Sustainable trade fair appearances for our customers
The trade fair industry has never been known for being particularly sustainable. To be honest, it's been known for the opposite. But that is precisely why it also offers a huge opportunity to do better.
Many parties work together at trade fairs: trade fair companies, exhibitors, service providers like us, their partners and suppliers and, of course, the guests. This shows that no one can change the industry on their own, but everyone can and should make their contribution. And together we can do it.
For companies that want to make their trade fair presence as sustainable as possible, we already offer a lot in our area:
Ecology
Our catering is regional, seasonal, including lots of healthy vegetables - and so delicious that it requires little or no meat.
It goes without saying that we serve the food on attractive, real crockery. It looks nicer and saves a lot of waste.
Speaking of waste
For ethical, moral and environmental reasons, we believe that throwing away food is not an option.
According to a 2023 study, food waste will generate 9.3 billion CO2 equivalents worldwide, which is about as much as the annual emissions of the USA and the EU combined.
That's why we work together with Tafel Deutschland e.V. and, in consultation with our customers, donate all leftover food that can be taken by the food banks
Sometimes we have to move heaven and earth to get the Tafel employees to come to the exhibition grounds to collect our leftover food and drinks. Yes, it's tedious sometimes, but it's worth it to us.
And what about greenhouse gas emissions?
The majority of greenhouse gas emissions produced at events come from the many people traveling to and from the event, which, depending on the calculation method, is around 70 percent.
We have no influence on the travel behavior of guests and exhibitors, but our team comes from the immediate vicinity of the trade fair location whenever possible and usually travels by train or, if necessary, in carpools.
Social issues
As a trade fair service agency, we have a responsibility towards our hostess crews. This starts with fair contracts, good pay, correct insurance and proper billing. One would think this would go without saying, but unfortunately it often doesn't.
At least as important for us is a thorough introduction and comprehensive on-site support.
We want our crew to feel safe and secure and to be treated decently. You won't find skimpy outfits or short skirts with us, because our hostesses are not decorative objects and shouldn't have to feel like they are.
Company management
We are delighted when our customers book us time and again. This is not only a nice compliment, it also secures our economic future. We, in turn, are customers of our suppliers and partners and therefore an important building block for their economic success.
That's why we put special emphasis on long-term partnerships and fair dealings at eye level with everyone we work with.
If you would like to know what it is like to work with us and what we have already achieved for our customers, please take a look at our references.
If you would like to make your trade fair presentation more sustainable or have general questions on the subject, our expert Katrin Oberliess looks forward to your call or email!
Phone +49 (0) 211 24 08 77 24
Email oberliess____________@melles-stein.de
Sustainability at trade fairs - challenges & progress:
- We continue to offer our customers meat as well. Strictly speaking, vegan would be the most sustainable option. However, we don't want to ban meat, we want to inspire and excite those who couldn't previously imagine trade fair catering without meat. That's where we see the biggest leverage for us, instead of just serving those who are already fans of vegetarian or vegan catering.
- The food banks are currently not allowed to take prepared food, only packaged food. However, there are already clever and hygienically safe solutions. Now it's up to the government!
- We are not yet able to provide everything 100% organic, fairtrade and regional, but we are working together with our suppliers to continue expansion in these areas. When will we reach our goal? Honestly - we don't know yet. The sooner, the better.
- The shortage of staff is also a problem for us. We don't always have enough people who live near the trade fairs to recruit the entire crew from the surrounding area. However, our booking team is working hard to fill our database with great people, e.g. by actively advertising at universities and via social media, especially before major trade fairs.
Sources:
Food waste: www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/landwirtschaft-treibhausgas-lebensmittelverschwendung-1.5779609
CO2 emissions: www.event-partner.de/business/klimarechner-im-praxistest-hohe-abweichungen-bei-co2-emissionen/