This May, join the entire solid-waste industry at the WasteExpo 2023 show in New Orleans, Louisiana. Attendees will learn from industry leaders, network with other businesses, and discover the latest innovations. WasteExpo is the leading event of its kind in North America. Thousands of waste experts meet at the expo each year to buy, sell and gather intel on the latest products and services. Exhibitors on the show floor showcase everything from vehicles to robotics to recycling equipment and technology.
If you are in the waste-management business and considering tradeshow marketing as a way to increase sales and distribution, this is a must-attend event! Read on to learn more about WasteExpo 2023, plus our tips on creating a show-stopping booth.
Looking for a local New Orleans tradeshow booth builder for the upcoming WasteExpo? Contact Exhibit Experience for your complimentary consultation.
Where and when is WasteExpo?
Date: May 1-4, 2023
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Trade show hours:
- Tuesday, May 2, 2023: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday, May 3: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday, May 4: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Accommodations & Travel
onPeak is the official housing provider for WasteExpo, and they offer discounted rates and convenient hotel options at New Orleans hotels. Find out more about their discounted hotel rates on the show’s Travel page.
Exhibitors at WasteExpo
Over 500 companies exhibited at the 2022 show, according to the WasteExpo 2023 Prospectus. Of these, 93 percent of exhibitors would recommend the Waste Expo, and 84 percent send proposals to customers based on their WasteExpo meetings.
Below is a list of the types of companies WasteExpo 2023 will have on their show floor.
- Anaerobic Digestion
- Balers
- Brakes
- Business Services
- Collection & Transfer
- Compactors
- Compostable Plastics
- Composting Equipment
- Composting Systems & Technologies
- Computer Hardware & Software
- Construction & Demolition
- Containers
- Fleet Safety
- Hazardous Waste Equipment & Services
- Hydraulic Components
- Landfill Equipment & Services
- Loaders
- Material Handling
- Medical & Infectious Waste
- Odor Control Equipment
- Organics Recycling
- Recycling Equipment & Companies
- Recycling Systems
- Refuse & Recycling Equipment
- Refuse Truck Bodies and Chassis
- Safety Equipment
- Shredders
- Tires
- Trailers
- Transportation Management Logistics
- Truck Equipment
- Waste Services Companies
- Waste-to-Energy Products & Services
- Wastewater Treatment
- Wireless Communication
As you can see, waste, as defined by exhibitors, is a much broader business and encompasses a huge array of companies. In some ways, this show is as much about technology and advancements as consumer shows such as CES Trade Show Las Vegas.
Attendees at WasteExpo
Last year’s show saw over 12,000 total people in attendance, nearly 9,000 of which were motivated buyers. Of these buyers:
- 97% would recommend WasteExpo to colleagues.
- 80% researched new products, suppliers, or vendors while there.
- 45% purchased a product and/or service as a direct result of seeing it at the expo.
- 42% attend only WasteExpo, and no other show.
Many of these attendees are decision makers of the highest caliber and have job titles with significant buying power:
- 34% Financial & Sales Management
- 31% Corporate Management
- 16% Operations Management
- 12% Consultant
- 7% Engineering & Maintenance
These professionals come from across the waste management industry, from waste services and recycling companies and governmental offices to equipment manufacturers, waste generators, and more. Waste is a critical issue in sustainability and some of the most prolific environmentalists will also be in attendance providing the latest information on advancements in the industry.
You will not want to miss out on this opportunity to secure contracts, obtain new business, and launch new products. This show accelerates your chance to close deals in person, whether your sector is private, public, or waste generating.
According to the WasteExpo website, attendees come from the following businesses and organizations:
- Waste Services Companies (Private or Publicly Traded Refuse Firms, Landfill Owners/Operators, Independent Contractors)
- Government Officials (Municipalities, County Agencies, Regional Authorities, Special Districts, State and Federal Governments and Public Landfill, Composting, and Anaerobic Digestion Sites)
- Equipment Manufacturers
- Distributors & Dealers
- Consulting Engineering Firms (Consultants, Architects, R&D Organizations)
- Recycling Firms (Secondary Materials Processors, Contractors, and Recyclers)
- Composting & Organics Recycling Professionals
- Waste Generators (Businesses and Organizations that Create Waste in Manufacturing, Retailing and/or Providing Services)
- Food Waste Recovery Experts
- Legal, Insurance & Financial Firms
- Healthcare Waste/Medical Waste Professionals
- Software Companies
- General Contractors
- Transportation (Trucking Professionals, Suppliers, Fleet Owners, Operators, Maintenance Professionals)
No matter their organization or role though, they’ll all looking for one thing: innovation solutions to their very waste-ful problems.
What is the best way to exhibit at WasteExpo?
Success depends on you and your exhibit team’s ability to draw in a crowd. Having the right approach to your booth’s message can make all the difference. Here are a few things you can do in the remaining days leading up to the expo:
- Pick the focal point, and product/service.
- Which of your products best fit attendees needs?
