Three Days. $250K. Straight to the Dumpster.

Think your event has a sustainability strategy? Check under your feet.

That plush, color-matched carpet everyone’s Instagramming? It’s likely on a one-way trip to a landfill before your badge lanyard even hits the nightstand. At major conferences, we’re talking 100,000+ square feet of single-use flooring—rolled out, stepped on, then trashed in under 72 hours. The cost? Up to $250,000 per show.

“You’re sipping eco cocktails while standing on the dirtiest little secret in the event biz,” said one producer in whispered tones behind a branded LED wall.

But here’s the twist: there are alternatives. Modular reusable carpet tiles (used by brands like Brumark and Signature Systems), carpet-free matte floor finishes, even polished concrete with projected graphics are gaining ground—if not yet budget love.

And yes, many organizers are trying. They have partnered with recycling programs that upcycle old carpet into insulation or playground surfacing. Others donate “gently used” rolls to theaters, schools, or shelter orgs. It’s happening. Quietly.

Still, for many events? The moment the applause ends, the forklifts come out—and the carpet goes the way of last year’s keynotes.

Think about it…Red Carpet. Green Guilt.