Story at a glance:
- The trade fair industry is booming in 2025.
- Here are 29 of the top events in sustainability so far this year.
Trade shows, expos, conferences, and in-person classes have seen a rise in popularity in recent years, as many people working in the built environment and sustainability are looking for in-person expertise and hands-on training.
Here are some of this year’s most popular sustainable events in 2025.
January 2025 Events
Jan. 27 to 29, Cleantech Forum North America in San Diego is the premier event in sustainable innovation connecting investors, corporates and innovators to fuel business growth, climate solutions, and impact.
Jan. 28 to 30, the International Surface Event has served the floor covering, stone, and tile industry for more than 30 years.
February 2025 Events
Kohler unveiled the WasteLAB sink at KBIS, made using recycled waste. Photo courtesy of Kohler
Feb. 2 to 4, the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit in Washington, DC is a top annual gathering of higher education leaders committed to addressing inequity and the climate crisis.
Feb. 10 to 12, AHR Expo in Orlando covers all of the latest in HVACR.
Feb. 19 to 21, the International Roofing Expo in San Antonio is reported to be the largest roofing and exteriors event in North America.
Feb. 19 to 21, the World ESG Summit in Saudi Arabia brings together global leaders in business, finance, and government to address pressing environmental, social, and governance challenges.
Feb. 25 to 27, the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) returns to Las Vegas as the largest annual light construction show in the world. More than 76,000 visitors from over 100 countries attended the 2024 show.
Feb. 25 to 27, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design.
March 2025 Events
March 3 to 4, the Green Schools Conference in Orlando invites those interested in creating and advocating for green schools, with a focus on whole-school sustainability.
March 4 to 6, Futurebuild in London focuses on sustainable innovation for the built environment with the latest products, solutions, and insights.
March 18 to 19, LEDucation in New York City is a nonprofit event and marketplace for solid-state lighting innovations. Proceeds help stimulate future LED advancements.
April 2025 Events
The sea green of these tiles from the Frammenti Collection give the bathroom depth and character. Photo courtesy of Ceramics of Italy
April 2 to 5, the ARCC International Conference in College Park, Maryland, and Washington, DC focuses this year on emerging technological, environmental, and social challenges.
April 22 to 24, Getting to Zero in Los Angeles is dedicated to building decarbonization.
April 28 to May 1, CxEnergy in Charlotte is widely considered the top conference and expo in commissioning, energy management, and building technology.
April 29 to May 2, Coverings in Orlando brings all of the latest innovations in tile and stone together in one place. The 2024 event took place in Atlanta with many impressive innovations in ceramic tile and natural stone.
May 2025 Events
May 4 to 8, LightFair in Las Vegas brings attendees together to explore the latest in lighting, electrical engineering, home and building automation, and connected security technology.
May 6 to 8, Living Future in Portland, Oregon, hosts the brightest voices in sustainability, architecture, design, manufacturing, real estate, and policy for a regenerative future.
June 2025 Events
More than 10,000 people attended the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture. Photo by Chloe Jackman Photography
June 4 to 7, AIA Conference on Architecture takes place in Boston this year. The annual event aimed at the latest issues and trends in architecture attracts more than 15,000 attendees each year. Last year’s expo floor was full of innovative solutions to help teams design a better world, from solving the need for more flexible buildings with smarter elevator systems to acoustic solutions that are beautiful, too.
June 9 to 11, NeoCon in Chicago has been a leading platform for the commercial design industry since 1969. Last year celebrated the popular event’s 55th year, celebrating everything from innovative acoustic solutions to seating made from waste.
June 10 to 12, Green Sports Alliance in Miami is one of the largest and most influential gatherings uniting the sports and entertainment community around sustainability and social responsibility.
June 18 to 21, Lightovation is the Dallas International Lighting Show, where thousands of lighting professionals convene to discover innovative product lines and experience the most comprehensive collection of lighting.
June 25 to 27, the Sustainable Built Environment Conference in Zurich is a leading international series of conferences focusing on the sustainable built environment.
June 28 to July 1, BOMA Conference & Expo is a top event for property professionals.
July 2025 Events
July 8 to 11, the International Conference on Structures and Architecture in Antwerp focuses this year on responding to pressing global climate and energy needs with new settings and tools.
September 2025 Events
Sept. 16 to 18, Cersaie in Bologna showcases the latest from the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings.This year’s theme focuses on evolving design through a play of overlapping volumes and colourful planes, creating the interconnected and dynamic spaces required of today’s living.
Sept. 21 to 28, Climate Week NYC is hosted by Climate Group, an international nonprofit whose purpose is to drive climate action quickly. The program brings together the most senior international figures from business, government, civil society and the climate sector.
October 2025 Events
Oct. 6 to 8, PhiusCon in Milwaukee celebrates all things passive house, including outstanding designs and innovative solutions.
November 2025 Events
Photo courtesy of Greenbuild
Nov. 4 to 7, the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo for green building professionals arrives in Los Angeles. At Greenbuild attendees learn and source solutions to improve resilience, sustainability, and quality of life in our buildings, cities, and communities.
Other
2025 Regional Grey to Green Conferences will be announced on Feb. 1, 2025, with events in Toronto, Denver, Houston, Raleigh, and Washington, D.C.
Want us to add your event? Email lrote@gbdmagazine.com with complete details.
