Beyond the Booth: A Life Cycle Approach to Sustainable Event Materials
Our next event is a relaxed and interactive online discussion that will explore the life of exhibition stands and marketing displays beyond the events they are made for, with a special focus on the materials being used locally in these environments.
Why attend?
Events and exhibitions often leave a massive material waste footprint, but they don’t have to. We have the knowledge, technology, and skills to do much better.
In this discussion with leading industry expert Gary Van Der Watt (more on him below), questions will be unpacked, such as:
👉 Which materials really last?
👉 Which are most harmful?
👉 And which give you both sustainability and cost efficiency?
By joining this session, you’ll walk away with:
✅ A clear framework for assessing expo stand & display materials.
✅ Real-world examples of greener material choices.
✅ A list of the best supply chain questions to ask, to ensure full transparency.
✅ Confidence to balance creativity, cost, and sustainability.
✅ All event participants will be issued with a certificate of attendance, and will also qualify for CPD points from SACIA.
Agenda Snapshot
Welcome & Introduction: Why materials matter in sustainability
Life Cycle Thinking: Design → Manufacture → Use → Reuse → End-of-Life
Case Studies & Comparisons: Which materials stack up best?
Interactive Discussion & Q&A: Share your challenges, gain practical advice
Who Should Attend?
Event & exhibition organisers
Stand builders & suppliers
Procurement & sustainability managers
Brand managers & agencies
Designers & students of architecture/design
Meet Your Host: Gary Van Der Watt
Many of you know Gary van der Watt as an outspoken and knowledgeable proponent of sustainable event practices, a passion he channels into his role as Sustainable Design and Implementation Consultant for Xanita‘s Events & Exhibitions division, and as an EGF board member.
Gary’s sustainability journey is rooted in 35 years’ of interior design and exhibition industry experience. After confronting the realities of this often wasteful sector in 2011, Gary made it his mission to provide creative regenerative solutions for his clients, and engage with eco-active designers, architects, exhibition builders, advertising agencies, brand activists, printers, sign makers, furniture manufacturers, shopfitters, and more. He has had many successes and learnt much along the way – an example of his work being this Xanita case study for CapeWine 2025, which Gary also commented on here.
An exciting second guest speaker is being confirmed and will be announced soon.
Date: 16 October 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:00AM
Where: Online (register for details)
Cost: Free to attend
Please complete and submit this form to register your interest to attend this online workshop.
