Farnborough International | Save the date 22 - 23  February 2025

Sustainable exhibiting

The RYA recognises that our events have an impact on the environment

Therefore, we are working to reduce our environmental impact across all our activity by making sustainable improvements. 

You, our exhibitors, are a huge part of the show and have the power to make a big impact on the event’s sustainability. 

Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge

As part of our efforts, exhibitors at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2024 are encouraged to consider their own impact and make sustainability improvements.

The RYA Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge is an opportunity for you to mark this commitment. All exhibitors who sign the pledge will be given a certificate to display on their stand. To join the pledge, you must meet the mandatory criteria as well as sign up to a minimum of six optional actions, shown below. 

As well as a certificate for your stand, exhibitors who sign the pledge will also receive a Sustainability Pledge logo to use on your social channels, demonstrating your commitment to running your stand sustainably.

Sign up to the pledge

Looking ahead: from 2025, all exhibitors attending the event will be required to agree to the mandatory environmental actions to exhibit at the show. 

Sign up to the pledge

For more information on the pledge points check out the information on how to be a more sustainable exhibitor below. The Green Blue have also produced guidance on running sustainable events. 

How to be a more sustainable exhibitor

Only offer sustainable and recyclable promotional giveaways

• Think! Is the giveaway practical and useful? Can it be reused? Is it recyclable? Is it sourced from an ethical/ sustainable supplier?
• No single-use plastic giveaway items.

Take steps to ensure your stand design and build is as reusable as possible and accessible to all

• Avoid using dates and event details on your stand and marketing equipment. 
• Reuse the stand set-up, build and equipment for multiple events. 
• Purchase equipment that is designed to last. 
• Ensure equipment is as recyclable as possible when it is no longer usable. Alternatively, see if it can be donated.
• Everyone should be able to attend and enjoy your stand. Ensure your stand is accessible to all, and that all visitors are treated equally.

Does your organisation have an Environmental Policy in place?

• If you don’t have an Environmental Policy but would like to create one, focus on a few core areas of your operations that have a high environmental impact. Put actions in place to improve on these areas first. 
• The RYA Sustainability team would be happy to assist you in creating an Environmental Policy. 
• Make your policy available to all your stakeholders.

Work to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle!

• Please be mindful of waste before, during and after the event.
• Try to bring as little as possible with you (but don’t forget your refillable bottle/cup).

Think about how you travel. Use public transport or car share where viable to get to the show

• Travel information will be published by the RYA nearer to the event so keep an eye out.
• Look into hiring an electric vehicle if a few of you are travelling it may be cheaper than expected. Use the venue postcode (GU14 6TQ) on ZapMap to find the nearest charge points.
• Consider the impact of your travel, reducing trips, car sharing and choosing greener options where possible.

Eliminate the use of single-use plastics on your stand and in show-related preparation and operations, including plastic bags

• Provide paper bags (ideally made from recyclable / FSC sources) or reusable tote bags. 
• Avoid plastic packaging; instead opt for recyclable or biodegradable packaging. Go one step further and request that any suppliers also avoid using plastic packaging.
• Invest in reusable cable ties. 

Join the refill movement, ensuring you only use reusable water bottles and/or reusable drinks cups on your stand

• Encourage stand staff and volunteers to bring a re-usable bottle or provide one.
• Refill stations will be provided throughout the venue: locate and promote your closest refill point to those on the stand. 

Reduce the use of paper and printing in preparation, during and after the event

• Go digital: provide QR codes, URLs or email contacts instead of printed leaflets and brochures.
• Make any printed materials timeless – don’t include dates or event details so they can be reused. 

Only use FSC-certified paper and ensure as much printed material as possible is recyclable

• If you need to print, consider the source of paper and use only vegetable-based inks. 
• Avoid laminating or plastic coatings.   

If staying in a hotel, consider its location (distance to the venue / accessibility to public transport) as well as the hotel's sustainability credentials

• Check to see if the hotel has an environment or sustainability policy in place. 
• View Farnborough's list of local accommodation.

Spread the word – share your environmental work and encourage environmentally responsible behaviour by your staff, contractors, and customers

• Inform stand staff and volunteers about your sustainability actions and that you have signed the Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge.
• Follow The Green Blue on social media, sign up to the quarterly newsletter, and share the free resources found on The Green Blue. 
• Use the RYA Exhibitor Sustainability Pledge badge on your website and social media to highlight your sustainable ambitions.

Make wellbeing a priority

• Make sure your stand staff / volunteers get a chance to take a break to stay fresh and healthy during event.
• Prioritise teamwork and say thanks. 
• Provide refreshments (considering dietary needs). 
• Let the stand staff know that if they have any concerns, they can approach in confidence.

If you have any questions or would like more information and advice, contact the RYA Planning and Sustainability Team.

Find out more about the RYA's approach to sustainability and our Sustainability Strategy.