Today’s clients expect your company to have values – demonstrating your awareness of environmental issues will maintain good public relations and keep your organisation ahead in the industry.

You may already have green initiatives, if not; here are a few ideas that will confirm the moral and ethical integrity of your organisation to your potential customers.

What can I do to make my exhibition stand green?

·Marketing. Use your website and electronic media to promote your attendance at the exhibition or event.

Cut down on paper use and minimize handouts by referring people to your website. Or have any information available in an electronic format.

·Green show. Ask for the show organisers environmental policy. Check that the venue is interested in enviromental issues.

·Communications. Prepare an exhibition stand environmental policy and share it with everyone involved. Make a list of your specific green initiatives and communicate those to your targeted clients.

·Save energy. Use low energy equipment (computers, projectors, etc.) whenever possible.

·Recycle. Create signage and display materials that can be reused. Choose decorations that are reusable, such as living plants.

·Green giveaways. Print promotional material on recycled paper, using vegetable-based inks and give away items made of recycled or recyclable materials.

·Food and Beverages. Plan food requirements to avoid unnecessary waste. Use reusable cups, mugs, cutlery, dishware, glasses and linens. Offer fair-trade tea/coffee and provide tap water as an alternative.

·Switch off. Ensure that energy saving techniques are employed on the exhibition stand, encourage everyone to turn off all electrical devices at the end of each day.