Did you know that the trade show industry is considered the second most unsustainable industry in the world? Yep – our industry! Data shows that it generates 600,000 tons of waste every year just in excessive food waste and tossed unread flyers & brochures. The fuel used to fly people, products & displays uses an incredible amount of energy.
But trade shows are essential for business. They’re an effective way for meeting potential customers and building a company’s reputation within their industry. A company can market a product to a large audience of buyers in one place and also learn a lot about the competition.
A trade show is such a valuable business medium that it won’t be disappearing anytime soon. At least we hope not! Therefore, we want to provide some thoughtful suggestions on how companies can go green and help reduce the negative effect on the environment.
Hand Out Reusable Promotional Giveaways
An easy way to show consumers that your company values environmentally-friendly practices is to hand out promotional giveaways that are environmentally friendly but still remind attendees of your brand name! Some ideas for reusable giveaways are travel mugs, eco friendly reusable shopping bags, canvas bags, and recycled paper notepads. You can also hand out recyclable bottled water. And while you’re at it, have a recycle bin for any plastic bottles at the show. Be sure to take them to a recycling facility nearby when you can. If you’re at an out of town show, ask the show sponsors if they can handle this for you. They’d probably be more than happy to and they may already offer recycling bins near the doors.
Use Promo Codes
Another way to cut back on promotional giveaway waste is by not having any! Say what? If your business consists of consumable goods or wearables, consider using promo codes or digital coupons. You can place a sign prominently in your booth showing you’re going green at this show and folks can go to your website to get their code! Not only will your brand cut back on waste, but you’ll also encourage more attendees to check out your website and redeem their coupons on your products and/or services.
Go Digital
Many brands continue to utilize pamphlets and other paper goods at their shows to relay information to attendees. Attendees are bombarded with these paper products, and as noted above, much of this ends up in the garbage rather than on the consumer’s buying radar. A way to eliminate the waste of paper is to go digital. Use mobile apps or event software to provide digital content to attendees instead of handing out in print.
Offer to email the information they want directly. Or provide a QR code in your booth that they can snap a shot of which takes them directly to a landing page on your website where they can download data. Another idea is to have a computer available in your booth with downloadable data that can be sent directly to their email from the show, or if need be, downloaded to a usb. Going digital reduces paper consumption, allows you to feature more of your line than would fit in your booth and engages your customers.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
To reduce emissions and your carbon footprint, make sure you consider how your trade show supplies are shipped. Consider using local supplies in an effort to avoid your trade show supplies traveling across the entire United States. When long distance shipping is required, choose ground delivery verses air because it uses less fuel and releases less emissions into the environment.
With a little studying and forethought, you can have things ground shipped early and stored at the facility’s storage or at our warehouse and shipped with the booth!
Sustainability at trade shows will give attendees a positive first impression of your brand, it will promote a healthier future for the planet, and it can actually cut costs for your company. We all can make big changes and decrease the negative effects that trade shows have on the environment by using tips like these. These eco-friendly changes are good for the environment and also beneficial to your company. They show your clients that you are being socially responsible by actively reducing your carbon footprint and caring about our environment. So why not consider going green at your next exhibition!
Do you have other tips for a green trade show booth? If so, let us know – GOING GREEN
At ESN, We understand it’s more than just an exhibit, it’s an experience™. Come experience with us.
Contact us today at 832.358.2002 or email: esn@tradesho.com
