Moving towards a more sustainable exhibiting experience

The Better Stands programme is aimed to unite and encourage exhibitors, along with their appointed contractors to move away from disposable, single use stands at events, in favour of re-usable or recyclable structures.  

The Better Stands program has been divided into three key stages – Bronze, Silver, and Gold – to facilitate a gradual transition from disposable to reusable stands for all exhibitors. Each level represents specific stand elements that are reused after the show, as defined by the Better Stands 10-point framework. The more elements reused, the higher the level of certification awarded to the stand. If a stand does not meet minimum Bronze level, it is classified as a disposable stand.

A disposable stand is a space only/raw space build that is used only once. They are typically constructed from raw materials onsite which are then demolished post show and sent to either landfill or are burned. 

A non-disposable/reusable stand is constructed using materials designed to be used multiple times. For example:

• Frame and fabric
• Wood stock panels
• Aluminium modular (e.g., beMatrix)
• Cardboard flat pack
• Exhibitor owner OR rented
• Plus many others!

There are almost endless variations of multiple use stands to suit every size and desired appearance. The cost of these stands is generally lower than for disposable stands, helping reduce outlay and provide a better long-term investment.

In 2019, Informa found that disposable stands accounted for over 80% of the total waste generated at events. These stands pose significant environmental and safety challenges, including excessive waste, unsafe construction practices, and the toxic impact of raw materials used. Additionally, the quality of the stand finish is often compromised due to time constraints during construction.

The Better Stands 10-Point Framework is a framework developed to encourage the use of reusable and sustainable materials for exhibition stands. The framework identifies key elements of a stand that should either be reused or recycled to achieve different levels of certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold). Here are the 10 elements included in the framework:

1. Stand structure and walls
2. Platform or raised flooring
3. Furniture and equipment
4. Lighting
5. Fascia and overhead signage
6. Rigged Structure
7. Ceiling
8. Display facilities (e.g., product display cabinets, lightboxes)
9. Floor covering
10. Graphics and decorative Items

By building a stand according to this framework, exhibitors and contractors can reduce their costs, health and safety risks, environmental footprint and contribute to a more responsible event. Certification levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) are awarded based on the number of elements that meet these criteria, with higher levels indicating greater reuse of materials. More details here.

A reusable stand element is any component of the stand that is designed and constructed to be used again at future events without (significant) modification or reprocessing. This includes elements that are durable, modular, and easy to assemble and disassemble. Examples of reusable stand elements include:

• Stand structure and walls: modular panels or frameworks that can be reassembled for future events.
• Furniture and equipment: tables and chairs intended for multiple uses.
• Lighting: LED fixtures designed for portability and reuse. 
• Fascia, signage, and graphics: Branding and decorative elements that can be updated or repurposed without being discarded.

To qualify as reusable under the Better Stands framework, elements must be either returned to a supplier for reuse, stored by the contractor for future use, or designed for repeat usage by the contractor and/or exhibitor. Proper documentation or evidence of reuse may be required as part of the assessment process.

Your stand’s level will be determined by an independent third-party, Abraxys, during on-site inspections at build-up and dismantle. They will assess each stand element against the Better Stands 10-point framework, verifying whether the elements are reused or disposed of. As part of the process, photos will be taken to document the status of each element. After the event, you will receive a report detailing your stand's classification and a certification to confirm the level achieved.

The Better Stands assessment and report process is as follows:

• On-site assessment: during the build-up and dismantle phases of the event, a third-party, Abraxys, will inspect your stand. They will assess each stand element against the Better Stands 10-point framework and take photos to verify whether the elements are reused or disposed of.
• Report delivery: contractors will receive the stand report from Abraxys within a maximum of 2 weeks post-event.
• Right to Reply: if the contractor disagrees with the outcome of the report, they have a specific amount of weeks to submit a formal reply for review to Abraxys. Please check with your event Customer Service how many weeks are available for the right to reply.
• Final Certification: after the right to reply period ends, exhibitors will receive the final report along with their specified certificate. If the stand is classified as disposable, the exhibitor will also be notified.

If you have questions about the process or timelines, please contact foodingredientscs@informa.com

The onsite assessment is conducted by an individual auditor from the independent third-party organization, Abraxys, during the build-up and dismantle phases of the event. The process involves:

• Assessment: each stand element is reviewed against the Better Stands 10-point framework to determine whether it is reused, recycled, or disposed of.
• Documentation: pictures are taken (during build-up and dismantle) of all stand elements to verify their status and ensure accurate reporting.
• Clarification: if the auditor is unsure about the status of any element, they will engage with the contractor onsite during build-up or dismantle to clarify and gather additional information. 

This process ensures transparency and provides a reliable basis for classifying your stand as disposable, Bronze, Silver, or Gold.

These are already Gold level certified against the Better Stands 10-point framework. The Better Stands programme is targeted at space only/raw space builds, which historically create the most waste.

Yes, all space-only/raw space stands are assessed against the Better Stands 10-point framework. This ensures a consistent approach to assessing and encouraging responsible stand build and practices across the event.

If your stand is classified as disposable, it means it does not meet the minimum criteria outlined in the Better Stands 10-point framework. Exhibitors will be notified and provided with a report explaining why the stand was classified as disposable. While no certificate will be issued, the communication email will include recommendations for improving your stand design to meet Bronze, Silver, or Gold level at future events.

To ensure your stand meets at least the Bronze level, you should focus on incorporating reusable elements into your stand design in line with the Better Stands 10-point framework. Here are some key steps:

• Introduce the program: share the Better Stands program and its 10-point framework with your contractor early on to ensure they understand the requirements and goals of the initiative.
• Plan early: start discussions with your contractor as soon as possible to ensure your stand design aligns with the framework.
• Use reusable structures: Ensure that the stand structure and walls are designed for reuse at future events.
• Select appropriate flooring: use platforms or raised flooring that can be reused or avoid raised flooring altogether if not necessary.
• Choose reusable furniture: opt for furniture and equipment that are either rented or designed for reuse.
• Install LED lighting: use energy-efficient LED lighting throughout your stand.
• Document reuse plans: confirm with your contractor how each element will be reused after the event, as this information can be used to show reusability of the elements during and/or after the assessment.

For exhibitors: Better Stands procurement guide

For contractors: Better Stands contractor brochure

Yes, we encourage you to appoint a contractor who is aligned with the Better Stands program. Please refer to the Exhibitor Manual of the event for recommended contractors.

We aren’t just asking our exhibitors to consider sustainability – we are working hard to become a more sustainable brand. You can find out more about what we’re doing at our events here, or keep up with industry sustainability updates through Ingredients Network.

Please contact foodingredientscs@informa.com or get in touch directly with your account manager to discuss exhibiting more sustainably.