Reusable Exhibition Stands are taking center stage as Better Stands opens to the entire global events industry. This new initiative offers a consistent framework for organisers, venues, service providers, and associations worldwide to move from single-use to sustainable, reusable stands.
Better Stands promotes best practices that help reduce costs, improve efficiency, and most importantly, make stands more environmentally friendly. Launched on June 6, 2025, at the UFI European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Greece, the project is backed by the International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) and hosted by Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE).
The concept was created by Informa and piloted by event organisers starting in 2023. Later, service providers and assessors joined the pilot in 2024. So far, over 400 events in 37 countries have implemented Better Stands, with more than 50,000 stands assessed based on reusability.
Better Stands works by classifying stands into Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels, depending on how much of the stand is reusable or recyclable. Exhibitors and contractors can earn recognition either through a pre-event certification or onsite assessment by trained evaluators.
James Rees, President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, praised the initiative’s rapid progress and its potential to significantly cut the events industry’s carbon footprint. IFES President Jörg Zeissig highlighted the initiative’s open-source framework, which encourages global collaboration and innovation.
Chris Skeith OBE, CEO of UFI, noted that Better Stands boosts creativity and cost savings while driving sustainability. Ben Wielgus, Informa’s Head of Sustainability, invited all industry players to join and grow this global standard.
Other industry leaders from GES, Clarion Events, and DIFER Event Crafting emphasized the initiative’s role in uniting the sector, sharing best practices, and making sustainable stand building the new norm.
Better Stands is more than a framework—it’s a global movement to transform how events build and reuse stands, promoting a greener future for exhibitions everywhere.
Why Reusable Exhibition Stands Are Changing the Events Industry
The rise of reusable exhibition stands is reshaping event sustainability standards. Better Stands offers a clear, measurable way for exhibitors and contractors to track their progress and be rewarded for greener choices. The initiative’s transparent criteria allow fair comparisons across venues and events worldwide.
Industry-wide adoption will reduce waste, save resources, and help events meet increasing demands for eco-conscious solutions. This shift benefits organisers, exhibitors, service providers, and the planet alike.
Learn more and join the movement at:
https://betterstands.org/
https://netzerocarbonevents.org
https://www.themeetingsindustry.org/
