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How We Support Organizers

At GES, we’re committed to transforming the events industry through sustainable practices that reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and promote eco-conscious operations. We understand the challenges exhibitors and show organizers face in minimizing environmental impact—which is why we’ve developed comprehensive strategies rooted in the EIC, ESCA, and EDPA Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction.

Our approach is built around six core principles: Rethink, Reduce, Refuse, Repair, Recycle, and Reuse. These guide the decisions we make—from materials selection to logistics—ensuring that sustainability isn’t just a goal, but a standard.

Rethink

Rethinking sustainability means evaluating every decision through an environmental lens. By challenging traditional approaches, we can uncover innovative ways to reduce our footprint and enhance long-term value.

Reduce

Waste reduction begins by acknowledging which aspects of the planning process generate the most debris. By providing resource-efficient options, like those below, we can reduce an event’s negative environmental impact.

 

Refuse

Refusing unsustainable options is a proactive step toward minimizing environmental harm. By setting clear goals, we can avoid unnecessary waste and promote responsible consumption.

Repair

Repairing instead of replacing extends the life of materials and equipment, reducing waste and conserving resources. This approach supports a circular economy and promotes long-term sustainability.

Recycle

Recycling begins with collaboration between organizers and partners to align on waste reduction goals. By choosing second-life materials like recycled fabrics and cardboard, we can reduce environmental impact without compromising design or functionality.

Reuse

Reusing materials from previous or adjacent events helps minimize waste and maximize resources. By identifying items with extended utility—such as equipment, signage, or décor—we can support a more circular and cost-effective event strategy.

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How We Support Exhibitors

At GES, we help exhibitors embrace sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices into every stage of their event experience. From using sustainable materials—like eco-conscious fabrics and reusable signage—to reducing reliance on single-use products, our goal is to minimize environmental impact without compromising quality or brand presence.

Exhibits

Encourage exhibitors to choose pre-configured aluminum frame backwalls with recycled fabric panels. These modular systems reduce material waste, support circular design, and offer a sleek, professional look.

Signage

Encourage exhibitors to design signage without dates so it can be reused across events. Recommend durable metal stanchions or EcoTower signage made from recycled cardboard with a honeycomb core—lightweight, recyclable, and ideal for sustainable branding.

Graphics

Promote the use of fabric graphics certified to GRS V4.0 and USB standards, printed on materials made from up to 100% post-consumer recycled content. These options deliver vibrant visuals with a lower environmental footprint.

Furniture

Suggest exhibitors choose from a wide variety of locally sourced rental furniture in multiple styles and colors. For added functionality and branding, recommend custom-branded rental counters with built-in storage—an eco-friendly alternative to single-use furnishings.

Shipping

Advise exhibitors to source rental exhibits, flooring, and furnishings locally to reduce transportation emissions. GES partners with SmartWay-certified carriers to ensure sustainable global delivery.

Flooring

Remind exhibitors that renting carpet and padding is the most sustainable flooring option. Our carpets are reused across multiple events and transported locally to help minimize carbon emissions.

A

Choose pre-configured aluminum frame backwalls with recycled fabric panels to reduce material waste and support circular design.

B

Utilize fabric graphics certified to GRS V4.0 and USB standards, printed on materials made from up to 100% post-consumer recycled content.

C

Rent carpet and padding—the most sustainable flooring option—reused across multiple events and transported locally to minimize emissions.

D

Select locally sourced rental furniture in a variety of styles and colors to reduce transportation emissions and avoid single-use furnishings.

E

Design signage without dates for reuse across events. Print on recycled cardboard for a lightweight, recyclable, and eco-friendly branding solution

F

Pack In, Pack Out - sustainable shipping practices: use fiber or wooden crates, avoid plastic pallet wrap, and reuse packaging materials like pallets and boxes whenever possible.

Your Sustainable Trade Show Partner

At GES, we lead the events and exhibitions industry by integrating sustainability into every aspect of our work. Our mission is to deliver extraordinary experiences through simple, user-friendly services and best-in-class execution – all while reducing our environmental impact. We believe sustainable events are the future and we’re making them a reality by setting new standards for sustainability and inspiring others in the industry to join us in creating meaningful, positive change.

View Our ESG Report