Exhibit sustainably

Your guide to creating sustainable event booths

Creating low impact events requires a collective effort from everyone attending.

We’ve devised some easy actions and top tips to help you exhibit sustainably. Reduce your environmental impact as an IMEX exhibitor, and help support the local Las Vegas community.

See our sustainable exhibiting guides:

Better Stands

We are part of a group of exhibition organizers piloting the Better Stands 10-point framework. Better Stands' aim is to help the exhibitions industry reduce waste and carbon emissions by replacing single-use booths with reusable booths. And to create safer and healthier build environments.

At IMEX America 2024, all booth constructors are asked to self-assess using a Better Stands questionnaire. On-site assessments will be carried out, and booths will receive a provisional Better Stands result.

Pilot learnings and resulting future plans will be shared before IMEX America 2025. Find out more about Better Stands.

Building your own booth?

Share this page today with your booth constructor.

Ask your constructor (EAC) to create as little waste as possible
Pallets and wooden crates should not be left behind after build-up and breakdown. Your constructor should take these materials back for recycling
Use sustainable and healthy construction materials such as FSC certified lumber, low VOC paint and glue
Build reusable and modular structures instead of single-use structures and use recyclable alternatives to polystyrene
Order separate recycling bins for paper

Browse the sustainable exhibiting for booth constructors guide covering:

Booth design
Setting up your booth
Breakdown and transportation

OPEN AND SHARE GUIDE

Before the show

Join the People and Planet pledge

Join our pledge and we’ll add your name to the People & Planet Theater, supported by Destination Canada list of exhibitors who have taken action—for all to see. You’ll receive a green booth number and can collect green badges for your team to wear.

Carbon offset your travel

Carbon offset your team’s travel using programs such as the Nature Conservancy, the Marketplace Gold Standard or Climate Neutral.

Booking a hardwall booth?

Our hard-wall booth package is a sustainable choice as many of the materials are reused. A paper recycling bin and recyclable carpet in a choice of colors are included.

Order climate-friendly food

Choose vegetarian, plant-based, waterwise and low carbon impact. Avoid single-use plastic cups, cutlery or anything else!

To print?

Or not to print?

If you do need to print, choose certified post-consumer recycled paper and vegetable-based inks, print locally to reduce emissions, and make your print timeless (not date specific) so it can be reused.

Shipping

Environmental options

Avoid Styrofoam packing peanuts (not recyclable) and use reusable, recyclable or biodegradable packaging instead. Use the SmartWay Partner List to find an environmentally friendly shipping center.

Planning giveaways?

Offer digital alternatives, or even better, consider donating to a Las Vegas charity (we can put you in touch with our partner charities).

Sustainable booth planning

Choose sustainable and healthy construction materials such as FSC-certified lumber, low VOC paint and glue, reusable and modular structures and recyclable alternatives to polystyrene.

Browse the sustainable exhibiting guide for exhibitors, covering:

Booth design
Setting up your booth
Exhibition participation
Removal of materials before breakdown
Breakdown
Catering
Transport

OPEN GUIDE

Is your booth circular?

Let the IMEX Sales Team know if you’re building a circular booth (one made from recycled materials, that creates no waste and can be used again and again), so we can send our show photographers your way.

At the show

Travel sustainably in Las Vegas

Choose public transportation or even better, walk! Mandalay Bay Convention Center is a 10-30 minute walk from many Strip hotels, including:

Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay
Delano, Luxor and New York New York

Level up your knowledge

Sustainability, people and planet, and EDI education sessions take place every day.

Conserve energy and water

Use energy efficient rated equipment wherever possible, and reduce power consumption when not in use. And be waterwise—critical in Las Vegas where water levels are low.

Look out for the water drop symbols on food menus for options with low water use

People & Planet Theater

Visit the People & Planet Theater, supported by Destination Canada. A place to find inspiration and learn about best practices in sustainability and EDI.

Before you leave the show

Hand back your badge

At the end of the show, leave your badge and lanyard in the collection boxes at the exits to the hall. We'll make sure they're recycled responsibly.

Donate and divert

Our donation program re-uses and recycles leftover food and materials from the show that would usually go to waste. By working with local NGOs we can divert unwanted items and help those who need them.

Give something back

Make hygiene kits for Clean the World at the show and contribute to a virtual book drive for Spread the Word Nevada.

Share your feedback

Thank you for all your support, we are always open to new ideas on sustainable and circular exhibiting. Share your feedback with the IMEX Sales Team: sales@imevents.com or use @imexgroup #IMEX24 on social.

With special thanks to MeetGreen®

A huge and heartfelt thank you to our sustainability consultants MeetGreen for supporting us on our sustainability journey.
Contact Eric Wallinger on eric@meetgreen.com to find out how MeetGreen can help with your next event.

Exhibit

Discover why 85% of exhibitors at IMEX return and exhibit with us again.

Learn more about exhibiting

About

Discover key information about our shows, education program and previous show statistics.

Learn more about IMEX America

Any questions? Check our FAQs page or contact us:

Call: +44 (0) 1273 227311
Email: enquiries@imexevents.com

Roger Lehner

Senior Operations & Sustainability Executive

Ellie Scott

Head of Content Strategy