For decades, trade shows have been the beating heart of business networking, connecting companies with potential customers, partners, and innovations. These events offer a vibrant space for businesses to display their products, exchange ideas, and cement high-profit deals. 

From product launches to face-to-face engagement with industry leaders, the value of trade shows for business growth is undeniable. But here’s the catch: while trade shows open doors for business, they leave behind a significant environmental footprint. 

Think about it – thousands of exhibitors, endless brochures, single-use displays, and travel emissions all add up to a hefty carbon bill. According to a US Energy Information Administration (EIA) report, the industrial sector accounted for 963 million metric tons of CO2 emission in 2022 alone. Such a high eco-cost can no longer be ignored.

Given that trade shows involve businesses from the industrial sector, it’s crucial for them to seek ways to minimize their carbon footprint wherever possible.

Today, we’ll explore some simple strategies to minimize your carbon footprint at trade shows. Let’s make your next trade show a greener one.

Partner with Sustainable Vendors

Sustainable suppliers are the unsung heroes of eco-friendly events. These vendors prioritize ethical sourcing, reduce waste, and often use recycled or biodegradable materials in their products. 

From packaging to production, they’re committed to minimizing their environmental impact. Now imagine the power of partnering with these suppliers at your next trade show.

By working with sustainable vendors, you’re not just aligning your brand with a greener future. You’re also sending a message that resonates with today’s eco-conscious audience. 

For instance, you could work with a vendor that provides eco-friendly furniture, like chairs made from upcycled materials. Partnering with a caterer offering locally sourced, organic food to cut down on food miles is another great idea. These small decisions show attendees that your brand cares about sustainability.

Opt for Eco-friendly Exhibits

Exhibits are the heartbeat of any trade show. They’re what draws attendees in, sparking curiosity and showcasing your brand in the best light. But as eye-catching as they are, traditional exhibits come with a hefty environmental price tag – plastic displays, vinyl banners, and mountains of waste.

What if you could replace them by purchasing or renting sustainable exhibit systems for trade shows in the future? It’ll be a game-changer, both for your brand and the planet. The good thing is that websites like https://ecosystemsdisplays.com/ offer these exhibits. 

By opting for reusable materials like bamboo, recycled fabrics, or modular displays, you’ll cut down on waste and reduce the need for single-use items. Eco-Systems Sustainable Exhibits notes that you can now get eco-friendly counters, workstations, lighting systems, and shipping cases as well. Way to up your eco-friendly game, isn’t it? 


Not only does going green lower your carbon footprint, but it also signals to your audience that your brand is forward-thinking and eco-conscious. It’s a win-win—showcasing your values while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Going Paperless with Brochures 

Paper brochures might be a trade show staple, but their environmental impact is anything but small. From the trees cut down to the energy-intensive printing process, their carbon footprint is significant. 

Not to mention the fact that most brochures end up in the trash by the end of the day.  The logistics of shipping these materials to and from the event only add to emissions.

Ever thought about going paperless? Digital brochures are another way to present your brand’s message without the environmental cost. They’re easy to update in real-time, accessible from any device, and don’t add to the piles of paper waste that trade shows typically generate.

According to the European Business Review, digital brochures also add an interactive element to the regular brochures. With clickable links, embedded videos, and animated graphics, they can hold much more information than a piece of paper.

Lastly, it’s also easier, cheaper, and quicker to customize these brochures and make them more attractive to your audience.

When going paperless,  you don’t have to stop at brochures. Consider using electronic ticketing for events, which saves tons of paper while offering a smoother check-in experience. Replace traditional signage with digital displays to cut down on vinyl or plastic waste. 

And instead of handing out printed promotional materials, direct attendees to your website or send them digital swag through QR codes.

Set Up Recycling Stations

Recycling is an invaluable practice, both in a trade show and otherwise. Friends of the Earth note that it not only protects the ecosystem and wildlife but also lowers the demand for raw materials. In other words, more recycling efforts can lead to fewer trees being cut, and consequently, a greener Earth.

Recycling stations are another powerful way to reduce waste at a trade show. These designated areas encourage attendees and exhibitors to properly dispose of paper, plastics, and other recyclables, preventing them from ending up in landfills. Think of them as mini eco-hubs, helping to keep the event’s footprint as small as possible.

Setting up recycling stations is easier than you might think. Place clearly labeled bins around high-traffic areas – near entrances, food courts, and exhibit spaces – so they’re easy to spot. Use signage to educate attendees about what can and can’t be recycled, ensuring the system runs smoothly. 

For added impact, consider partnering with local waste management companies or sustainability-focused nonprofits to ensure the recycling process is efficient and effective.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make an event carbon neutral?

To make an event carbon neutral, you can start by using renewable energy sources and being mindful of its consumption, PlanBeeco notes. Setting up recycling machines, partnering with vegan food caterers, and sourcing suppliers and talents locally are other helpful strategies.

Can I offset the carbon footprint of a trade show? 

Yes, absolutely. After reducing emissions through eco-friendly practices, you can invest in carbon offset programs to balance out any remaining impact. These programs fund projects like reforestation, renewable energy, or carbon capture initiatives, which help absorb or reduce greenhouse gases.

Which industries have the worst carbon footprint?

Among the top three industries with the worst carbon footprint are the fuel and energy industry, agriculture and food production, and fashion industry. All these industries aren’t just contributing to global pollution. They also raise concerns like overproduction and generation of waste in obscene amounts.

In a world where sustainability is becoming the norm, trade shows don’t have to be the exception. By applying the measures mentioned above, you can transform your trade show participation into an eco-conscious experience.