Exhibit sustainably

Your guide to creating sustainable event stands

Creating a low impact trade show requires a collective effort from everyone attending.

We’ve devised some easy actions you can take to both reduce your exhibiting impact and to support the local Frankfurt community. Together with you, our exhibitors, we’ve been making great strides but there’s always more we can all do.

See our sustainable exhibiting guides:

The IMEX People and Planet Pledge

Positive change starts with collective action. Make a pledge to champion social and environmental impact at IMEX.

Make your People and Planet Pledge

Building your own stand?

Share this page today with your stand constructor.

- Ask your constructor to create as little waste as possible.
- NEW: 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 stand constructors guide covering:

- Stand design

- Setting up your stand
- Breakdown and transport

OPEN AND SHARE GUIDE

Before the show

Join the People and Planet pledge

Join our pledge and we’ll add your name to the IMEX-EIC People and Planet Village list of exhibitors who have taken action - for all to see. You’ll receive a green stand number and can collect green badges for your team to wear. Join the pledge.

Carbon offset your flights

Consider offsetting your flights or choose an airline that does this for you. Check out programmes such as the Nature Conservancy, the Marketplace Gold Standard or Climate Neutral.

Ordering a shell scheme stand?

Our shell scheme stand package is a sustainable choice as many of the materials are reused. Recyclable carpet in a choice of colours is included.

Climate-friendly food and drink

Choose plant-based, waterwise and low carbon impact food. Avoid single-use plastic cups, cutlery or other serviceware and opt for glass and china instead.

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. Find an environmentally friendly shipping centre.

Planning giveaways?

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

Train travel

Travel to Frankfurt by train if possible and check out carbon-free train travel with Deutsche Bahn. View train offers.

Browse the sustainable exhibiting guide for exhibitors, covering:

- Stand design
- Setting up your stand
- Exhibition participation
- Removal of materials before breakdown
- Breakdown
- Catering
- Transport

OPEN GUIDE

Is your stand circular?

Let the IMEX Sales Team know if you’re building a circular stand (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 around Frankfurt on foot or by public transport

To get to and from the airport, or elsewhere in the Rhine-Main region, take advantage of some great public transport. Frankfurt is very pedestrian-friendly, most of the hotels in the city centre are a 20–30 minute walk to Messe Frankfurt. Download our walking map.

Attend Sustainability and EDI education

Sustainability, people and planet, and EDI education sessions take place every day on the Inspiration Hub in Hall 9. The education programme will be available on our website from early April.

IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award

We’re proud to run the Innovation in Sustainability Award with the Events Industry Council (EIC). We can’t wait to find out who’s won this year – the winner will be announced at the IMEX Gala Dinner. Applications for 2023 closed on 6 February 2023.

IMEX-EIC People and Planet Village

Visit the IMEX-EIC People and Planet Village in Hall 9. 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 programme 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.

Donation partners

Local NGOs we support include: Haus Lichtblick, managed by Caritas Frankfurt – a shelter for the homeless; ShoutOutLoud – a food diversion network and social enterprise and Stiftung Waisenhaus Orphanage – a children’s orphanage.

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@imexexhibitions.com or use @imexgroup #IMEX23 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.

TALKING POINT: HUMAN NATURE

Our annual talking point allows you to explore a single emerging or important trend. For 2023 our talking point is human nature – an understanding and celebration of all that’s good about being human.

Explore our 2023 talking point