Better Stands Initiative Goes Global: A Milestone for Sustainable ExhibitionsBetter Stands Initiative Goes Global: A Milestone for Sustainable Exhibitions
Global exhibition industry unites behind Better Stands Initiative, aiming to transition from single-use to reusable exhibition stands.
June 6, 2025
In a significant move for the trade show industry's sustainability efforts, the Better Stands framework—originally developed by Informa—has now been opened to the entire global events industry.
With support from the International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services (IFES) and hosted by Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE), this initiative, which promotes the transition from single-use to reusable exhibition stands, was officially launched worldwide on June 6 at the UFI The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Why It Matters
The development represents a major step toward addressing one of the industry's biggest environmental challenges. Exhibition stands have traditionally been a significant source of waste. The Better Stands framework provides a consistent methodology to measure stand reusability, with Bronze, Silver, and Gold certification levels that recognize exhibitors' and contractors' sustainability commitments. This standardization is crucial for the exhibition industry, which has long struggled with fragmented approaches to sustainability.
Back Story
The initiative has already demonstrated remarkable success during its development phase:
Implementation at more than 400 events across 37+ countries
Assessment of more than 50,000 stands using Better Stands criteria
Creation of a pre-certification process for contractors to gain recognition for reusable build methods
“Better Stands has already worked at hundreds of events worldwide,” said Ben Wielgus, Head of Sustainability at Informa (parent company of TSNN). “The Framework, created over several years and tested in more than 30 countries, offers straightforward approaches to understanding the reusability of the elements of exhibition stands and celebration for those exhibitors and service providers who already meet future customer demands.”
Ben Wielgus, Head of Sustainability at Informa
What They’re Saying
James Rees, president of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, praised the Better Stands Steering Committee for "pioneering this initiative and developing it so successfully in a very short time," noting its "enormous potential to make a major contribution to the industry's drive to reduce carbon emissions substantially."
IFES President Jörg Zeissig highlighted how the initiative "gives us the opportunity to unite the industry by providing easy solutions for an ecosystem that drives innovation and value adds to all stakeholders."
Wielgus added, “We’re really excited for this next stage of its growth, leveraging NZCE’s global scale to increase the efficiency, sustainability and commerciality of events of all shapes and sizes. This is an invitation to the whole industry–join us, explore the opportunities the programme creates and help grow Better Stands as the international standard.”
IFES President Jörg Zeissig
Big Picture
What makes Better Stands particularly compelling is that it delivers multiple benefits beyond sustainability:
Cost savings through reuse of materials
Greater efficiency in stand construction and teardown
Improved safety during build phases
Enhanced exhibitor experience and brand consistency
“At GES, we look after the infrastructure of some of the biggest events in the industry,” said Natalie Wing, Commercial Director, GES EMEA. “We're constantly looking at ways we can reduce our impact, use and re-use resources, and be smarter with environmental design; it's central to our own Net Zero commitment.
A closer look at the criteria for the various levels of certification
Looking Ahead
The Better Stands framework is now available for adoption by all organizers, service providers, venues, and associations worldwide. The steering committee of 13 organizations—representing organizers, service contractors, assessors, venues, and associations—has created resources to help implementation.
For trade show professionals looking to future-proof their operations, this initiative offers a one pathway to more sustainable practices that align with growing client expectations and regulatory requirements.
Better Stands represents a collaborative, practical solution to address environmental concerns while also delivering tangible business benefits. Here's an video overview of the program, courtesy of Better Stands.
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