One year after its global launch at UFI European Events Week in Thessaloniki, Better Stands by NZCE has moved from an industry initiative into an approach that is now being used across the exhibition sector with representation from over 70 members worldwide. Its stated purpose is to help the industry adopt more reusable, efficient and responsible build practices through a practical, shared approach.
From awareness to adoption
Better Stands is guided by a Steering Committee supported by working groups representing the industry ecosystem, including organisers assessors, venues and associations. Better Stands provides an accessible starting point for a collaborative and reusable approach to stand delivery, built around progress rather than perfection.
When a stand does not yet meet the reusability criteria, the framework creates a conversation about what can be improved and how the organiser, exhibitor, contractor and venue can work together to make the next build better. The framework gives different parts of the industry a shared language for reusability, helping teams talk in practical terms about efficiency, site safety, exhibitor experience, responsible material uses and measurable improvement.
ReThink Hong Kong, one of the first organisers piloting Better Stands, reports increasing the proportion of raw space stands achieving Gold from 43% to 60% from 2024 to 2025. Meaning their overall waste and logistics from the event was reduced. Informa Markets LATAM events introduced Better Stands certificates for their exhibitors who chose to use reusable. This created lots of engagement for their events, as well as an increase in the number of reusable stands built at their shows.
Strengthening assessment and consistency
The launch of the Better Stands Assessor Training programme has added an important layer. Now in its second round, the programme is helping current and aspiring assessors build the skills needed to conduct consistent pre-event and onsite assessments using the Better Stands Framework and its 10-point methodology. This supports consistency and helps ensure the methodology is applied with a common understanding across markets.
As Better Stands enters its second year, the priority is to expand education, practical tools, training and participation.
The message from the team after year one is: reusability is the future.
Better Stands is hosted by Net Zero Carbon Events and supported by IFES. Stands can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold Better Stands levels, recognising the work of exhibitors and stand contractors adopting reusable build methods.
Assessment can take place through pre-certification, where contractors gain recognition for reusable build approaches ahead of an event, or through onsite assessments conducted by trained assessors. More than 50,000 stands assessed under the Better Stands criteria during the development phase.
To learn more, become a member or register interest in assessor training, visit www.betterstands.org
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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