13 August 2024

by British Marine

The Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) is excited to announce that entries are now open for the highly anticipated Exhibitor Sustainability Awards 2024. These awards, now in their sixth year, recognise exceptional exhibitors who truly embrace environmentally responsible behaviour and sustainable work practices both during and outside the show.

Entrants will be asked to provide details on how they promote good environmental practices, exceed sustainability pledges, and implement company-specific changes that positively impact the environment. This includes questions on showcasing environmentally beneficial products, organising local cleanups, and reducing their carbon footprint through local sourcing and sustainable transport practices.

This year’s awards will be judged by an esteemed line up of industry experts including Hannah Stodel, 4 x Paralympian, Triple World Champion and Joseph Penhaul Smith, from Sustainable Sailing Ltd – a company at the forefront of sail recycling, Robert Parton, British Marine President and Ed Tuite, Head of Technical Services at British Marine.

Emphasising the significance of the awards, Ed commented: "Entering the Exhibitor Sustainability Awards is a testament to an exhibitor's dedication to environmental responsibility. These awards recognise those who not only meet but exceed our sustainability standards, setting a benchmark for the entire industry."

The winners will be announced during the show on Friday 13 September at 11am on the Foredeck Stage, where they will receive their coveted Sustainability Awards trophy.  They will also be invited to attend an exclusive private reception taking place the opening day.

To enter, visit: https://southamptonboatshow.exhibitionarchitect.co.uk/Tasks/Environmental-Award and complete the online entry form.  You will need your exhibitor manual login details to access the link.

The closing date for entries is 28 August 2024. Shortlisted entrants will then be invited to attend the awards ceremony where the winners will be announced.

Complementing the awards, the show remains committed to leading environmental sustainability in the marine sector through supporting best practices and inspiring change. Recognising the environmental impact of SIBS 2024 and similar events, the show team is continuously working to reduce its footprint.

The Environmental Charter requires exhibitors to adhere to a set of mandatory requirements as well as strive to meet a number of goals to enhance sustainable operations as part of the Environmental Pledge.

The mandatory requirements that make up the show’s Environmental Charter include:

• Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles on stands, outlets, or hosted events.
• Nominating a sustainability champion to oversee waste reduction, management, and recycling.
• Offering only sustainable and recyclable promotional giveaways.
• Using compostable, recyclable, or reusable plates, cups, glasses, and cutlery.
• Utilising e-tickets, QR codes, or apps for guest passes and tickets; if not possible, print on recycled paper.

In addition, exhibitors are encouraged to sign up to the voluntary Environmental Pledge on the following goals:

• Entering the Exhibitor Sustainability Awards.
• Ensure stand setups are reusable.
• Promote good environmental practices, such as removing single-use plastics.
• Offset hotel accommodation and transport emissions.
• Encourage responsible environmental behaviour among staff, contractors, and customers.
• Use public transport, car sharing, and reduce journeys throughout the show.

Mark Ring, Head of Events at British Marine, organisers of Southampton International Boat Show, emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability at the show: "The Southampton International Boat Show is committed to making a positive environmental impact. Our charter, pledge and sustainability awards are vital steps in ensuring that we lead by example and inspire change within the marine industry."

All exhibitors are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment and enter the awards and sign up to the pledge. In doing so their stand will be highlighted on the show map as a pledge entrant, and they will receive a display for their stand and a 2024 digital pledge logo to share on social media.

For more information about the Environmental Pledge and Exhibitor Sustainability Awards, please visit: https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/helping-the-environment/

About Southampton International Boat Show

The Southampton International Boat Show is the UK's largest boating and water sports festival, celebrating everything boating. Alongside hundreds of exhibitors and incredible boats and watercraft of all shapes and sizes, the show offers a unique blend of family entertainment, retail opportunities, and live music, making it an unmissable event in the marine calendar.

Get your ticket

Tickets for the Boat Show can be purchased online at www.southamptonboatshow.com/visitor-information/tickets/

You can also make a donation to this year’s show charity when purchasing your tickets.  This year we are delighted to be working with the Southampton Hospitals Charity and their Light the South art trail to raise funds for Southampton Children's Hospital, one of the top children's hospitals in the UK. Your donation will help transform the facilities and hospital experience for young patients, deliver vital support for families and continue life-changing research to keep your children's hospital truly world class.

Want to make your visit extra special?  Treat yourself with our Quayside Club package – https://www.southamptonboatshow.com/vip/

The show is open from 10am – 6pm daily except on the final Sunday when the show will close at 5pm.  The Shipyard will remain open until 9pm on both Saturday 14 and Saturday 21 September.

Visit the website www.southamptonboatshow.com or follow our social channels for all the latest show updates.