FIND & SHARE MATERIALS
Materials in Motion.
Find & Share Materials - Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMN Find & Share Materials?
EMN Find & Share Materials helps connect available retired event materials with organizations and projects that can put them to another use.
What types of materials can be shared?
Materials may include rigid event signs, conference lanyards, vinyl banners, fabric banners and other event textiles. Materials are reviewed before being approved for sharing.
Who can share materials?
Organizations with eligible retired or surplus event materials can submit them for consideration through EMN.
Who can find or request materials?
Available materials can support approved products, workshops, activations, youth initiatives, community projects and other suitable next-use pathways.
Do materials have to be new or unused?
No. The purpose of the network is to help keep suitable existing event materials in use. Condition and suitability are reviewed based on the intended next use.
Can we share branded materials?
Potentially. Brand visibility and authorization are considered before materials move into another use. No visible branded element is redistributed without client authorization.
Do we lose control of where our branded material goes?
No. Materials are not simply released into an uncontrolled marketplace. Suitable next-use pathways and any required authorization are addressed before branded material is redistributed.
Do we have to share everything we have?
No. You can share only the material or quantity you want to make available.
What if we need more material than is currently available?
Tell us what you need. Depending on the project, available materials can potentially be combined with your own recovered materials or other supplied materials.
Can we combine our own material with material found through EMN?
Yes. Hybrid projects are possible. Your own recovered materials can be combined with available EMN materials when appropriate for the project.
How long does it take to upcycle materials into a finished product?
Most upcycling projects require approximately four weeks once the materials, project scope and required details are confirmed. Larger or more complex projects may require additional planning time.
What is the process once we find a material we want to use?
We confirm the material's suitability and availability, determine the amount required, establish the intended next use and coordinate the next steps for your project.
Can shared materials be used for employee workshops or event activations?
Yes. Available materials may be used for products, employee workshops, corporate activations, youth initiatives and other approved projects.
What happens after shared material is used?
When the material becomes part of an EMN transformation project, its next use can be documented as part of the project's Community Impact Report — including the material source, organizations involved, transformation and where the material went next.