Trade Show Emporium

Many companies fear going green for trade shows will break the bank.  However, having a green exhibit and saving money often go hand in hand.  Green practices can also be cost-effective, since you are reducing energy costs, eliminating unnecessary objects that spike your budget and lessen the overall amount of waste created.  Here are some tips that can reduce your impact on the environment and your check book.

• Analyze Goals.  Begin by analyzing and prioritizing what you need to meet your goals.  Eliminate unnecessary items and make sure everything for your tradeshow is valuable to your benefit.  If the item does add value, make sure it is used resourcefully.  For example, diminish excess lighting or opt for energy efficient light bulbs, such as LED Luminators.  Make sure lights and TVs are on only during the show to reduce energy use.

• Consider Rentals.  Renting items for your booth, such as a 10’ Pop-Up Display, is a very affordable option, and you don’t need to worry about booth storage or disposable after the show. 

• Green Giveaways.  Select your giveaways wisely, and make sure they are useful or they demonstrate your company’s message.  Try something sustainable, such as a reusable cloth shopping bag, stainless-steel water bottles, or organic chapstick from Elemental Herbs.  If you choose to provide giveaways, make sure they are memorable or consumable, so they are less likely to end up in a landfill.

• Reduce Paper.  Convert pre-show mailers to electronic emailers.  Instead of giving out paper brochures, print on demand only when necessary from your laptop, or if budgets allow, load portable USB drives with your literature that double as a memorable giveaway.  When you have to print, use recycled paper.  30% post-consumer content paper is the minimum guideline recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.

• Green Packing Materials.  Polystyrene packing peanuts do not readily degrade and can be very toxic once incinerated.  Luckily, there is a biodegradable packing peanut option.  Puffy Stuff provides durable, all natural, 100% biodegradable packing products.  These packing peanuts are also reusable, so use them again and again for all of your shows.

• Modular Structures.  Creating a custom modular, lightweight exhibit will actually save you money in the long run because often you can reconfigure your exhibit for different shows and booth sizes and swap out different graphic panels.  Adaptability such as this means you are not constantly buying new materials.  Consider the EcoFlys which have extrusions made of 70% recycled aluminum, recyclable shipping cases, LED lighting and glass made from 100% post-consumer recycled soda bottle content.

Going green isn’t about wasting money, in fact it is something that can save you money.  Buying products that are environmentally friendly also double as a marketing tool and demonstrates what is valuable in the long run for your company to consumers.  Transfer your next booth to a green booth by visiting www.tradeshowemporium.com today.