What is Better Stands?

The Better Stands programme is aimed to unite and encourage exhibitors, along with their appointed contractors to move away from disposable, single-use stands at events, in favour of reusable or recyclable structures. A disposable stand/booth is a space-only/raw space build that is used only once. They are typically constructed from poor quality raw materials onsite which are then demolished post-show and sent to either landfill or are burned. The Better Stands programme has been divided into three key stages - Bronze, Silver and Gold. This helps facilitate a gradual transition from disposable to reusable stands for all exhibitors. The pace at which your event chooses to implement these stages is something you should discuss, agree and communicate within your individual implementation plan that is part of the Fundamentals 2.0 framework requirements.

Why did Informa create Better Stands?

Disposable stands create significant environmental, health and safety and wellbeing issues onsite at our events. By replacing these with reusable stands we will see many benefits throughout the programme implementation. Across Informa in 2019, we saw that disposable stands/booths equated to over 80% of our total waste generated at events. Proactively addressing this practice globally, at individual events, is key to achieving our Faster Forward targets. Better Stands has a renewed focus and has been introduced as a reporting requirement for each event. Informa now expects all exhibitor stands to have reached at least a Bronze level in the Better Stands program, meaning all stand structures are of a reusable system.

What is a Disposable Stand?

When we talk about disposable stands we mean single-use, disposable booths made from raw materials onsite, such as chipboard, particleboard or low-density fiberboard (LDF).

Why are we requesting exhibitors stop using this type of stand?

Disposable stands create considerable environmental and safety issues onsite through the amount of waste generated, the heightened risks due to unsafe construction practices and the toxic impact of raw stand materials being used. Quality of finish is often also compromised due to working time pressures.

What is the Better Stands Framework?

Each event’s approach to Better Stands will be individual to the industry that you represent, your geographical location and your own goals. Better Stands is a multi-year programme of continuous improvement at each event cycle. The programme is divided into three key stages, Bronze, Silver and Gold. For Bronze you simply need to focus all your space only/raw space exhibitors on addressing the first four points on the table in our introductory guide, they would then progress to Silver and finally Gold.

What is a reusable/non-disposable stand?

A non-disposable/reusable stand is constructed using materials designed to be used multiple times. 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. It could be: Frame and fabric Wood stock panels Aluminium modular Cardboard flat pack Exhibitor owner OR rented Plus many others!

What does this mean for exhibitors?

Exhibitors must make their appointed stand contractor aware of the regulations that are in place for your division and brief them to design and build a sustainable, multiple-use stand.

What to do if your contractors don’t offer a reusable option?

A non-disposable stand is constructed using materials designed to be used multiple times. This can mean two things: Your contractor builds your stand from reusable components that they take back and use for other exhibitors again and again Your contractor builds your stand that you can then store and reuse multiple times The official show contractor can assist you with designing a sustainable stand suitable for multiple uses as well as servicing your other event needs. We have also created an exhibitor procurement guide to help exhibitors find contractors that meet Informa’s Better Stands expectations.

Where can I find reusable solutions?

There are a variety of reusable solutions available which provide various aesthetics and cater to a range of budgets. For our events in Singapore, we have put together a list of recommended contractors who provide sustainable stand solutions.

Who will check the proposed stand designs meet the regulations?

Informa will inspect all submitted stand designs and liaise with the appointed contractor to ensure all materials are recycled and/or reusable. To ensure the regulations are met there will be a 4-stage process for proposed stand designs: Exhibitors will confirm acceptance of these regulations as part of their Contract terms and conditions. Contractors will confirm acceptance of these regulations in the Contractor Agreement submitted via the Exhibitor Manual. At the Stand Plan Submission stage the information previously provided by contractors on the proposed materials being used to erect the structure will be reviewed prior to ‘Permission to Build’ being granted. Onsite verification of the physical build against the permitted stand design will be carried out and any breach of the agreed design or evidence of prohibited materials will be Recorded and Reported . Contractors and Exhibitors will be notified onsite. Where breaches of the regulations have occurred a Contractor Improvement Notification and Exhibitor Awareness Notification will be issued post-show. Major and/or continued violation of these regulations may lead to Financial Penalties issued to the exhibitor.