FAQs
Better Stands is a collaboration across the events and exhibition industry to transition to the use of reusable stands. Better Stands reduces waste, create a safer working environment, and can save time and costs.
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 and as the cost of these stands is generally lower than for disposable stands this helps to reduce outlay and provide a better investment.
Better Stands creates a safer working environment, reduce waste and often save time and costs for stakeholders across the industry. Specific benefits include:
For organisers:
Reusable stands create less risk of accidents during build and dismantle due to the reduced use of power tools, sawing and working at height, also creating a safer working environment for staff onsite
Better Stands reduces waste, helping organisers towards their own sustainability commitments
Reusable stands take less time to build and dismantle than single-use disposable stands, which can mean reduced tenancy times and further savings
Better Stands reduces the costs of waste management
Helps ensure a better exhibiting experience for their customers, the exhibitors
For service providers:
A service provider’s ability to create a reusable, Better Stands-rated stand is a key positive differentiator in the market
It also gives service providers the ability to align themselves with their customer sustainability goals and requirements
Reusable stands are often safer, which means better contractor welfare
Better Stands trials have found that reusable stands are quicker to build, which means a better customer experience for clients
For venues:
Reusable stands produce less waste than disposable stands, which means a reduced risk of waste being left behind by service providers
As reusable stands take less time to build and dismantle, the potential for reduced tenancy times means more opportunities for additional events to be held during the year
No. There are thousands of different types of reusable stands, for every budget and aesthetic. The choice of materials ranges from aluminium, to glass, wood, plastic, steel and much more. All that’s required is that the elements are reused in a future event. There is no limit on design or creativity.
Each organiser implementing Better Stands on their pilot events will be completing onsite observations utilising the 10 box framework. How these onsite observations will be carried out is down to individual organiser discretion and subsequent resource availability. Any questions related to an individual event’s onsite observations should be directed to the relevant organiser in question.
Better Stands as a framework should be applied consistently globally, however the extent to which stands are assessed can vary from event to event. This is explained in more detail on the ‘How does it work page’.
No. While Better Stands members are working towards increasing the use of reusable stands, there is no commitment to only accept or use Better Stands rated stands at any event.
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