This year, IME South brings the advanced manufacturing community together to discover the latest insights, engineer solutions, and continually build towards a better future. From the greenhouse gas emissions generated from travel, to the sizable amount of paper, product and food waste, we recognize that our tradeshow has an impact on the environment.

This is where we start, one step at a time.

What We Are Doing:

• Recycling printed signage – As an annual event, we make sure to develop printed materials that can be reused
• Utilizing digital signage – We are replacing traditionally printed signage with digital options where possible
• Reducing printed materials – We’re heavily reducing printed publications, materials and event guides in favor of using digital platforms, such as the Smart Event digital resource and mobile app
• Eliminating carpet – We have discontinued carpeting the expo hall aisles, which reduces the carbon emissions associated with providing it for the event and reduces waste
• Implementing digital wayfinding – We are making the Smart Event digital resource available right on the show floor
• Replacing single-use water bottles – We are giving our speakers reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic containers
• Terracycle recycling bins – Recycle your badges and lanyards at one of the Terracycle bins in the main lobby and you could win a $100 gift card!

Sustainable Exhibitor Program
Join us in our sustainability initiatives and you could win the Most Sustainable Exhibitor award! Show us how you are reducing your footprint in Charlotte and you could earn an exhibitor prize package worth over $6,000.

What Exhibitors Can Do

Reduce signage waste by:

• 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

Reduce booth waste by:

• Requesting sustainable options from Freeman
• 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