How Green Is Your Stand?
By Bree Pagliuso|
Thinking about sustainability for your next exhibition stand? From the materials you use to the way you manage leftovers; a few smart swaps can make a big difference.
Choose Smart Materials
Action: Opt for recyclable or reusable materials like bamboo, recycled cardboard, or repurposed timber to reduce waste.
Reminder: If you’re currently using MDF or PVC, consider switching to eco-friendly alternatives that can be recycled or reused. MDF and PVC often end up in landfill due to their non-recyclable nature, while sustainable alternatives can be repurposed for future events.
Build for Reuse
Action: A modular stand design allows you to easily reconfigure and reuse components for future events.
Reminder: If your current stand is single-use, explore ways to adapt its design for flexibility and longevity. Modular designs can be adjusted to fit different spaces, extending the life of materials and reducing waste across multiple events.
Sustainable Signage
Action: Use non-dated, non-location-specific signage so you can repurpose it event after event.
Reminder: Consider digital displays or signage printed on recycled materials to further reduce waste. Investing in high-quality reusable signage saves money in the long run and prevents excess waste from one-time-use banners and posters.
Source Responsibly
Action: Rent furniture and styling items instead of purchasing new ones for every event.
Reminder: Many suppliers offer rental options that are cost-effective and reduce environmental impact. Renting furniture, lighting, and display structures cuts down on production emissions and prevents unnecessary disposal after each event.
Go Digital
Action: Replace printed brochures with digital event guides, QR codes, or interactive displays.
Reminder: Cutting back on paper waste helps create a more streamlined and sustainable attendee experience. Digital alternatives are not only more engaging but also reduce the amount of printed material that often gets discarded at the end of an event.
Thoughtful Giveaways
Action: Offer sustainable, recyclable, or edible merchandise that attendees will actually use.
Reminder: Avoid plastic trinkets and instead opt for meaningful, waste-free alternatives like locally sourced snacks or reusable items. Branded reusable coffee cups, tote bags, or even small potted plants can leave a lasting impression without contributing to waste.
Reduce Water Waste
Action: Opt for plumbed-in refill stations like Wallop Water instead of bottled water.
Reminder: This small switch helps significantly cut down on plastic waste and encourages sustainable hydration. Refill stations promote eco-conscious habits among attendees while eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles.
Manage Waste Responsibly
Action: Plan ahead for waste disposal by using designated recycling stations and minimising unnecessary packaging.
Reminder: Be mindful of waste from tastings, food, and drinks consumed at your stand—proper disposal makes a big difference. Encourage attendees to use recycling bins correctly and reduce excess packaging wherever possible.
Track Your Impact
Action: Work with event organisers like MCEC to measure energy usage and other sustainability metrics.
Reminder: Understanding your footprint helps refine and improve sustainability efforts for future events. By tracking energy use, waste production, and water consumption, you can set goals for reducing your environmental impact year after year.
What about us?
Attendees, exhibitors, and organisers expect smarter, greener events, and we’re delivering. From cutting waste to sourcing responsibly, we’re setting the standard. Here’s how:
Sustainable Menus – Over 63% of our 2025 menus are plant-based, with produce sourced from local and sustainable suppliers. We prioritise seasonal, ethically sourced ingredients to minimise food miles and support Victorian farmers.
Greenspace Microfarm - Our new Greenspace Microfarm grows ultra-fresh micro-herbs just 1km from MCEC, cutting food miles, carbon emissions, and waste. Using 95% less water than traditional farming, this zero-waste system only harvests what’s needed, with no pesticides and minimal packaging. You’ll find them on display at Goldfields Café and even better, on your plate! We use these vibrant, nutrient-rich greens in our cooking.
Reusable Coffee Cups – By switching to Returnr stainless-steel returnable coffee cups, we’re saving over 900,000 single-use cups every year. With 45 Cercle Drop Pods across our venue, grabbing a coffee is now seamless, sustainable, and waste-free.
Food Rescue with OzHarvest – Since 2014, we’ve been donating leftover event food to support over 1,300 charities nationwide. By working together, we ensure surplus food is redirected to those in need, reducing food waste while making a meaningful impact.
Bright Spark Partnership – We connect surplus products with charities in real-time, helping businesses donate items that might otherwise go to waste. This program reduces landfill and supports communities in need.
Ethical Coffee with Padre – Good coffee should feel as good as it tastes. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Padre Coffee , a crew that’s all about fair trade, sustainable sourcing, and ethical production. They work closely with green brokers to ensure farmers get a fair go while keeping quality high. And because they care about the planet as much as their beans, they deliver in bulk using reusable 8kg tubs and let customers buy by the gram. Less waste, more great coffee!
Sustainable Water Solutions – We offer plumbed-in Wallop Water refill stations as an alternative to bottled water, helping exhibitors and attendees cut down on single-use plastic.
Waste Reduction Initiatives – MCEC is committed to responsible waste management, providing dedicated recycling stations and working closely with event organisers to implement best practices. We encourage exhibitors to manage their stand-generated waste responsibly, whether from tastings, packaging, or staff meals.
Sustainability is a Shared Effort
The earlier we collaborate, the better we can integrate sustainable practices into your event. Whether it’s waste management, digital alternatives, or responsible merchandising, we’re here to help.
Looking for a venue that takes sustainability seriously? You found it. Explore our sustainable events guide here .