Be eSmart: Keep Your Trade Show Displays Clean And Green
Environmentalism continues to be a growing world wide theme, and we’re trying to help apply that focus to trade shows and conventions too. Besides the obvious benefits to the planet, more and more customers have embraced this approach and will give your “green” trade show booths some extra buzz for it. Also, the PR value goes beyond simply your customers – if you’re “going green” in an industry not already known for its environmentalist policies, you could end up being a trendsetter to boot.
Contrary to some claims that it’s too expensive to go green at trade shows, when it comes to your trade show displays, there is little added cost. You might have to spend a little more time sourcing supplies, but at this point, recycled and eco-friendly products are competitively priced. In some cases, you may even find you can savemoney this way!
So, let’s review environmentalism at your expo booths. It’s not just about what goes into the booth, it’s also about how you present it.
Rocking The Green At Your Next Trade Show: Be an Environmentalist!
First, of course, comes your trade show display itself. You can even start with the design – look to minimize the use of materials that have to be purchased new – re-use existing frames if possible. Perhaps a sleeker, more minimalist design would work this year. Print new eco friendly graphics if needed and re-use those existing display stands and banner stands.
You can also get booth materials that are wholly or nearly-entirely made of recycled materials. They use a lot of tricks, including:
- Extensive use of recycled aluminum for framework
- Graphics created out of recycled soda bottles
- Use of quick-growing bamboo rather than slow-growing woods
- Energy-efficient lighting, such as LEDs rather than neon.
In fact, we carry a full line of eSmart trade show booths and equipment, specifically selected for their environmental value at equivalent prices to other brands. Our eSmart product line includes full trade show displays as well as environmentally friendly trade show accessories. We also offer bamboo trade show flooring, banner stands made from bamboo instead of metal, lots of LED lighting, and tote bags made from rPet recycled fabrics.
Fewer Freebies?
Even though people continue to go to trade shows for the swag, and likely always will, it might be time to think about having fewer physical items lying around your expo booth. They do cost quite a bit to make, and deep down, we know that most of them will likely end up in a landfill before the week is out. 
This doesn’t mean giving up on freebies, it just means going digital with them. Use QR Codes or social media file sharing systems like Bump to make it a mobile interaction instead. This could be especially useful if you have large catalogs or portfolios. It lowers your costs considerably, as well as allowing you to give them out to anyone who wants a copy.
If you want to be really clever about it, just put the QR code on the back of your business card. Then anyone you meet gets access to your latest press and promo package. And of course, if you’re giving stuff away, include eco-friendly trade show tote bags that are made from 100% recycled PET products, 100% recyclable.
Source Locally
Don’t pay to haul things cross-country if you can avoid it. Chances are, everything you need could be ready and waiting for you from local vendors. Spend a little time on logistics and see what’s available within a few miles of the convention hall.
Look For Partners
Since going green at trade shows is one of those touchy-feely sorts of problems, there’s no reason to go it alone. See if others in your industry, or perhaps your next-booth neighbors at the show, would be interested in going in together on some sort of environmental project. It could be something major, or just a pledge to use nothing but recycled paper.
From a PR standpoint, those are dynamite for everyone involved, since everyone looks like a hero all around. It gives everyone a bit of a boost.
For larger businesses, this could work with carbon credits too. See if there are any trades you could make that would pay off for your next trade show appearance!
Then, of course…
Make Sure You Tell People About It
Don’t be shy about talking about your environmentalism! If you’re making a big push with your next expo booth, make it one of your key points. Integrate eco-friendliness into the booth design. Point out various ways it’s recycled, bio-friendly, or just plain saving energy.
Social media is perfect for this. Find some pictures or video to upload, and plug the various green brands you’re using. (They need the buzz too!) You might even be able to tie it into contests or other more interactive online activities.
Basically, make a big deal of it. This is one area that, currently, you can toot your own horn just about as much as you like and keep getting good PR out of it.
There’s Little Risk In Going Green
Outside of a very small number of niche industries, there’s just not much reason to avoid being environmentalist with your trade show booths. It pays off in pretty much every way possible. Just make sure you’re “walking the walk” outside of the exposition hall as well!
And if you’d like to hear more about our line of eco-friendly displays and accessories, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have!