Facts & Figures
Better Stands is a collaboration across the events and exhibition industry to transition to the use of reusable stands.
Reusable stands are designed to be used multiple times rather than disposed of after a single use, thereby reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable exhibition industry.
The Better Stands Framework celebrates the use of reusable stands, inspiring change through awareness and engagement.
The long term goal is to move the exhibitions and events industry to reusable stands/eradicate disposable stands.
Better Stands was originally created by Informa, who quickly recognised that the power of Better Stands lies in widespread adoption across the industry and input from all event stakeholders.
In 2023, a group of organisers came together for an initial pilot of Better Stands. This was later extended to service providers, assessors and further organisers to pilot Better Stands within their organisations and continue to refine the process and structure through feedback. That collaboration successfully proved that Better Stands can be implemented across different events, organisations and regions.
A non-disposable/reusable stand is constructed using materials designed to be used at multiple events. There are almost endless variations of multiple use stands to suit every size and desired appearance.
Reusable stands are built by using the same materials multiple times. They only end up in waste or recycling at the end of their multiple uses, rather than after every single time a stand is built.
The embedded emissions of a material are fixed. They are distributed over the amount of times the material is used. Reusing the material multiple times results in fewer emissions per use compared to using it only once.
Embedded emissions refer to the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the production and supply of materials used in an exhibition stand. These emissions are allocated to the materials themselves and do not include event-specific transport, installation, or operational activities occurring during subsequent uses of reusable components.
The assembly reduces the need for activities with a higher risk potential, such as the use of power tools, sawing and working at height.
| Term to be used | Description | Non-Preferred Terminology |
| Better Stands Programme | The Better Stands Programme is an industry-wide, global collaboration that seeks to move the industry away from single use, disposable exhibition stands using a 10 point framework as well as layers of communication, training and engagement across the exhibitions and broader events industry. | |
| Better Stands Framework | The Better Stands 10-point framework is a global standard used to assess how reusable an exhibition stand is, rating it as Single Use, Bronze, Silver, or Gold. | 10-point checklist |
| (Stand) Elements | The ten stand elements in the Better Stands Framework are: (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; (9) Floor covering; (10) Graphics and decorative items | Component, Criteria |
| Assessment | The process of scoring against the Better Stands Framework, using a unified set of guidelines applied by every Better Stands Assessor (who are trained via Better Stands Training courses). | |
| Pre-Event Assessment | A desk-based inspection conducted by trained assessors pre-event, using the Better Stands framework, to determine the rating for a given exhibition stand. This is supplemented with on-site spot-checks. | |
| Package Line Assessment | A desk-based inspection conducted by trained assessors pre-event, using the Better Stands framework, to determine the minimum rating that can be given to all exhibition stands built using a chosen stand build system. This is supplemented with on-site spot-checks. | |
| On-Site Assessment | An inspection conducted by trained assessors during the event build and move out, using the Better Stands framework to assess performance and determine the rating to be given to the stand. The onsite assessment during build is what can be used to give an indicative rating. | |
| Pre-Event Survey | A survey issued by Organisers to Service Providers before the event, aligned with the Better Stands framework, enabling Service Providers to self-assess their planned stand design and construction approach. It also informs Organisers and Assessors of the Service Provider’s view of their performance, allowing more targeted and efficient onsite assessments | |
| Rating | The performance of a given stand when assessed against the Better Stands Framework. Ratings are stored in a unified, secure platform, with access protected for each user via their personal user account. | Level, Category, Award, Score, Result, Ranking, Validation |
| Reuse | The practice of using stand elements 1-8 multiple times across events. They must be used at events. Reuse also considers previous uses, even if the element is disposed of in the current event. | |
| Recycling | The process of collecting and reprocessing used materials that would otherwise be discarded. The materials do not go to landfill or for incineration, even if used for energy recovery. | Upcycling, Downcycling. |
| Single Use | An element of a stand is considered single use if it is only used once as an exhibition stand. Being reused for other purposes such as art projects, housing etc does not count as reuse within the exhibition space. | Disposable |
| Single Use Stand | A stand is rated as single use under the Better Stands framework when there is little or no evidence of reuse of elements 1-4. | |
| Indicative Rating | Issued during the show based on observations during build. Largely considers the stand build style and, ideally, information provided in the preshow survey. This is not an official certificate. | |
| Certificate | An official, externally communicable rating of the stand or stand build system, endorsed by the Better Stands Framework and signed off by the Better Stands Secretariat and the Assessor. Issued before the event(Pre-Event Assessment) or after (Onsite-Assessment). Can be communicated publicly. Only Pre-Event Assessments may be communicated before and during the event. | Award, Validation |
| Right to Review | A period of time following an Assessment where an Exhibitor or Service Provider can query or challenge the Rating given by an Assessor. Usually 2-6 weeks following the event. Organisers are encouraged to give Service Providers an opportunity to review before sending ratings to Exhibitors. | Right to Respond, Right to Reply |
| Better Stands Platform | The online software platform that brings supporters and members together, simplifying and facilitating their collaboration and providing everyone with the necessary tools and resources. | Portal |
| Organiser | The organisation responsible for planning and delivering the event, including implementing and promoting the Better Stands Programme and Framework. | |
| Service Provider | Any organisation involved in the design, construction, installation, or dismantling of a stand, responsible for delivering work in accordance with the Better Stands Programme. | Contractor, Stand Builder, Stand Designer |
| Assessor | An individual or organisation authorised to rate stands pre-event or on-site to determine performance within the Better Stands criteria. They are able to issue Better Stands Certificates using the Platform. | |
| Industry Partner | An organisation that collaborates with the Better Stands programme to provide products and services that actively promote reuse and recycling within the exhibitions and events sector. |
