Jessica Glenn
Jessica Glenn is the Sustainability Manager at Freeman, where she works to raise awareness and develop best practices for sustainability that make financial sense in light of corporate responsibility goals.
Going the Distance: Sustainability and Signage
April 16, 2018
The quality of your graphics can make or break your success at events. But they can also break your budget and put a serious strain on the environment.
In an attempt to grab attention, exhibitors try to out-do each other with the biggest, best and flashiest graphics. The result? An event that rivals Times Square for sheer sensory overload, with out-of-control costs and a negative environmental impact.
It’s time to look at sustainability and how to reduce your graphics clutter.
Out with the old
What materials do you select for exhibit graphics?
If you're still using foam core, then make your way to a new era: foam cores are out and more sustainable, recyclable and high-quality materials are in.
Eco-friendly substrates such as honeycomb or cardboard or even heavy-duty, high-quality paper are not only recyclable, they lend your booth a sophisticated and updated look, impressing attendees.
Increase material longevity
Printing signage is a huge expense, both in material and labor costs, let alone design time. So, do yourself a favor and print materials without specific themes, locations and dates. By keeping your materials less specific, you can use them for several events until it's time for recycling.
Not only will you reduce your waste and save on expenses, you’ll also save time since you won’t need to worry about getting new messaging approved and new materials allocated into your budget. The materials on the market today look great for an extended period with minimal upkeep or cost, so you’ll likely wonder why you didn’t adopt this practice sooner.
Invest in the Future
Get rid of printed graphics and go digital!
Digital signage is flexible and saves production costs. Last minute changes are easy in the digital realm, helping you stay flexible with schedules, sponsor acknowledgement and information direction.
The venue or general service contractor has information about the range of digital signage offered, including sound options, video and screen size. Explore what’s available and put those high-tech elements to work promoting your business and ideas.
Don't Overproduce
Signage can be a major expense for exhibitors and organizers alike when you consider the cost of graphics, labor to distribute and collect, and disposal/storage costs. To reduce your waste and improve your bottom line when it comes to signage, think quality instead of quantity.
Reviewing where you place signage is a great start. How do you know you have too much signage?
If an attendee can see two or more directional signs from just one vantage point, then you’re in overproduced graphics territory. Reducing signage can be a bit nerve-wracking (“What if people get lost?”), so reduce gradually and track results along the way. Digital map stations offer a great way to reduce signage and can be easily updated if exhibits need shuffling.
Being creative and strategic with your graphics can make an enormous difference. Helping the environment and your balance sheet in one fell swoop will have a positive impact on your business, your event experience and your brand. Now that's attention-grabbing!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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