Sustainability at SupplySide Connect New Jersey

SupplySide Connect New Jersey prioritizes venues and event setups that are carbon neutral. When we plan SupplySide Connect New Jersey, we work with vendors and venues that focus on reducing our event’s carbon emissions and creating less waste.

Initiatives include:

• SupplySide has implemented the Better Stands Program. This initiative aims to unite and encourage exhibitors — along with their appointed contractors — to move away from disposable, single-use stands at events, in favor of reusable or recyclable structures. Single-use stands are typically sent to a landfill post-event. Instead of this, we encourage our exhibitors to partner with our general service contractor, GES, or its exhibitor-appointed contractor to produce a beautiful stand that can be reused for many trade shows.
• Carpet has been eliminated from all aisles in the Expo Hall. In 2024, we saved 26,910 square feet of material from being used.
• SupplySide Connect New Jersey is powered by 100% renewable electricity.
• Digital kiosks are used and help reduce printed advertising.
• Badge recycle bins are provided onsite.
• The Meadowlands Exposition Center is fully outfitted with LEDs. This creates renewable electricity via solar on their roof.
• Attendees are encouraged to bring their refillable water bottles to the show. Water stations will be available in the Meadowlands Lobby and throughout the Expo Hall.
• We will be using a more sustainable, compostable plate option for all catered events.
• Lanyards are made from PET material, a form of polyester which is recycled from plastic bottles and other plastic packaging.
• Show bags are manufactured from recycled material. SupplySide is partnering with THROW, whose purpose is to propel, upcycle and repurpose. The organization will transform many of our show banners that will not be reused into swag bags for future shows. 

It's important to us that we keep accessibility, diversity and inclusion at the forefront when planning our event.

Initiatives include:

• A Mother’s Room will be available on the show floor for nursing parents.
• Education is open to all attendees and offers both free and paid content. Sessions will be available for on-demand viewing for those who are unable to attend in person.
  
• Networking events all include nonalcoholic beverage options for inclusivity of the sober/sober-curious community.
• SupplySide works with local vendors to help support the local community.

Education sessions at SupplySide Connect New Jersey enable health and nutrition leaders to innovate and do business in a way that prioritizes both people and planet. We focus on environmental sustainability, empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses, and offering diverse and inclusive speakers. 

Education sessions focusing on sustainability and diversity & inclusion in 2024 include:

• Substantiating products for women: Building trust through science.
• Navigating the future: Adapting to evolving trends.
• Active nutrition from the gamer chair to the yoga mat and sports field.
• Professional development workshop.
  
• SupplySide has many long-standing purposeful partnerships with organizations that have helped shape the industry. A few examples include:
  • American Botanical Council (ABC)
  • American Herbal Products Association (AHPA)
  • Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
  • Organic & Natural Health Association (ONHA)
  • NSF International (NSF)