Sustainability at SupplySide East

We know sustainability is increasingly important to our attendees and exhibitors, as well as to our community as a whole. Operating SupplySide East gives us many opportunities to improve our impacts environmentally, socially and economically in our host city. We understand that it’s not just about the way we produce our events, but recognizing that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve. Our team is driven to make our event more responsible and to also play a key role in helping our market improve its own sustainability.

See how SupplySide East is supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Our three pillars

Environmental impact

SupplySide East prioritizes venues and event setups that are carbon neutral. When we plan SupplySide East, we work with vendors and venues that focus on reducing our event’s carbon emissions and creating less waste.

Initiatives include:

  • SupplySide has implemented the Better Stands Program. This initiative aims to unite and encourage exhibitors — along with their appointed contractors — to move away from disposable, single-use stands at events, in favor of reusable or recyclable structures. Single-use stands are typically sent to a landfill post-event. Instead of this, we encourage our exhibitors to partner with our general service contractor, GES, or its exhibitor-appointed contractor to produce a beautiful stand that can be reused for many trade shows.
  • Carpet has been eliminated from all aisles in the Expo Hall. In 2024, we saved 26,910 square feet of material from being used.
  • SupplySide East is powered by 100% renewable electricity.
  • Digital kiosks are used and help reduce printed advertising.
  • Badge recycle bins are provided onsite.
  • The Meadowlands Exposition Center is fully outfitted with LEDs. This creates renewable electricity via solar on their roof.
  • Attendees are encouraged to bring their refillable water bottles to the show. Water stations will be available in the Meadowlands Lobby and throughout the Expo Hall.
  • We will be using a more sustainable, compostable plate option for all catered events.
  • Lanyards are made from PET material, a form of polyester which is recycled from plastic bottles and other plastic packaging.
  • Show bags are manufactured from recycled material. SupplySide is partnering with THROW, whose purpose is to propel, upcycle and repurpose. The organization will transform many of our show banners that will not be reused into swag bags for future shows. 

Social impact

It's important to us that we keep accessibility, diversity and inclusion at the forefront when planning our event.

Initiatives include:

  • A Mother’s Room will be available on the show floor for nursing parents.
  • Education is open to all attendees and offers both free and paid content. Sessions will be available for on-demand viewing for those who are unable to attend in person.
  • Networking events all include nonalcoholic beverage options for inclusivity of the sober/sober-curious community.
  • SupplySide works with local vendors to help support the local community.

Industry impact

Education sessions at SupplySide East enable health and nutrition leaders to innovate and do business in a way that prioritizes both people and planet. We focus on environmental sustainability, empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses, and offering diverse and inclusive speakers. 

Education sessions focusing on sustainability and diversity & inclusion in 2024 include:

How can I get involved?

I'm an exhibitor

Here is an exhibitor sustainability checklist to make it easy for you to see how you can be more sustainable before, during and after the show.

I'm an attendee

  • Walking a trade show floor can be tiring, so make sure you rest your feet and your brain regularly by taking breaks throughout the day.
  • Staying hydrated and having a healthy snack will improve your ability to get the most out of the event. Consider eating a healthy meat-free lunch as well; it’s good for you and for the planet.
  • When talking to exhibiting companies, remember to ask them about the sustainability credentials of their business and their products.
  • Download the SupplySide East mobile app to navigate the show and connect with other attendees rather than exchanging business cards.
  • Download the Exhibitor Directory: Fewer show directories are being printed and distributed onsite, so consider downloading the digital version instead.
  • Reduce the brightness of your screen and remember to hibernate your computer when not in use to help reduce your energy usage.
  • Don’t throw your lanyards and badges in the trash! Place them in one of the recycling bins at the end of the show.

Share your story

Would you like to work with us on the sustainability of our event? Would you like to share your own story and efforts? 
Got an idea? Contact the event team or reach out to Informa’s sustainability team for more information: [email protected].