Compass is an important step towards greater standardisation and comparability.”

The Reporting Compass is available for download at forward.live and auma.de .

fwd: Federal Association of the Events Industry e.V.

fwd: –short for ‘forward’ – embodies the constant drive to further develop the events industry and make it fit for the future. Together, we are actively shaping the future of our sector and are committed to ensuring that its interests are strongly represented in the political arena. Our guiding principles shape our actions: fwd: is a home for everyone who comes together as equals to form a strong community – both nationally and regionally. As a strong network, we drive forward the industry’s key issues and work together to shape a successful future. We build bridges with clients, partners and interest groups to promote the long-term development of our sector. www.forward.live

AUMA – Exhibition and Trade Fair Committee of German Industry e.V.

AUMA is the umbrella organisation for the German trade fair industry. It represents the interests of the German trade fair industry both nationally and internationally. Its members include, amongst others, trade fair organisers, event organisers and associations representing exhibitors, service providers and visitors. www.auma.de