Sustainability to be the 2024 watchword
MACH SHOW PREVIEW A PROACTIVE APPROACH
MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES ASSOCIATION
Sustainability to be the 2024 watchword
MACH 2024 , already expected to be one of the most important exhibitions in the event ’ s illustrious history , is also set to the most sustainable . With challenges mounting for the UK ’ s engineeringbased manufacturers , MACH 2024 organiser , the Manufacturing Technologies Association is taking a proactive approach to the current situation with a show-ready ethos that promotes the green agenda while offering exhibitors costeffective solutions for attractive stands that won ’ t break the budget .
The approach is in keeping with recommendations from the Association of Event Organisers , which has recently published guidance for Venues , Contractor and Organisers to promote more sustainable events not just in terms of environmental impact , but true sustainability for encouraging talent and diversity , greener events and social responsibility .
James Selka DL , CEO of the MTA , said : “ Let me be clear , this not a greenwashing exercise . As a not-forprofit enterprise with a strong ethos for socially responsible business decisions , the MTA is adopting the AEO guidance into its way of working as it is the right thing to do , both ethically and financially .
“ We are working on a number of initiatives for the 2024 exhibition , both planned and in place , and while we are by no means fully there yet , the influence on the show will be considerable and set the tone for future events . Exhibitors and our host venue , the NEC in Birmingham , are supportive of the changes we are
making , and I thank them for their help .”
Examples of the sustainability approach include the re-use of the MTA exhibition stand from MACH 2022 , the development of a ‘ Green Mark ’ badge of honour for exhibitors adopting re-used stands and as far as possible , a digital-only approach to marketing material to reduce unnecessary printing . Other initiatives are set to follow in the coming months , while the NEC ’ s own plan includes an LED light replacement programme , zero waste to landfill policy and recycling sent to a plant just seven miles from its campus to reduce unnecessary transport miles .
In keeping with this , examples of show readiness will include the use of lightweight materials so more can be stored in fewer vehicles , thereby reducing transport emissions , the encouragement of electric commercial vehicles , the re-use of show fabrics and carpets , the adoption of low-energy LED lighting , the use of solvent-free ink and where possible , the re-use or hiring of stand furniture and fittings .
This will benefit exhibitors as it helps with their own green agenda , and it also makes it easier for them to turn up of the day of the event to a good looking show stand that is all set for them to start exhibiting .
“ This is the first time we will be offering this show-ready service and aside from the environmental benefits , it also means exhibitors can budget better as it enables them to fix and spread the cost of both stand space and stand build . This will also facilitate better cash flow and a lower administrational burden on their staff ,” added Mr Selka .
However , one thing that will not be changing is the spirit of the event , with MACH remaining the national manufacturing show run by the industry for the industry .
This has been enhanced by developments within the MTA and its adoption of a new engineering-based manufacturing cluster containing both the Engineering Industries Association ( EIA ) and AMUK , the UK ’ s only trade association for Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing .
Each of member of the cluster will have a strong presence at the show . The EIA will again be organising its Engineering Supply Chain Show , while AMUK is advocating through the Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Zone .
Co-locating the EIA with MACH 2024 also offers additional sustainability gains as it negates the need for a separate show with the costs that would entail , both commercially and environmentally .
For further information , please visit www . machexhibition . com / about-us / about-the-organisers
36 PECM Issue 67