Three ways to act now and improve sustainability

Today (5 June) is Global Exhibitions Day. To mark the occasion, Helen Mitchell, Chief Strategy Officer at Ignition calls on the industry to take responsibility for a more sustainable future.

‘Everyone has a responsibility to think about sustainability across all areas of business. One area which is no longer ahead of the curve is the staging of exhibitions. If anything, the industry is lagging behind where it should be.

We need a drastic change to the culture of the exhibitions industry. There needs to be more responsibility taken for the future of the sector.

As a business which has been founded on principles of sustainability – back in 2007 – we know it can be done. Of course starting and committing to your sustainability journey isn’t always easy, and it can be a bit of a minefield. So, what can you be doing?

Action one: Create a sustainable strategy

Firstly, conducting a thorough assessment of current practices is a great place to start. Identify areas where improvements can be made. Engage stakeholders—employees, suppliers, and clients—in the process. Everyone’s buy-in is essential for successful implementation.

Set clear sustainability goals aligned with your company’s values. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, optimising energy usage, or committing to more eco-friendly transportation options, having specific targets ensures progress.

Remember, sustainability impact is an ongoing process. Regularly assess your efforts, celebrate achievements, and adjust strategies as needed.

Action two: Educate yourself, and then hold people accountable

There are so many resources out there, ignorance is not an excuse for inaction.

Continually learning about new ways to be more sustainable and seeking inspiration from others will make your whole journey a lot easier. Whether it’s working with experts or self-learning, every little thing really does help.

The more aware you, your company, your clients and your stakeholders are, the more positive impact you will be able to have.

Of course, business is business, and setting prohibitive terms might seem like a daunting process.

However, you can still set out clear guidelines and expectations of the customers and stakeholders that you work with.

Being open, clear and public about this is also beneficial in spreading the message of responsible business practices. This isn’t about naming and shaming, but it’s about encouraging everyone to take accountability for the way that they work.

Action three: Assess the materials and products you are using

Multi-use modularity for stand designs is an actionable and impactful way your organisations can improve their sustainability during event attendance.

Modular stand designs will last for multiple events over multiple years, are easier to transport for assembly, and disassembly, are more cost-effective over time, and are much kinder to our planet.

With more than 32,000 exhibitions taking place each year, and over four million exhibiting companies, if just a fraction of them moved toward a more sustainable stand design, the impact would be huge.

Taking a step back, and looking at your overall goals will help you to decide what is and what isn’t a worthwhile investment at your event.

For example, we still see certain companies giving away hundreds of branded plastic merchandise. There are so many sustainable and ethical alternatives. Although it might not seem like such small things will make a difference, it will, and this mindset shift will also trickle through your business and across your industry, meaning together we can make a positive change.

Thank you for reading.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Post a comment below or if you would like to find out more, please do get in touch.

Helen Mitchell, Chief Strategy Officer, Ignition

5 min read, NewsJosh HolderJune 5, 2024IgnitionComment