Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
As we grow increasingly concerned about limiting our footprint on the environment, sustainability is transforming the way businesses design, build, and maintain trade show exhibits. While sustainable trade show exhibit practices take time and effort to implement, their long-term impacts are crucial for the planet and the wellbeing of its inhabitants.
Put the following seven practices into action at your next trade show to make a big difference in the environment, your brand’s reputation, and its bottom line.
- Use sustainable materials.
One of the easiest ways to make your tradeshow booth more environmentally friendly is to change the materials you use. Consider everything from your literature to your booth display and beyond. Opt for water-based inks, low- or no-VOC paints, nylon-free banners, bamboo tables and shelves, recycled plastics, and more. Try to source all your paper products, including collateral, business cards, boxes, and packaging, from recycled paper.
- Be mindful of your energy consumption.
Many tradeshows take place in large convention centers with ultra-bright, energy-sapping strip lighting. If possible, choose energy-efficient LED lights instead of incandescent or halogen bulbs for your display. And if you’re using multimedia presentations in your booth, remember to switch off the electronics when not in use.
- Reduce carbon emissions.
How you transport your booth elements to and from the event venue has a major impact on your eco-friendly status. As you begin designing your display, think about the weight and size of the materials you plan to use. Heavier items will consume more fuel during shipping, so opt for lightweight materials like aluminum or fabric. Also consider the number and type of shipments required for your exhibit and make every effort to consolidate them.
- Sell or donate your old exhibit.
If you’ve outgrown your display, you may be able to find a buyer for it. Many used booths can fetch a resale price of 10-40% of their original costs, depending on age and condition. You might also consider donating your used display to an area school or nonprofit. A growing number of trade associations have created ways for their members to donate obsolete trade show exhibits to worthy causes. Contact the event planners of your professional trade association to see what options exist for donation.
- Go digital with your marketing materials.
Not only does this modernize your trade show exhibit, but it also eliminates paper waste. Ditch passe paper literature in favor of oversized monitors that can display information in an efficient and more compelling way.
- Invest in your display.
One of the best ways to prolong the life of your trade show exhibit is to use durable, high-quality materials that will last through multiple uses. It may cost a little more upfront, but a sturdy, well-constructed display won’t have to be replaced as often, saving time, money, and materials in the long run.
The best way to implement green practices into your trade show efforts is by making a commitment and creating a comprehensive long-term plan. Remember, even small changes add up to a lasting positive difference.
If you’re ready to make your next trade show exhibit more environmentally friendly, the seasoned experts at Adler Display are here to help. Count on our friendly professionals to create compelling, sustainable displays that get the job done. Contact us today to get started!
About Adler Display: Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Adler Display brings more than 80 years of experience to its clients in need of recognition displays, lobby and corporate interiors, custom exhibits, historical timelines, trade show displays, and signage and graphics. For more information about Adler Display, please visit the website at https://adlerdisplay.com/ or call 855-552-3537.