Encore's Blueprint: Where People, Planet, and Profit Intersect

SCHILLER PARK, IL – September 09, 2026 – When a global industry leader releases its annual corporate responsibility report, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. Encore, the event production and technology giant, just dropped its 2026 report, “Illuminating a Brighter Future,” and the figures are indeed striking: an 18% reduction in emissions intensity, $50 million in community donations, and a coveted spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For®. But to see these as isolated achievements is to miss the point entirely. Digging beneath the surface reveals not just a report, but a sophisticated blueprint for how modern institutions can weave responsible practices into the very fabric of their operations, creating a powerful synergy between human capital, environmental stewardship, and sustainable growth. This isn't just about doing good; it's about defining what it means to be a good business in the 21st century.

A New Standard for Responsible Operations

Encore’s report demonstrates a clear shift from abstract goals to tangible action, particularly in its environmental initiatives. The 18% reduction in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity between 2022 and 2025 is a significant step for a company in an industry whose carbon footprint, from transport to energy use, is notoriously large. This progress is bolstered by concrete operational changes, such as expanding its electric and hybrid vehicle fleet across six countries and, perhaps more innovatively, remarketing over 397,000 pounds of equipment assets.

This asset reuse initiative is a prime example of institutional innovation at work. Instead of sending decommissioned equipment to landfills, the company extends its life through secondary markets, a practice that aligns with circular economy principles. It’s a strategy that simultaneously reduces waste, conserves resources, and can even offset disposition costs. The commitment to rigorous, transparent reporting—aligning with frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)—adds another layer of credibility. This isn't self-congratulation; it's verified performance. The EcoVadis Silver Medal, placing the firm in the top 15% of companies assessed globally, serves as a powerful third-party validation of this comprehensive approach. Encore is not just participating in the sustainability conversation; it is actively setting a benchmark for what is possible within the events sector.

The Human Capital Engine Driving Impact

The most compelling aspect of Encore's strategy is its profound understanding that sustainable success is built by people. The company's second consecutive year on Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For® list—and its fifth year as a certified Great Place To Work™—is more than a prestigious accolade; it is the central pillar supporting all other achievements. This recognition is earned, not given, based largely on confidential employee feedback on trust, respect, and fairness.

That positive culture is cultivated through deliberate investment. The fact that team members completed over 379,000 training hours worldwide speaks volumes. This isn't just about compliance; it's about fostering mastery and growth. The company has poured resources into leadership and development programs like LEaD (Leader Enrichment and Development) and WAVE (Women in Audio Visual Events), creating clear pathways for career advancement. By prioritizing its workforce, the event production leader has built a resilient, engaged team that is empowered to innovate and drive the company’s mission forward. This people-first philosophy is the engine that powers both the operational efficiencies reducing emissions and the community engagement creating social value. It proves that investing in your team is the most effective way to amplify your impact on the world.

Weaving Community into the Corporate Fabric

At the intersection of institutional capacity and community support lies Encore’s contribution of $50 million in in-kind donations. This figure, which supported more than 4,500 nonprofit and community-based organizations, represents a far more integrated form of corporate citizenship than simply writing a check. For an event technology leader, in-kind donations mean providing critical production services, technical expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment that are often far out of reach for non-profits.

This approach transforms a company's core competencies into a powerful tool for social good. A local charity gala, a community town hall, or a non-profit fundraiser can be elevated from a simple gathering to a professional, impactful event that amplifies its message and mission. By embedding this support into its business model, Encore is not just performing an act of charity but is forging a symbiotic relationship with the communities it operates in. It’s an innovative model where corporate assets are leveraged to build community capacity, demonstrating a deep understanding that a company's health is intrinsically linked to the health of the society it serves.

A Strategic Shift from Measurement to Action

Ultimately, the report's significance lies in the strategic vision articulated by its leadership. As President & CEO Ben Erwin stated, “success is not only measured by what we achieve, but by how we achieve it.” This sentiment is echoed and expanded upon by Patrick Sullivan, Director of Sustainability & Social Impact, who highlights “a shift from measurement to action.” This is the crucial leap that separates leaders from the pack. While many organizations are still grappling with how to measure their ESG footprint, Encore is focused on operationalizing its data to “advance practical pathways to decarbonize” and build a program designed for long-term value.

This forward-looking approach positions responsible business not as a cost center or a compliance hurdle, but as a driver of innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage. By investing in its people, decarbonizing its operations, and embedding community support into its DNA, the company is building a more sustainable future for itself and the events industry as a whole.