Frankfurt, May 22 - 26

Exhibit sustainably

Creating a low impact trade show requires a collective effort from everyone attending.

We’ve devised some easy actions you can take to both reduce your exhibiting impact and to support the local Frankfurt community.

Exhibit with us
Five attendees sit round a table at IMEX. They're surrounded by plants and a large Encore logo

Our sustainable exhibiting guides

Step by step support for each stage of your exhibiting journey

A snapshot of the Guidelines for sustsinable stand construction on an orange background.

Sustainable exhibiting for booth constructors

Browse the sustainable exhibiting guide for booth constructors covering: Booth design, setting up your booth, breakdown and transportation
Read the guide
A snapshot of guidelines for sustainable exhibition participation on an orange background.

Sustainable exhibiting for exhibitors

Browse the sustainable exhibiting guide for exhibitors, covering: Booth design, setting up your booth, exhibiting participation, removal of materials before breakdown, breakdown, catering and transportation
Read the guide

Replacing single use with reusable booths

We are part of a group of exhibition organizers piloting the Better Stands 10-point framework. Better Stands' aim is to help the exhibitions industry reduce waste and carbon emissions by replacing single-use booths with reusable booths.

At IMEX Frankfurt 2026, all booth constructors will be asked to self-assess using a Better Stands questionnaire. Some booths will be selected for an on-site assessment; these booths will receive a provisional Better Stands result. Booth coordinators and constructors will be told ahead of the show if their booth will be assessed on site. Pilot learnings and resulting future plans will be shared before IMEX Frankfurt 2026.

Find out more about Better Stands
Two people stand with their backs to the camera looking at a photo of a mansion printed on a booth

Our handy pre, during and post show sustainable exhibiting tips:

Pre show

  1. Ordering a shell scheme booth?
    Our shell scheme booth package is a sustainable choice as many of the materials are reused, talk to our sales team to discuss sustainable booths.
  1. Climate-friendly food and drink
    Choose plant-based, waterwise and low carbon impact food. Avoid single use cups or other service ware, instead, opt for glass or china instead.
  1. Printing

If you need to print:

  • Choose certified post-consumer recycled paper and vegetable-based inks
  • Print locally to reduce emissions
  • Make your print timeless (not date specific) so it can be reused
  1. Shipping

Avoid Styrofoam packing peanuts (not recyclable) and use reusable, recyclable or biodegradable packaging instead. Find an environmentally friendly shipping center.

  1. Planning giveaways?

Offer digital alternatives, or even better, consider donating to a Frankfurt charity contact us to be put in touch with our partner charities

  1. Train travel

Travel to Frankfurt by train if possible, check out carbon free train travel with Deutsche Bahn.

At the show

  1. Travel around Frankfurt on foot or by public transport

    To get to and from the airport, or elsewhere in the Rhine-Main region, take advantage of some great public transportation. Frankfurt is very pedestrian-friendly, most of the hotels in the city center are a 20–30 minute walk to Messe Frankfurt.
  1. Attend sustainability and EDI education

    Sustainability, people and planet, and EDI education sessions take place every day at the Inspiration Hub in Hall 9. 
  1. IMEX-EIC Innovation in sustainability award

    We’re proud to run the Innovation in Sustainability Award with the Events Industry Council (EIC). The winner is announced at the IMEX Gala Dinner, read more about the awards here.
  1. IMEX people and planet village

Visit the people and planet village in hall 9. A place to find inspiration and learn about best practices in sustainability and EDI.

Before you leave the show

  1. Hand back your badge

    At the end of the show, leave your badge and lanyard in the collection boxes at the exits to the hall. We'll make sure they're recycled responsibly.
  1. Donate and divert

    Our donation program reuses and recycles leftover food and materials from the show that would usually go to waste. By working with local partners, we can divert unwanted items and help those who need them.

Local partners we support include:


Articles on sustainable exhibiting

Read more on sustainable exhibiting

A hilly green mountain landscape with a misty and cloudy sky.

Sustainable promotional giveaways for events and exhibitions

The global events industry has long been known for branded goods and giveaways, but as we become increasingly environmentally conscious...

More details
Attendees stand smiling at the camera while in line for a buffet, holding plates of food.

Sustainable event catering at IMEX

When you consume food or drink, do you wonder where it has come from, or where its packaging will go? Do you think about how much water your food takes to produce?

More details
Aerial view of circular garden with paths, surrounded by autumn-colored trees

Report download: The regenerative revolution

The regenerative revolution: A new paradigm for event management, powered by Marriott International.

More details

Ready to take the next step?


A busy red carpeted aisle of IMEX Frankfurt's show floor.

Book your booth at IMEX Frankfurt 2026

Contact us to secure your place at IMEX Frankfurt 2026.
Exhibitor inquiry
Two IMEX attendee sit facing and talking to each other at a booth on the show floor.

Exhibit at IMEX Frankfurt

Meet over 4,500 global decision makers with qualified buying power including the valuable German outbound market. 
Exhibit

Any questions?

Read our FAQs or contact us:


Contact customer services