Exhibitor Guidelines on Sustainability

At Fi Europe, we’re committed to running the event in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. You, our exhibitors, are a
huge part of the event and have the power to make a big impact on the event’s sustainability. 

How can you be more sustainable as an exhibitor?

Stand build & design

We’re constantly seeking out innovative ways to deliver the best possible experience for our customers. Through the Informa Better Stands initiative, we are focusing efforts on improving the quality, safety and sustainability of your experience by moving away from the use of disposable stands. By building ‘better stands’ you can contribute in a huge way to the event’s sustainability. 

What are disposable stands?

Space only stands made to be used only once and are demolished and disposed of post event, and the stand materials are not reused or recycled. These stands lead to environmental and safety issues onsite because of waste generation, risks from unsafe construction practices and the toxic nature of raw materials. While working under strict time constraints, quality is often compromised

What can you do differently?

Under the new regulations, all space only exhibitors must demonstrate evidence at both the design concept and build methodology that the stand core structural materials are reusable or recycled. Here’s a summary of what is permitted and what’s not:

Permitted Onsite

  • All core elements such as walls, archways, counters etc. must be constructed with reusable materials
  • Have the stand structure prefabricated and ready to assemble onsite
  • You can make final adjustments to prefabricated pieces for fitting purposes
  • Final coat of acceptable TVOC paints for repair purposes only
  • Cut floor flats and system floors to size before coming onsite and they need to be recyclable and/or reusable
  • Use LED lighting
  • Use recyclable carpets, vinyl flooring and other floor coverings

Prohibited Onsite

  • The use of one-time MDF panels
  • The use of ‘other’ raw materials to construct core structural elements, which will not be reused or recycled
  • Construction of any stand components from single use materials
  • Building any stand core elements from scratch
  • The use of incandescent light bulbs
  • The use of non-recycled carpet, vinyl flooring, other floor coverings



     

Make your appointed stand contractor aware of the regulations and brief them to design and build a sustainable, multiple use stand.

Have questions about better stands?
Please reach out to your account manager or the customer service team at [email protected], and they will be able to help you with the information you need.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

As part of our commitment to the sustainability of Fi Europe, one of our goals is to become a carbon neutral event. Here are some ways in which you as an exhibitor can contribute to reducing carbon footprint:

Travel green
Reduce your carbon footprint by making use of the public transport to and from the event

Event promotional collateral 

  • Reduce your paper output by switching to digital alternatives such as the use of QR codes 
  • If you do need to print or have promotional materials produced, make sure they are made from eco-friendly sources

    Waste Reduction
    Use the above guidelines for building better stands which contributes directly to waste reduction & therefore, a sustainable event

Transparency

Promote your company’s and products sustainability credentials – let visitors know what you are doing to support the food manufacturing industry


Sustainability at the online event

While your checklist for being sustainable at the in-person event can be more obvious, we believe that there are ways to exhibit sustainably at the online event, too. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Make your material accessible

  • Design your uploaded resources to be easily viewed online or via a mobile device so that attendees do not feel a need to print materials.
  • Discuss with your creative team about how those with language, hearing, or sight barriers can access videos and brochures
  • QR codes will be available to you, which you can use to make information easily accessible to attendees.



     

Resource conservation

  • Keep your files small for quick and easy downloading. Smaller files are also a more sustainable option as it saves streaming bandwidth and electricity. Note: .png preferred over .jpeg, .pdf preferred over .ppt. 
  • Reduce the brightness of your screen and remember to hibernate your computer when not in use to help reduce your energy usage
  • If you decide to send a “thank you” gift to the attendees who scheduled a meeting with you or visited your booth, consider virtual gifts such as an e-card/voucher or a donation to a charity in their name.
     

Spread awareness – among your team and attendees

  • Help your attendees get to know your company better by uploading your company’s sustainability credentials as one of your resources. If you’d like to know about sustainability initiatives from other exhibitors, get in touch with us at [email protected], and we’re happy to share some examples with you!
  • Ensure that your team is aware of and follow the events Code of Conduct, helping us realise a respectful environment for all.

Make wellbeing a priority

  • Make sure that your staff get a chance to take a break to stay fresh and health during the online event.
  • Consider uploading podcasts instead of brochures. Encourage your attendees to plug in their earphones and go for a walk outside, all while listening and learning more about your product.
  • If you decide to host a demo or a class, consider showing your attendees how to make a healthy meal or something linked to mental health or fitness.


Keep us updated

Is sustainability a key strategy for your business? If so, we’d love to hear what you are doing. We may be able to give you a platform to promote your initiatives at our event. Contact us at [email protected].