A zero-waste booth at HIT Games Conference? Imagine the impact. 👾

👋🏽 Welcome to Growth Marketing: ON, where I share tips and insights to supercharge your marketing strategy, based on my 20+ years experience in sales and marketing.

The hidden costs of gaming events

Did you know that the average convention produces over 10,000 kgs of waste in just a few days? That’s equivalent to the weight of a gaming rig every attendee would carry ; and most of it ends up in landfills.

Gaming companies already push boundaries in innovation, so why not apply that creativity to event organisation?

Let’s look at why sustainable gaming expos are the future.

Why sustainability matters in gaming events

Gamers care about the planet

Over 70% of Gen Z gamers expect brands to take a stand on sustainability² . They care about more than just graphics or gameplay - they want to know your values. A sustainable booth or event sends a clear message: your brand is about the future, not just the now.

A greener booth, a bigger impact

Imagine the headlines: [Your Gaming Brand] breaks ground with a zero-waste booth. That kind of initiative earns you media attention, loyalty, and partnerships with organisations prioritising green practices.

Long-term cost efficiency

While sustainable choices might seem expensive upfront, they’re often cost-efficient over time. Reusable booth materials, digital swag, and paperless communication can slash logistics costs for future events.

How to create a zero-waste booth that stands out

Digital swag packs

Instead of pens, stickers, or T-shirts, offer in-game content, skins, or NFTs. Not only are they waste-free, but they keep players interacting with your brand long after the event ends.

Modular booth designs

Opt for reusable booths made from recycled materials. Companies like Strokes Exhibits LLC³ and Contemporana Eventi⁴ create stunning designs with minimal environmental impact.

QR codes and AR experiences

Replace printed brochures with digital experiences. Attendees can scan a QR code to explore your games or product offerings interactively.

Make your QR code innovative, companies like QRBRD⁵ take the QR code experience one step further and offer highly personalised QR code designs, making your brand memorable.

Eco-friendly food and drink stations

If your booth offers refreshments, partner with local vendors to provide sustainable snacks in compostable packaging.

If you are organising a game jam or a tournament, make sure to offer bulk options, rather than individually packed snacks and plastic bottles.

Carbon offset partnerships

Work with organisations like Pachama⁶ to offset emissions from booth construction, travel, and logistics. You could even gamify this effort by letting attendees vote on where offsets are allocated.

The bigger picture: transforming gaming expos

A sustainable gaming booth isn’t just a marketing initiative; it’s a leadership move. By taking these steps, you’re setting an example for the entire gaming industry. The impact goes beyond reducing waste - it creates conversations, inspires competitors, and positions your brand as a forward-thinking leader.