Picture of Linda Elmén, sustainability manager at Stockholmsmässan and a stand from NSE 2023

For exhibitors: Make your trade show participation sustainable

2024-01-29

Stockholmsmässans Sustainability Manager, Linda Elmén, provides exhibitors with her best tips and advice for participation with lower climate impact. It's all about planning and circular thinking, she says.
− The most significant difference you can make is before the fair; it's crucial to plan your participation. By designing the stand with sustainability in mind, such as through reuse and circularity, you can make a big difference. Borrow or rent furniture that can be used again, and here with us, you can rent almost everything you need for participation, such as walls, lights, AV equipment, carpets, and furniture, making your stand completely circular. Our rental carpets are reused approximately 25-30 times. The carpet is brushed and vacuumed in a machine after each use; no water or chemicals are needed. Renting on-site also reduces unnecessary transportation to and from the exhibition, says Linda Elmén.

If you plan to produce signs, banners, roll-ups, and beach flags, which are common at fairs, it's smart to print without a date so that they can be reused at the next fair. Consider the choice of materials and print in an environmentally friendly way. For example, there are Swan-labeled and environmentally certified printing companies. The same applies to workwear and fair t-shirts. Avoid unnecessary prints by showcasing your participation on Stockholm Fair's digital signs and in your company profile online on the fair's website.

Travel and Accommodation
Plan your trip and accommodation, says Linda.
− Stockholmsmässan is only 10 minutes by train from Stockholm Central and 45 minutes from Arlanda. Invite visitors and carpool with them. On the fairground, there is the Scandic Talk Hotel where exhibitors and visitors can choose to stay to avoid commuting back and forth.

Food and Giveaways
Food is always essential at events, and all restaurants and cafes at Stockholmsmässan are Krav-certified (step 1).
− Consult with our caterer, Mässrestauranger, to book food with a smaller carbon footprint, and consider ordering a water container instead of water bottles in your stand. What you offer in the stand signals your sustainability efforts; avoid unnecessary giveaways and serve Krav-certified coffee, snacks, etc., Linda advises further.

Waste Management
When the fair is over, waste management is a crucial part. Sort the waste and ensure with colleagues or booth builders that it happens both during setup and when vacating. Bring materials back home, use them for the next event, or donate them to charity. Carpool together back home and leave your lanyards and key bands in the designated box at the exit so they can be reused at the next fair occasion.

Book your stand here »
INFORMATION BOX Sustainable stand choices: At Stockholmsmässan, you can rent everything needed for a exhibition, making it circular! Additionally, this reduces transportation to and from the exhibition. We have rental carpets that are reused over and over again. We reuse whole or parts of cafes, bars, and stages; a stage can last for 50 years. Wall studs are reused 3–4 times before being recycled into district heating. Exhibition walls are reused approximately 13 times before being recycled into district heating. The paint is Swan-labeled and approved by the Asthma and Allergy Association. LED light sources reduce energy consumption by about 10 times, and their lifespan is approximately 30,000 hours. 98% of waste is recycled, reused, or energy-recovered. We strive for efficient resource use. We have specially built mobile recycling bins to ensure easy accessibility. They are flexible and can be placed in the halls or at the fair where they best fit for all kinds of events. INFORMATION BOX About Stockholmsmässans sustainability efforts: Our operations are certified according to ISO 20121, an international standard for sustainability in events. Stockholmsmässam aims to influence and contribute to a more sustainable meeting industry. We have climate-neutral electricity, district cooling, gas, and diesel. The majority of our vehicles are electric. Stockholmsmässan respects human rights and international conventions. Our goal is a gender-equal work environment with diversity and inclusion, as well as good working conditions where discrimination is not tolerated. We have zero tolerance for bribery and corruption, and we strive to act ethically in all business relationships. Stockholmsmässan supports Agenda 2030 and the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals.