RISE, FRA, ARK Achieve Prestigious ISO 20121 Certification for Event Sustainability

RISE, FRA, and ARK, three prominent brands under Wilmington plc, have successfully achieved the ISO 20121 certification, the international standard for event sustainability. This certification underscores their commitment to integrating sustainability into every aspect of their event planning and execution, setting a new benchmark in the industry.

ISO 20121 provides a framework for organizations to manage the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their events. It emphasizes reducing negative impacts, enhancing positive ones, and promoting sustainability throughout the event lifecycle. The certification is a testament to how RISE, FRA, and ARK have embedded these principles into their operations.

The three brands, acquired by Wilmington plc in 2015, collectively produce 50 to 60 conferences annually across various industries. RISE focuses on the health care sector, FRA caters to finance, law enforcement, government, and compliance industries, while ARK serves the legal industry. Each brand brings unique expertise and a commitment to sustainability, which has now been formally recognized with the ISO 20121 certification.

Wilmington plc has made sustainability a cornerstone of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. This strategy emphasizes cultural positivity, environmental responsibility, proactive assurance, and customer empowerment. Bethan Cater, director of internal compliance for Wilmington plc, highlighted that the events produced by RISE, FRA, and ARK reflect all four pillars of their ESG strategy. “Our ESG focus is on organizations across all our companies and jurisdictions, and it’s been great to be involved with this project where we are embedding these pillars in the products and services that we offer to our wider audience and customers,” Cater stated.

The achievement of ISO 20121 certification without any audit findings is particularly noteworthy. Ellen Wofford, cofounder and managing director of RISE, FRA, and ARK, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment. “It makes us very unique. Just as ESG strategy is essential to the strategy of the plc, ESG strategy is essential to all our customers,” Wofford commented. None of their competitors across the three brands have attained this certification, making it a distinctive differentiator in the industry.

RISE, FRA, and ARK have demonstrated their leadership in sustainability, setting an example for other organizations in the event management sector. By achieving ISO 20121 certification, they not only enhance their reputation but also contribute positively to the global effort towards sustainable development.

About RISE: RISE connects health care professionals through guidance, continuing education opportunities, and networking. It aims to make a meaningful impact on the health care industry by producing best-in-class conference experiences.

About FRA: Foundation Research Associates (FRA) provides cutting-edge information on finance, law enforcement, government, and compliance through more than 20 annual conferences, featuring forward-focused agendas and unparalleled peer-to-peer exchanges.

About ARK: ARK Group supports law firm professionals with virtual and in-person events, offering reliable information and techniques to improve business processes and advance their careers.

About Wilmington plc: Wilmington helps customers navigate the regulatory landscape, providing critical insights, training, and education solutions to respond to emerging risks and compliance requirements. The brands within Wilmington’s two divisions offer complementary information and solutions to support their customers' needs.