The COVID years have shown that the valuable direct human-to-human contact at a trade show cannot simply be replaced digitally. Not only because humans are social beings and the right “chemistry” is not always conveyed through a screen. Trade shows enable an immediate form of personal contact, and even complex technology is easier to explain and communicate face-to-face. The general response to the first trade shows in 2022 after the forced hiatus was therefore extremely positive.

However, a massive shift in thinking is currently evident everywhere: Whether for reasons of climate protection, resource efficiency, or rising energy costs – no company can or wants to avoid the topic of sustainability. Yet this often reveals a dilemma, as trade shows typically require high material and energy expenditure and generate mountains of waste afterward. They appear anything but environmentally friendly. And which company that sets high goals for climate friendliness wants to have these questioned by its participation in important industry events? There are significant differences in exhibition construction – your own CO2 footprint can be kept low with the right partner.

As a partner for the technical industry, we act as a general contractor for all trade show matters with our proven 360° trade show concept. This encompasses all measures from initial planning of target group analysis and outreach, corresponding booth architecture, wall surface design, accompanying communications, to complete furnishing – depending on the desired scope and budget.
For exhibition booth construction, we have had Messe-Pro Becker & Heinrich GmbH as a reliable and proven partner for many years, specializing in the production of sustainable and environmentally friendly exhibition booths.

The problem: Exhibition booths are often custom builds that are only needed once for the respective event. They require substantial materials for production and generate considerable waste afterward. To conserve valuable raw materials, Messe-Pro uses certified high-quality recycled wood in booth construction. However, even this is not disposed of afterward but is further processed into wood pellets that are used for heating in the company’s own facility. Thus, a large portion of the resulting materials is used effectively and sensibly.

But that is only one aspect, as the exhibition builder is also highly committed to sustainability beyond this. Thanks to an electric vehicle fleet, its own PV system, and pellet heating for waste recycling, the company’s CCF (Corporate Carbon Footprint) has been significantly reduced. The remaining CO₂ emissions are also offset. For this purpose, the company is involved in three climate protection projects: forest protection in Mataven (Colombia), clean drinking water in Mozambique, and reduction of plastic in the world’s oceans. All of this is monitored, documented, and certified by the organization ClimatePartner.

In summary: Active climate protection and successful trade show participation need not be contradictory but can complement each other well. This allows companies to not only meet their own corporate standards in such activities but also communicate them externally. The key is forward-looking and comprehensive planning from a single source, as well as executing partners who have already internalized the topics of CO₂ sensitivity and efficiency.