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Sustainable Manufacturing Expo 2026 Sustainable Booth Program

Join for FREE. Win Prizes!

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Showcase Your Commitment to Sustainability

Join our initiative celebrating exhibitors who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability in booth design and operations. Help us promote eco-friendly practices within the industry while gaining recognition for your sustainable efforts.

2025 Winner — AESUS

Why Participate?

The winner of the Sustainable Booth Program will receive:

  • $250 service credit from Freeman for use at SM Expo 2027
  • One All-Access pass for SM Expo 2027
  • $300 Hotel Gift Card
  • Recognition as the 2026 Sustainable Exhibitor Award Recipient on the SM Expo website and social media

How to Enter

Participation is voluntary and free of charge for all SM Expo 2026 exhibitors.

  1. Complete the Sustainable Booth Program Entry Form
  2. Submit by January 31, 2026
  3. Forms available on:
    • SM Expo Exhibitor Portal
    • Exhibitor Tab on the event website

Judging Criteria

Our expert panel will evaluate entries based on:

Booth Build

  • Use of recycled materials
  • Repurposing booth elements
  • Reducing booth size or materials year over year
  • Complete removal of display property and flooring
  • Implementation of LED lighting or energy-efficient power
  • Renting booth properties instead of building
  • Using FSC-certified wood
  • Opting for bare flooring or local suppliers

Shipping

Efforts to reduce or consolidate shipments

Employee Travel

Choosing sustainable travel options

Promotional Items & Handouts

  • Reducing printed materials
  • Offering sustainable, useful giveaways

On-Site Assessment

  • Judges will evaluate sustainability implementation during SM Expo 2026

Exhibitor Tips

How to Reduce Signage Waste:

  • Encourage less printing and provide more information digitally when it comes to booth literature, fulfilling requests via email and website referrals
  • If you must print, create reusable non-dated signs that can be used year after year
  • Avoid foam core signs and request recyclable material such as cardboard signage

How to Reduce Booth Waste:

  • Requesting sustainable options from Freeman or your EAC
  • BYOF!- Avoid carpet and bring your own flooring, like puzzle foam flooring that can be reused at all your shows
  • Break down ALL cardboard boxes and put in the correct recycling bin
  • Request additional booth bins for recycling and compost collection
  • Use only compostable or recyclable service ware for samples and give-a-ways
  • Use the stickers provided at the Exhibitor Services desk to mark your materials for recycling or donation
  • Set a goal to leave no trace behind by shipping out all booth properties and packing materials and donating extra giveaways

To learn more, access our Sustainable Exhibitor Booth Contest Rules by clicking here.