After the show: donations, leftovers and cleanup
Many exhibitors leave materials behind rather than pay to ship them home. Several big Las Vegas shows run donation programs that send them to local nonprofits instead of the landfill.
Last checked Oct 30, 2026
What to know
- How big it gets
In 2019 the CES donation program collected roughly 312,000 pounds of raw materials, supplies and furniture from 83 exhibitors after the show.
ConfirmedCES sustainability award entry (UFI)Checked Oct 30, 2026
- Who has taken leftovers
At past Las Vegas shows, Habitat for Humanity took construction materials, Opportunity Village took furniture and appliances, and Teachers Exchange took office supplies.
ConfirmedDaily Herald on show donation partnersChecked Oct 30, 2026
- Mark it clearly
Clearly labeled donation items are easier for contractor crews to set aside during a busy move-out.
Not yet confirmedTSNN: reducing exhibit hall wasteChecked Oct 30, 2026
- Ask your show first
Donation programs are run by the show with its contractor, so ask show management whether one exists before move-out day.
Not yet confirmedCES sustainability award entry (UFI)Checked Oct 30, 2026
- Leftover catered food
Unserved catered food can be rescued instead of thrown out. At the Venetian, the Food Rescue Alliance with The Just One Project has recovered more than 754,000 pounds of food from catered functions, conventions and meetings since 2023. Ask your catering manager whether your event's leftovers go into it.
ConfirmedHotel Online: Venetian hits $1M toward food-rescue effort (Sept 2026)Checked Oct 30, 2026
- Food rescue at MGM properties
MGM Resorts and Three Square Food Bank began collecting unserved convention and banquet food in 2016, temperature-checking it in transit and flash-freezing it for partner charities. Confirm the program is still running with your MGM catering contact.
Not yet confirmedKNPR: program donates leftover banquet food (2018)Checked Oct 30, 2026