Atlanta, GA ― March 16th, 2026

Industry data shows an estimated 85 million pounds of carpet waste enter landfills each year. Research also indicates that carpet represents a significant share of trade show waste, with some estimates placing flooring at more than 70 percent of potential waste materials.

EXHIBITORLIVE addresses this issue directly. As the industry’s leading conference and exhibition for trade show and corporate marketers, EXHIBITORLIVE exists to share best practices and elevate operational standards. The show floor serves as a working example of what responsible exhibiting looks like. This year, sustainable flooring recovery stands at the center of that effort. Through a focused sustainability partnership, EXHIBITORLIVE aligns with Fern as General Contractor and with Brumark as flooring supplier and recovery partner. Each plays a defined role.

As a nationwide General Contractor with deep operational influence, Fern drives material selection and on-site execution across major events. Their decision to support a structured recycling and recovery program sends a clear message to the market. Sustainable flooring is most successful when it’s planned early, installed with care, and properly managed during move-out. Fern is committed to those standards at EXHIBITORLIVE.

EXHIBITORLIVE further strengthens its industry leadership by offering a highly visible platform for innovation and best practices. Its audience is comprised ofexhibit managers, corporate marketers, agency executives, and show organizers which represents the decision makers who manage event portfolios, budgets, and vendor strategies. By showcasing a proven, results-driven recovery program in action, EXHIBITORLIVE provides these professionals with a tangible model they can confidently implement within their own event programs.

“Meaningful sustainability progress happens when our industry collaborates, shares knowledge, and commits to practical action,” said Stephanie Gibbs, General Manager, EXHIBITORLIVE. “Events like EXHIBITORLIVE play an important role in not only showcasing innovative solutions, but also educating and inspiring our community to adopt operationally realistic practices. EXHIBITORLIVE has joined Brumark in a multi-year flooring recycling initiative that will move our industry collectively toward a more sustainable future.”

Brumark and their partners have built a structured, approachable sustainability process designed for real-world success.

Following the show, approved flooring materials: including carpet, turf, vinyl, and padding, are collected during move-out under established loading standards. EXHIBITORLIVE has already documented the impact, a prior initiative diverted 13,400 pounds of waste from landfill through coordinated recovery efforts with partners. Building on this success, the partnership aims to expand recovery efforts and further reduce material waste across future events. Brumark maintains that manufacturers have a responsibility to deliver practical solutions at a price point that exhibitors accept. All-inclusive show pricing in select major markets includes material recovery and show site pickup, with expansion efforts underway to extend this simplified model more broadly in the near future.

“We are committed to advancing thoughtful sustainability practices while ensuring our industry has seamless access to these essential services,” says Brumark’s President, James Zacharias. “This initiative reflects our belief that responsible action is not only the right thing to do, but vital to the long-term health of our industry, our planet, and future generations. We are proud to lead the way as innovators bringing this solution to market. For industry professionals, the impact is immediate and practical.”

If you specify flooring, you influence end-of-life outcomes. If you serve as an EAC, your planning decisions shape material diversion rates. If you manage exhibit programs, you set expectations for vendors and partners. EXHIBITORLIVE positions sustainable flooring recovery as an operational standard. The show demonstrates that large-scale events can integrate recovery planning into standard workflows. Clear guidelines, defined logistics, and documented impactful results. The industry gathers at EXHIBITORLIVE to refine strategy and improve execution. This year, sustainable flooring management stands as a shared priority, led by Fern’s operational commitment, supported by Brumark’s recovery infrastructure, and elevated through EXHIBITORLIVE’s platform for education and accountability.

To explore Brumark’s sustainability program and meet Ester, visit Booth 437 at EXHIBITORLIVE.

EXHIBITORLIVE is March 29 – April 2 in Tampa, FL.

About Exhibitor Group

The leader in trade show and corporate event marketing education, Exhibitor Group publishes EXHIBITOR magazine, an award-winning publication featuring best practices in trade show marketing. EXHIBITOR's learning events include: EXHIBITORLIVE, The Conference and Exhibition for Trade Show and Event Marketers; EXHIBITOR Education Week, the Professional Learning Conference for Exhibit and Corporate Event Marketers; and EXHIBITOR eTrak, professional online learning. Exhibitor Group is also the founder of CTSM (Certified Trade Show Marketer), the industry's only university-affiliated professional certification program. Learn more at www.ExhibitorOnline.com.

About Fern, a Nth Degree Company

Fern is a leading trade show services contractor that delivers unmatched customer service, best-in-class design, and innovative solutions for exhibitors and large-scale events. As part of the Nth Degree family, Fern is redefining the event experience through creativity, technology, and a commitment to client success. For more information, visit fernexpo.com.

About Brumark

Brumark Flooring is a sustainability-focused leader in innovative flooring solutions for events, exhibits, and branded environments. With decades of industry expertise, we provide a full range of flooring solutions, from custom-printed designs and carpet to raised and reusable systems that are delivered with fast and reliable support. More than just products, we offer a partnership. At Brumark, our clients are at the center of everything we do. We listen closely, act quickly, and tailor every solution to your goals. Committed to service, leadership, and authenticity, we take pride in helping brands make bold impressions while reducing environmental impact through eco-conscious materials and our hassle-free flooring recovery program. Your success drives us.