Sydney Showground has been named a finalist for the 2026 Venue Innovation Award in recognition of its Climate Conscious Events (CCE) program, a leading sustainability initiative designed to help event organisers measure, reduce and offset event-related carbon emissions.

The program provides a structured framework for live events, combining carbon measurement, reduction strategies, offsetting and certification into a scalable solution tailored to the events industry. It reflects a growing shift toward data-driven sustainability practices across major venues.

A standout achievement under the initiative includes delivering the first carbon-neutral Big Bash League (BBL) match, demonstrating how large-scale sporting events can successfully integrate measurable climate action into their operations.

The CCE program positions Sydney Showground not just as a venue provider, but as a sustainability partner working alongside clients and event organisers to reduce environmental impact across the full event lifecycle.

A key driver behind the initiative is Lorraine Elysee, whose leadership has helped establish the program as an industry-recognised model for climate-conscious event delivery.

The Venue Innovation Award is presented by the Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific), with the winner to be decided by audience vote at Congress 2026.

More information available via Venue Management Association.