With growing environmental concerns, companies are now paying attention to sustainable practices. That encompasses event and trade show displays. The concept of sustainable exhibiting does not only involve minimizing the environmental effects resulting from such events. It also improves the company’s image and aligns it with the new ethic and environmentally concerned customers. Here are the top sustainable exhibiting ideas your business can consider if it wants to go green at trade shows and events:
1. Adopt a Minimalist Design Approach
Adopting a minimalist design approach is one of the surest methods of developing sustainable exhibits. That is because complex designs usually prove to be unsustainable. It entails using fewer raw materials in production, increasing energy efficiency, and minimizing wastage.
Businesses do many things because they are part of advertising. However, those things often end up in the bin because businesses do not need them that much. These include fliers such as brochures and catalogs. It would be better to use QR codes, tablets, and touch screens to convey product details to the consumers. That minimizes paper usage and makes the visitors’ experience more interactive with technology.
2. Invest in Reusable and Recyclable Materials
Using reusable and recyclable materials is one of the approaches toward sustainable exhibiting. When designing the booth, you should, therefore, ensure that it is strong and should be portable. That reduces the costs of developing new displays for new shows.
For parts that users cannot reuse, manufacturers should use recyclable materials. Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, wood, and fabric made from recycled raw materials are ideal. Ensure that these materials are disposed of properly after the event. The best way to achieve this is by contracting recycling firms or event organizers that offer recycling services.
3. Prioritize Sustainable Transportation and Logistics
Of all the aspects in the life cycle of an exhibition, transportation is most likely to emit the largest amount of carbon. To mitigate this effect, event organizations should use local suppliers and manufacturers where the event is held. That reduces transportation energy and cost, curbing emissions.
Also, it is vital to consider the means and mode of transport you want to use when transporting your sustainable exhibition stand to a business event or show. Consolidate shipments to reduce the trips required to transport your booth and materials.
4. Engage in Sustainable Practices On-Site
Sustainable exhibiting does not just begin and end with the design, construction, and transportation of equipment to the event venue. It also includes encouraging your team to practice the ‘no waste’ policy by offering recyclable utensils, cups, and water bottles. Placing recycling bins in your booth will encourage visitors and staff to recycle what they use. It will work if you label the bin well to avoid mixing the recyclable materials.
Further, there is nothing wrong with offering sustainable snacks and drinks during the event. Select fresh locally-grown organic produce and avoid disposables using biodegradable or reusable dishes.
5. Learn how to Foster Audiences: Education and Engagement
Explain how you incorporate the practice of sustainability and how everyone benefits from saving the environment. You can do that through a touch screen with animated features. Using flyers or other written material with messages about environmental conservation can also help you teach people about sustainability and promote your brand.
Also, try to encourage other players within the industry to use exhibition stands modular and embrace the best practices of environmental conservation to enhance sustainability.
Conclusion
Sustainable exhibiting is the correct approach from the business and environmental perspective. We have discussed a few ways to minimize your exhibitions’ environmental impact. From using lean design and considering reusable and recyclable materials to practicing sustainability during the event and engaging your audience, these strategies can help you prosper in business without impacting the environment negatively. It is vital to note that these strategies do not only make this world a better place to live. They also improve your brand’s image, engage environmentally conscious consumers, and promote your company as a sustainability champion.