William Reed, organisers of the UK Food & Drink Shows, are committed to being more sustainable and promoting a more sustainable future. Here are 5 ways they are doing this for the UK Food & Drink Shows this April.

Less paper, more planet: the power of going digital

William Reed has recently partnered with Sitka for the upcoming UK Food & Drink Shows this April. Sitka, a technology provider, will supply various cutting-edge features, such as indoor navigation and digital show guides, through a mobile app to greatly improve the visitor experience. With these features, attendees will be able to easily navigate the event and make the most out of their time, resulting in a more efficient and enjoyable experience.

In addition to improving the overall experience for attendees, the partnership with Sitka aligns with William Reed's sustainability goals by reducing paper waste traditionally associated with event guides and maps. The transition to digital show guides will not only save on paper, but it will also reduce the carbon footprint of the event.

Moreover, the technology provided by Sitka will improve networking opportunities by allowing attendees and exhibitors to connect more easily. This feature will increase efficiency and collaboration, further promoting sustainability by reducing unnecessary travel and facilitating virtual meetings.

To learn more about this exciting partnership, find out more here: https://www.foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk/latest-news/175-william-reed-and-sitka-partner-to-trial-cutting-edge-tech-at-the-uk-food-drink-shows-2023

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycling is at the forefront of William Reed’s efforts to promote a more sustainable future. This is why they are strongly encouraging exhibitors and visitors to recycle wherever possible. By promoting recycling, William Reed is taking a significant step towards reducing waste and minimising their environmental impact. This initiative not only helps to divert waste from landfills but also reduces the need for raw materials and energy required to produce new products.

In addition to promoting recycling, William Reed is also encouraging exhibitors and visitors to bring their reusable cups and bottles to the UK Food & Drink Shows. By doing so, they are reducing the need for single-use plastic cups and bottles, which are a significant source of waste and pollution.

Rather than relying on visitors to sort their waste, the NEC has a more innovative approach. They take the responsibility of separating all recyclable materials from general waste themselves. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of contamination and ensures that all recyclable materials are properly processed.

Joining hands with a food distribution charity

With shows like the UK Food & Drink Shows a popular part is, of course, food and drink. From samples to anything on offer for lunch, there is without a doubt going to be lots of extras that don’t get consumed.

This is why William Reed has established a partnership with the food distribution charity, Fareshare, to donate any surplus food to those in need, rather than throwing away perfectly good food. By collaborating with the charity, William Reed not only supports the fight against hunger but also reduces the environmental impact of its events.

Through this initiative, William Reed encourages exhibitors and attendees to adopt similar sustainable practices to reduce food waste, and to support their efforts to become more socially responsible.

Powering a greener tomorrow with green today!

The UK Food & Drink Shows are committed to using green electricity and energy efficient light bulbs wherever possible. These are then switched to LED when they need replacing. Green electricity is sourced from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower, and does not produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions like traditional fossil fuel-based electricity.

In addition, replacing conventional light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, consumes significantly less energy and last longer. This reduces the need for frequent replacements, which, in turn, saves energy and reduces waste.

No plastic badges

Lastly, William Reed will have no plastic badge holders on site.

By eliminating plastic badge holders, William Reed is contributing to the reduction of plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to event management. This initiative also promotes the use of technology and digital solutions, which are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional paper-based methods.