April 23, 2008 - Two of the biggest event-services contractors in the industry, GES Exposition Services and Freeman, are meeting growing market demand for greener tradeshows - and remaking the market in the process. The two firms are leveraging their considerable buying power to press event suppliers to provide more environmentally friendly materials and services, Tradeshow Week reports.

Both Freeman and GES began their green efforts in likely places - natural products expos and outdoor-sports industry events - partnering with organizers to provide environmentally preferable materials such as recycled-content carpeting, biodegradable exhibitor badges, and "Plyboo" (plywood made from bamboo).

“When your mind is aligned with someone else's, you can accomplish so much,” says Carol Ingersoll, GES vice president of national accounts.

At the beginning, however, finding the right materials at competitive prices was more of a challenge, Ingersoll notes. “Because we use our buying influence, we were able to get our suppliers to get on board and develop sustainable products at more cost-effective prices than what was on the market."

The unusual orders pose other challenges as well, according to Joe Pestka, national accounts manager for Freeman. “We had to learn the supply chain,” he explains. “You can't order a skid of Plyboo [at the last minute]; you have to order it in advance.”

The wider availability of green tradeshow materials - coupled with growing mainstream interest in eco-friendly meetings and events - is having a ripple effect in the industry. Both Freeman and GES are now developing green booth rental packages for all shows.