CHICAGO — The Experiential Design and Producers Association (EDPA), the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Events Industry Council (EIC) have joined forces to offer comprehensive guidance on sustainable exhibition stand construction.
Waste reduction, energy conservation, responsible sourcing and community engagement in line with the EIC Sustainable Events Standards are addressed. The Guide to Sustainable Exhibition Stand Construction (GSESC) ensures that EDPA, ESCA and EIC member organisations have clear and practical guidelines to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible practices.
“The events industry has historically been responsible for large amounts of waste sent to landfill and a significant carbon footprint. In today’s climate, sustainable business conduct is paramount to the long-term success and preservation of the exhibition industry,” said Jim Obermeyer, EDPA Sustainability Committee Chair and Regional Vice President of Bray Leino Events.
The new guidelines, which will be widely disseminated across the industry, will also be added as a complementary resource to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. The EIC Standards are a group of eight standards that assess suppliers and events based on a series of criteria related to environmental and social responsibility. They serve as a collaborative framework with a strong focus on measurement and guidance so that no matter where a professional is in their sustainability journey, they have the support and guidance they need to measure and implement more environmentally friendly practices.
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“At ESCA, we understand the critical role events play in creating lasting experiences and impressions,” said Julie Kagy, CEM, ESCA Executive Director. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure these experiences do not come at the expense of our planet. With these sustainability guidelines, we envision a future where events thrive in harmony with our environment.”
Kagy adds that these guidelines represent a step change toward responsible environmental stewardship within the trade show industry. “This initiative underscores a collective commitment to sustainability, encouraging industry leaders to adopt environmentally friendly practices and materials. It is a call to action that aligns with the broader movement to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainability across global industries. The future of the trade show industry lies in our ability to innovate and implement practices that not only enhance the exhibitor and attendee experience, but also protect the planet. By setting the standard for sustainability, we are paving the way for a greener, more responsible industry that contributors, attendees and future generations can benefit from and be proud of,” Kagy said.
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Photo credit: Classic Exhibits