Sustainability is quickly shifting from the back burner to the main course for trade shows. Climate awareness is rising, and industries are developing plans to lessen their environmental impact. This causes businesses to rethink their participation in conventions with an eco-friendly mindset. The push toward actionable, sustainable exhibiting doesn’t mean sacrificing impact or creativity. In fact, sustainable booths seem to showcase more creativity, craftsmanship, and ability to express brand value.
Today’s companies that attend expos are trying to be more resourceful and greener because they want to create a lasting moment. They are using a large portion of their booth componentry over and over, utilizing energy-efficient technologies, and developing a booth space with both visual engagement and eco-friendliness at the forefront of their goals. Whether using modular frames or custom trade show exhibits, there is a growing emphasis on low-waste, reusable, and recyclable solutions. Reducing a brand’s carbon footprint is now just as important as positioning it as a leader in thought and practice.
Building a Greener Booth: 5 Sustainable Exhibition Design Practices
1. Opting for a Used Trade Show Booth
Repurposing or renting a used trade show booth is one of the easiest ways to help reduce waste. Used booths can stop materials from getting into landfills, and they also minimize the energy and resources required to manufacture new parts and pieces. Old booths can be tailored with updated graphics, modular components, and refreshed branding that aligns with your marketing goals.
By using existing assets, you are participating in a circular economy and allowing organizations to engage in sustainability efforts without sacrificing the quality and function of their exhibit. Using a used exhibit can lessen logistics as well as provide cost savings, which makes it a great option for both sustainable purposes and financial purposes.
2. Using Recyclable and Renewable Materials
The choice of materials is at the heart of sustainable exhibit design. Sustainable exhibit materials increasingly feature elements built from recycled aluminum, salvaged wood, and biodegradable fabrics. Lightweight materials (such as cardboard honeycomb panels or bamboo sheets) are also being deployed to decrease shipping emissions and reduce impact on the environment.
In addition to structure, even using sustainable print materials—such as water-based inks and recyclable substrates—can make a difference. There is a meaningful difference in choosing fabrication materials that will not contribute to the waste stream at the close of the show (i.e., those that can be reused, recycled, or disposed of properly).
3. Designing for Modularity and Reusability
Modular exhibit designs are gaining popularity because exhibitors can reconfigure and reuse them across multiple trade shows. Instead of investing in a one-time-use display, modular systems allow various components to be modified for different booth sizes and layouts as well as brand messaging requirements. Longevity is created by the modularity of each component, which helps minimize the number of materials that need to be produced over time.
In addition to modularity comes the benefit of being easier to transport, faster setup, and fewer shipping emissions—all of which help further sustainability objectives as well as reduce logistics for marketers and events teams conducting numerous events in one year.
4. Embracing Digital Over Print
Sustainable booths tend to decrease the consumption of printed brochures, flyers, and posters in relation to more digital engagement strategies. Using interactivity such as digital touchscreens, QR codes, and digital catalogs or brochures allows visitors to obtain information in real time, without consuming paper. Digital lead capture discourages the need for printed forms and giveaways as well.
This not only decreases the amount of material that is handed out (and potentially disposed of), but it also delivers a clean, simple, and tech-savvy experience that is commensurate with many expectations of an exhibit experience today. In a world and culture where participants are likely carrying a smartphone, tablet, or some other mobile connected device, this shift to digital presents support for an environmental initiative as well as visitor convenience.
5. Minimizing Energy Consumption
Sustainability doesn’t stop with the materials used in the booth. Energy use is also a component of sustainability. Using LED lights, motion sensors as lighting controls, and energy-efficient screens can limit electricity use during an event. Some exhibitors are even taking it a step further and utilizing solar-power stations and battery storage stations in their booths to lessen their reliance on nonrenewable power sources.
For example, don’t forget about your logistics and the environmental impact you may have. You can lessen your carbon footprint from attending and participating in trade shows by combining shipments, using local vendors, and using venues with a strong sustainable practice.
End Point
Innovative and sustainable exhibit design provides brands the chance to be impactful and responsible at the same time. Brands can lead by example on the convention floor by repurposing booths, using modular designs, and choosing renewable materials. A sustainable approach to exhibit design does not only reduce environmental impact but also captures the new values of today’s conscientious consumer.