- Do you have any new products, services or technologies that offer solutions to the attendee?
- How can you let attendees experience these new things?
- Design a marketing/content campaign around what’s relevant and what’s new.
- Design a memorable in-booth experience.
- No matter the size, your booth should tell a seamless brand story.
- Pro Tip: include an interactive experience for your booth visitors.
- Build and train the right team.
- Having the right booth staff is just as important as having the right design.
- Include a mix of people from sales, technical, customer service and management.
- Ditch the hard sell.
- Instead of trying to get sales, focus instead on how your products or services solve a problem.
- Create an itinerary with the networking and social events, educational sessions, and other activities you want to attend. This way you and your team will know when you’ll be at the booth.
- Follow up. Use the travel time home to send follow-up emails to thank visitors for their time and remind them about your company.
Experience is key when it comes to standing out at large-scale tradeshows. WasteExpo exhibit booth rentals require expert administration, management, and design, with the show and brand needs in mind. Local tradeshow exhibit rentals from experienced booth builders, like Exhibit Experience, for the upcoming WasteExpo will help you go that extra mile.
Curious about how much booths cost? Read our Costs of Exhibiting After 2023 article.
Need a reliable booth builder for the WasteExpo?
Exhibit Experience is the preferred trade show booth builder for the WasteExpo show. We produce state-of-the-art exhibits within a variety of budgets. From custom to pre-certified exhibits, we’ll have the booth you need to show your company the right way.
We will:
- Design and build your exhibit to the right specs
- Provide 24-hour support throughout the trade show.
- Set up and take down your booth
The Exhibit Experience team has over two decades of experience delivering custom exhibits and custom modular exhibits that see instant results. Our exhibit management services are all-inclusive, from design to delivery. We will deliver your exhibit on time, on budget, and following all safety protocols.
If you are looking for a WasteExpo trade show booth builder, look no further than Exhibit Experience! Contact us today for a complimentary consultation.
Dimensional Strategy: Selecting the Optimal Booth Size
Exhibit Experience offers customized solutions across a comprehensive range of booth dimensions to align with your specific marketing objectives, budgetary parameters, and venue requirements:
- 10′ × 10′ (100 sq ft): Entry-level presence with focused messaging
- 10′ × 20′ (200 sq ft): Enhanced linear exposure with expanded demonstration capabilities
- 20′ × 20′ (400 sq ft): Premium presence with significant impact potential in peninsula or island configurations
- 20′ × 30′ (600 sq ft): Extended engagement space allowing for multiple activity zones
- 30′ × 30′ (900 sq ft): Substantial presence enabling comprehensive brand storytelling
- 30′ × 40′ (1,200 sq ft): Commanding footprint supporting complex multi-functional exhibits
Each dimensional increment represents not simply additional square footage, but expanded strategic possibilities for engagement, demonstration, and differentiation within the competitive exhibition landscape.
Navigating Regulatory Parameters: Essential Compliance Guidelines
Successful exhibition strategy requires not only creative vision but meticulous adherence to industry regulations and venue-specific requirements. The following regulatory considerations represent critical compliance factors for all exhibitors:
1. Vertical Space Utilization & Height Restrictions
Linear/Inline Booth Regulations:
- Maximum 8′ (2.5m) height allowance at back wall
- Graduated height restrictions approaching the aisle
- 4′ (1.2m) height limitation within 5′ (1.5m) of aisle frontage
- Strict enforcement to prevent sight line obstruction
Perimeter Booth Regulations:
- Enhanced rear wall height allowance up to 12′ (3.7m)
- Maintained 4′ (1.2m) height limitation within 5′ (1.5m) of aisle
- Specific venue guidelines may apply to projection heights
Peninsula Booth Regulations:
- Height allowances typically between 16′-20′ (4.9m-6.1m)
- Potential restrictions within 5′ (1.5m) of adjoining exhibits
- Back wall finishing requirements when visible to neighboring exhibits
- Prohibition of competitor-facing logos on reverse surfaces
Split Island Booth Regulations:
- Height allowances comparable to peninsula booths (typically 16′-20′)
- Shared back wall must be finished on both sides with neutral coloration
- Branding must not intrude onto neighboring exhibitor’s space
- Typically requires coordinated approval of structural elements along shared boundary
- Specialized rules may govern sound projection toward the shared boundary
Island Booth Regulations:
- Maximum height utilization (typically 16′-20′ depending on venue)
- Ability to incorporate suspended elements with proper approvals
- Rigorous engineering certification requirements for multi-level structures
- Line-of-sight considerations for suspended signage
2. ADA Compliance Requirements: Creating Accessible Exhibits
The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes non-negotiable standards for exhibit accessibility:
- Universal Experience Mandate: Exhibits must provide substantially equivalent experiences to all attendees regardless of physical ability
- Pathway Requirements: Minimum 36″ (91cm) clear path throughout exhibit areas
- Elevation Transitions: Any raised platform exceeding ½” requires ADA-compliant ramping with specific slope ratios (1:12 maximum)
- Interactive Element Placement: Engagement features must be accessible from wheelchair height (maximum 48″ reach range)
- Audiovisual Considerations: Presentations should incorporate captioning when feasible
- Service Animal Accommodation: Sufficient clearance for service animals throughout exhibit spaces
Non-compliance with ADA requirements carries significant consequences, including potential removal from the event, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Professional exhibit partners provide invaluable guidance in designing fully compliant spaces that elegantly accommodate all visitors.
