Should you have a sustainable agenda when creating your next exhibition stand?

Sustainability is a hot topic. Not least because a recent UN report claims that the world has just 12 years left to take action on climate change. So, if your business hasn’t yet formed its environmental and social impact policies, this must be on your agenda in 2019. For event and exhibition professionals, sustainability can present challenges. But it is possible to have a greener exhibition experience while still creating a beautiful exhibition stand. Keen to help our clients meet their sustainable agendas, at Apex we confront green issues pro-actively. And, wherever possible, encourage our clients to think about their long-term impact when commissioning a display. Here are just some of the ways we help to do that. Project management From planning ahead to cover everything you need in as few visits as possible, to creating a waste management plan that outlines the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved, we expertly manage everything on your behalf. Where possible, we send all your event materials together to cut down on packaging and the impact of shipping things by multiple vehicles. We can even arrange to collect all the leftover materials from the event to be reused at a later date. Let’s face it, nobody wants to see skips piled high with every element of the build after the show is over. Greener materials Brands serious about environmental concerns should be looking to create reusable formats that aren’t event specific. Of course, this reduces the amount of material you will need throughout the year, but the benefits are more significant than that. Modular set-ups can also be packed flatter and result in lower transportation costs. And of course, aluminium hardware can eventually be recycled. But at Apex we don’t stop there. We can also provide digital signage instead of printed panels. For heavily regulated industries with strict rules about what can and can’t be displayed, this ability to use different digital displays in different countries is a huge bonus. We can also create stunning exhibition stands using low-energy lighting, recycled materials, and reusable display materials that are easy to set up, reconfigure, dismantle, store and transport. And, after the show is over, help you to consider whether the elements of your stand can be used in other ways. For example, to add a sense of impact to a reception area. Digital marketing Even in our online world, most tradeshows continue to produce a plethora of printed materials and takeaways. And it's hard to ignore the fact that most of it is dumped after the excitement of the event is over. But you don’t have to give your delegates a printed pack. Instead, you can use software designed to eradicate printed marketing at exhibitions by sharing files and documents digitally. For example, at Apex we use an award-winning Digital Literature System. Where you do have to create hard copies, something as simple as using double-sided printing can make a real difference. If you need to supply pens, paper, bags etc. you should also ensure these are recyclable. Today, the advantages of sustainability go beyond the environmental. Being seen to be proactively green also makes good business sense and creates positive brand associations. And, because sustainability results in greater efficiencies across the build and the show, this can also promote innovation and have a positive impact on your bottom line. At Apex, as well as creating eye-catching exhibition stands, we can help you to enjoy a greener exhibition experience. To find out more contact us today, or give us a call on + 44 (0)1625 429370 to discuss your requirements in more depth.

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