5 Ways to a Greener Exhibit

July 5, 2015

Shane Shirley

Shane Shirley is CMO for SBS Brands, a 90-year-old global brand leader focused on creating digital and print business solutions that offers traditional and eco-friendly customized promotional products to accelerate trade show marketing.

Tradeshows have in the past been known for their less than stellar environmental impact, but these days we all are thinking of ways to go greener right? The disposable nature of exhibiting at tradeshows is one of the primary reasons these events have such a large environmental footprint. With some careful planning and sourcing of the right materials, you can drastically reduce the environmental impact of your tradeshow. Here are five ways to exhibit greener and reduce your environmental impact.

5 Ways to Work In Green Practices When Exhibiting at a Tradeshow

1.     Use Recycled Materials. Whenever possible use recycled materials to construct and furnish your booth. Recycled materials give resources a new life and keep them out of landfills. From the metal framing to the paper used to print catalogs and business cards and everything in between be cognizant of the recycled content of the materials used.

2.     Waste Reduction. Whenever possible opt to use durable, reusable materials. The more uses you can get out of your displays and furniture the better. When designing your booth think long-term and purchase materials that will last for years to come. When the time comes that you can’t get any further use out of your gear make sure to dispose of it in an environmentally responsible manner.

3.     Prevent Pollution. If you outsource the construction of your booth or if you take a DIY approach make sure any adhesives, paints or other solvents are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Taking these measures will help the planet, your staff and everyone who visits your booth.

4.     Lightweight Your Displays. When purchasing elements for your booth pay attention to the weight of each item. Keeping the weight of your displays down will translate into less fuel needed to transport your crates. This ensures there will be less carbon emissions and it will also keep your freight expenses down.

5.      Green Swag. Takeaways are an important part of any tradeshow. As visitors walk the show they will be bombarded with info, so giving people something they can take with them and will serve as a reminder of your brand long after the show is over is key. Making sure your branded takeaway is eco-friendly will help reduce your brand’s environmental footprint and make your company’s green stance clear to your customers.

Implementing any of these changes will allow you to make your tradeshow experience greener and more eco-friendly. By paying close attention to the materials you choose, you can greatly reduce the environmental impact of your booth while still making a memorable impact on your target market.  

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.