As a major organizer of events and exhibitions, Aviation Week, a division of Informa, has the opportunity and responsibility to lead the sustainable development of our industry. Our attendees, exhibitors and colleagues are all clearly telling us that sustainability, socially, economically and environmentally, is somethingthat is no longer a “nice to have” but a necessary part of our success. 

We also have the potential to go further than our responsibility to deliver our events sustainably: we can design our events to provide a place to work in partnership with our customers and inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.  For more information on Aviation Week and Informa’s overall commitment to sustainable events click here.

Follow these tips to make sure your sustainable booth strategies are cost-neutral or even cost-saving! Leave an impact on the show floor, not the environment.

BEFORE THE SHOW — Booth Structure 

• Option 1: Multiple Use Use Forest Sustainable Certified (FSC) wood to build your booth and crates. Get creative! Design your booth with a small shipping footprint to minimize carbon emissions. 
• Option 2 Rent locally from  local suppliers to reduce both shipping costs and carbon emissions. 

 CARPET

• Option 1 Rent rather than buy carpet to save on shipping, cleaning, and storage. Rent carpet or floor coverings that can be reused at least four times.
• Option 2 Color Use darker-colored carpet, which is easier to reuse and recycle. 

SHIPPING

• Online + before deadline = better bottom line. Take advantage of early-bird pricing and consolidate shipping when ordering supplies.
• Choose reusable shipping padding. Avoid packing peanuts and foam plastic materials that never decompose.

GRAPHICS

• Option 1 Multiple Use Print on a durable substrate without dates, event names, or locations.
• Option 2 One-time Use Print on 100 percent recyclable materials which are just as cost-effective as PVC. 

PRINTING

• Reduce printing and go digital with your booth literature.
• Print locally. Supporting local businesses while reducing shipping? It’s a win-win.
• Print on at least 50 percent post-consumer recycled paper. 

ON  SITE - Save Energy

• Use Energy Star-rated equipment for audio-visual equipment and monitors.
• Power down. Turn off equipment at the end of each day.
• Light up your booth with CFLs, LEDs, or other energy- efficient lighting.

MOVE OUT

• Educate your installation and dismantling teams about recycling and donation processes.

SHIPPING OUT

• Pack in, pack out. Leave no traces on show site.

LEFTOVER MATERIALS

• Remember to label. Clearly label recyclable leftover material for disposal.
• Donate the rest. Ask about local donation programs.