3. Spatial Boundary Enforcement
Exhibit footprints are contractually defined with zero tolerance for encroachment:
- All exhibit elements including product displays, literature racks, and furniture must remain completely within the defined booth space
- Projection of images, lighting effects, or sound beyond booth boundaries is strictly prohibited
- Suspended elements must be positioned within the vertical projection of the booth footprint
- Unauthorized marketing activities outside designated booth space (“guerrilla marketing”) may result in penalty fees or expulsion
4. Sight Line Preservation Protocol
Exhibition environments function through carefully calibrated visual accessibility:
- Structures exceeding 4′ (1.2m) in height are prohibited within the front 5′ (1.5m) of standard and perimeter booths
- Peninsula exhibits must consider neighbor visibility when positioning tall elements
- Transparent or semi-transparent materials are recommended for necessary partitions in high-traffic visibility zones
- Interactive displays must be positioned to prevent aisle congestion
5. Illumination & Electrical Safety Standards
Lighting design must balance impact with consideration for the overall exhibition environment:
- Directional lighting must be focused inward toward the exhibitor’s own space
- Strobe effects, flashing sequences, and moving lights typically require special permission
- Lighting intensity must avoid creating uncomfortable glare for attendees or neighboring exhibitors
- All electrical connections must comply with local building codes and certification requirements
- Cable management must eliminate tripping hazards through appropriate concealment or floor covering
- Power load calculations must be submitted in advance for verification against venue capacity
6. Intellectual Property & Audio Licensing Requirements
Content presentation within exhibits carries specific legal obligations:
- Music, video content, and other copyrighted materials require appropriate licensing documentation
- Performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) may actively monitor compliance at major events
- Volume levels for audio content are subject to specific decibel limitations
- Scheduled presentations must adhere to show management guidelines regarding frequency and duration
- Alternative solutions include royalty-free music libraries and blanket license arrangements available through show management
Location-Specific Compliance: Navigating Regional Requirements
Major exhibition venues maintain distinct regulatory frameworks that may supplement or modify industry standards:
- Las Vegas Convention Center: Stringent fire safety requirements with specific material certification needs and unique rules for multi-level structures
- Orange County Convention Center (Orlando): Specialized electrical codes and detailed rigging regulations for suspended elements
- McCormick Place (Chicago): Union labor requirements and specific loading dock procedures that impact installation timelines
- Javits Center (New York): Enhanced security protocols and specific weight-bearing limitations for exhibit components
- International Venues: Substantially different regulatory approaches requiring specialized knowledge of local standards and certification requirements
Professional exhibit partners with experience across multiple jurisdictions provide invaluable guidance in navigating these complex and constantly evolving regulatory landscapes.
Exhibit Experience: Your Partner in Exhibition Excellence
Creating impactful, compliant trade show environments requires specialized expertise that transcends standard marketing capabilities. Exhibit Experience delivers turnkey solutions characterized by:
Comprehensive Design Integration Our design process incorporates regulatory compliance from conceptual development through final execution, eliminating costly modifications and ensuring seamless approval processes.
In-House Production Capabilities Vertical integration of manufacturing and graphic production provides unparalleled quality control while accommodating compressed timelines:
- Direct oversight of fabrication processes
- Elimination of third-party communication inefficiencies
- Rapid response capability for last-minute adjustments
- Proprietary quality control protocols exceeding industry standards
Dedicated Installation Teams Unlike providers relying on temporary labor, our specialized installation professionals:
- Maintain intimate familiarity with our proprietary systems
- Execute with precision honed through repeated collaboration
- Provide continuity from project to project
- Deliver exceptional problem-solving capabilities on-site
Strategic Geographical Positioning Our operational presence in primary exhibition hubs delivers substantial logistical advantages:
- Reduced shipping costs and transit risks
- Enhanced scheduling flexibility
- Rapid response capability for unexpected challenges
- Established relationships with venue management teams
Conclusion: Elevating Your Exhibition Strategy
Strategic trade show participation represents one of the most significant marketing investments many organizations make annually. Maximizing the return on this investment demands not just creative excellence, but sophisticated understanding of the technical, regulatory, and logistical factors that determine success.
By partnering with Exhibit Experience, you gain access to specialized expertise that transforms these complex considerations into seamless execution—allowing your team to focus on what matters most: meaningful engagement with your target audience and the advancement of your strategic objectives.
Ready to elevate your exhibition strategy? Contact Exhibit Experience today for a consultative assessment of your trade show program and discover how our integrated approach can enhance your brand presence while optimizing your marketing investment.
