Energy Networks Association 

Introduction

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) is the not‑for‑profit industry body representing the companies that operate the energy networks across the UK and Ireland. Its members are responsible for delivering energy to communities safely, sustainably, and reliably, while driving the transition to a low‑carbon economy. Their goal is to implement strategies, influence policies and facilitate collaboration to decarbonise energy networks.

Events play a crucial role in this mission. Their events programme aims to:

• Bring together stakeholders from across the energy sector
• Share best practices and innovations
• Shape the industry’s ESG agenda
• Practise what they preach: creating educational events that are best in class for accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability

To deliver this programme, ENA uses a connected Cvent tech stack, including Registration, Exhibitor Management, Speaker Resource Centre, OnArrival Premium, OnArrival360,Surveys and the Attendee Hub Event App. 

The challenge: accessible, inclusive and sustainable by design

As ENA’s expectations of its own events grew, the team realised that “meeting the minimum requirements” on accessibility and sustainability was no longer acceptable – for either in‑person or virtual attendees. 

They faced three core challenges:

• Accessibility and inclusion weren’t where they needed to be
  Feedback from attendees and staff made it clear that ENA’s flagship events and conferences were not fully accessible – physically or digitally. The team wanted to move beyond basic compliance towards events that work for everyone.
• How to make sustainability tangible
  As an association dedicated to supporting a safe, efficient, and sustainable energy system, ENA needed its events to reflect the same standards. This covers travel, catering, suppliers, and waste. That required collecting the right data, surfacing gaps, and proving impact over time.
• Funding better experiences in a niche, geographically limited membership base
  Unlike many associations, ENA cannot simply grow revenue by expanding membership. Recent strategic changes meant a 35% reduction in its membership base, focusing solely on electricity rather than gas. The team needed to increase revenue – for members, exhibitors, and sponsors – without compromising quality.

A product mix that does the heavy lifting

ENA worked closely with the Cvent team, meeting with solution specialists to scope their full requirements.

Accessible, sustainable events in practice

With Cvent as the backbone, ENA can capture the right data and apply it to make accessibility and sustainability part of every event:

• Accessibility data in one place: Accessibility needs and stand details are captured upfront, helping ENA enforce clear standards for spaces, content, and support (including quiet rooms and live captioning).
• Accessible digital experiences: Cvent event sites and Attendee Hub can be configured to be WCAG-compliant, with structured content, alt text, and integrated closed/live captions.
• Measurable sustainability impact: Travel and dietary questions help ENA track travel plans (including a 66% increase in attendee train travel) and design lower-waste catering.

By using Cvent to standardise data collection and apply it, ENA turns accessibility and sustainability goals into day-to-day practice – without sacrificing attendance, satisfaction, or ROI.