As the events industry continues to evolve, many organizations are taking steps to implement more sustainable practices in their events.
PRINTING United Expo, PRINTING United Alliance’s annual gathering, is the biggest of its kind in the printing industry, bringing people together from around the world. Its 2023 event in Atlanta made notable efforts in sustainable practices, earning recognition from Trade Show Executive magazine with their “Most Commendable Green Initiatives” award at this year’s Gold 100 Awards & Summit.
The award recognizes the Expo’s partnership with sustainability-focused companies Domtar and Vycom, as well as the role Shepard played as General Service Contractor, helping to implement a variety of sustainable practices that made a meaningful impact.
Sustainability initiatives at PRINTING United Expo 2023
In 2023, the Expo took steps towards a more sustainable event in six key areas:
- Tree planting program – One of the standout initiatives from the event was the Domtar tree-planting program. For every registration at the 2023 Expo, two trees were planted. Those 60,000 seedlings are now taking root in Domtar’s responsibly managed forests, contributing to the overall sustainability of the printing industry.
- Exhibitor recycling program – Vycom’s recycling initiative provided a framework for recycling materials such as signage and display panels, helping to divert some waste from landfills and push the event closer to its zero-waste goal.
- Waste reduction – We also worked to minimize waste generation where possible, including digital event materials to reduce paper usage, water refill stations to eliminate single-use bottles, and composting programs for organic waste.
- Sustainable materials – The event utilized biodegradable badges, eco-friendly signage, and sustainably sourced catering to reduce the use of single-use plastics and foamcore.
- Energy efficiency – Partnering with the venue, we incorporated energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, efficient HVAC systems, and optimized energy management practices. These efforts reduced the event’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Green transportation – We encouraged the use of green transportation options for attendees and exhibitors by providing information on public transportation, facilitating carpooling, and offering incentives for the use of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Ongoing challenges and opportunities
We congratulate PRINTING United on their recent industry recognition in continuing to make advancements in this important area. We likewise encourage other events to recognize the broader opportunities for advancing sustainability in events like the Expo did here.
Achieving sustainability across the industry will require ongoing collaboration between event organizers, venues, contractors, exhibitors, and attendees. And it’s a goal worth working towards. As sustainability becomes increasingly important to clients and attendees, organizations that lead in this area can differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
Shepard is committed to partnering with clients to find practical, impactful ways to reduce the environmental footprint of events. The events industry continues to evolve, and we remain committed to supporting our clients’ goals and priorities.
Looking to make your next event more sustainable? Contact our Director of Brand Enablement & Sustainability, Alex Coffey, at [email protected] for innovative solutions tailored to your needs.
