Jason Tunick
Founder and CEO of FactoryDirectPromos.com which is one of the largest, factory direct suppliers of eco-friendly, promotional items and custom, reusable tradeshow bags in the world.
Stay in the Black While Your Exhibitors Go Green
September 27, 2013
One of the most important things you can do for your exhibitors is to add value, right? Adding value for your exhibitors can also mean a better bottom line and a healthier environment at the same time. I have written before about how tradeshows are second only to the construction industry in producing waste, but there is always room for improvement. The good news is that we can all take steps to create greener tradeshows for our attendees and they will thank you for it and even pay a little extra for the privilege of doing so.
Say It with Eco-Signage
Offer to create signage with eco-friendly vinyl and eco-friendly Falcon Board which is a paper-based graphic display board made from renewable forest resources and is recyclable. This display board is lightweight and accommodates most inks and adhesives. Eco-friendly vinyls are easily available and do not contain harmful substances like phthalates and PVC. They also are made to be biodegradable and the adhesive is completely safe for the environment.
Drape It in Recycled Fabric
If an exhibitor is not providing their own material for their booth, offer to drape their booth and tables in recycled fabric. Utilizing recycled fabric makes use of discarded materials that would have otherwise been landfilled and preserves the resources that would have been used to manufacture new fabric. Recycled fabrics come in a wide range of colors and textures and can be incredibly durable.
What’s Underfoot?
Think about providing the option for exhibitors to use recycled carpet in booth spaces. While you're at it, you can even offer one or more sponsorship options for providing recycled carpet throughout the entire trade show space, including floor aisles, registration areas, and any special zones. Just like recycled fabric, a huge benefit of using recycled carpeting is the repurposing of existing materials and preservation of new materials. Further, recycled carpet doesn't contain toxic, petroleum-based chemicals that off-gas as traditional carpeting does.
Make Green a Package Deal and Something to Talk About
You can even create a special turnkey booth package for your exhibitors complete with the options above, recyclable panels and graphics printed using soy inks. For even more added value for your exhibitors, be sure to provide a Falcon Board sign in a prominent area and use social media to highlight these exhibitors who are working to go green.
Ask and You Shall Receive
These options are becoming increasingly more popular with expo companies and the more we ask for these options, the more mainstream they will become. What ideas do you have to share that offer added green value to exhibitors while at the same time adding a benefit to your bottom line?
Reference
• http://www.boiseinc.com/falconboard/productcompanyinfo.html
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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