Better Stands: The sustainable future of events

xxxx Created by Informa Markets in 2019, Better Stands is a global program aimed at eliminating stand waste.

To achieve this, we encourage exhibitors and stand builders to replace disposable (single-use) stands with reusable ones, significantly reducing environmental impact.


WHY JOIN BETTER STANDS?

Disposable stands account for more than 70% of the waste generated at events, causing significant environmental problems. Better Stands was created to address this issue, aiming to transform events into examples of sustainability and safety.

Discover how Better Stands is transforming events and participant experiences: small changes, big positive impacts. Watch the video and get inspired!​


BENEFITS OF THE BETTER STANDS PROGRAM

Positive environmental impact

Reduction of material waste

Time optimization and increased productivity

Time savings in construction, assembly and disassembly

Cost reduction

Potential reduction of design and construction costs

Safety for all

Increased safety for stand builders, exhibitors, and event attendees

Promotion of your company’s brand

Positive promotion of your company’s brand

Superior quality and long-lasting durability

Investment in high-quality, durable stands


Check out the key numbers of Better Stands’ positive impact


JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR EVENTS

What makes a stand a Better Stands stand?

All stands at Informa Markets events are classified into three levels: Better Stands Bronze, Silver, or Gold, based on the use of reused and recycled materials.

All items from a given level must be reused in other events. Only the two Gold-level items (9 and 10) are permitted to be recycled to achieve that classification.

If any of the Bronze-level items are not reused, the booth is classified as in progress (discarded).



Who can participate?

All exhibitors and stand builders participating in Informa Markets events have their stands automatically evaluated.


Catalog of Sustainable Booth Designs

Check out our catalog of sustainable booth designs and offer your clients an even more memorable experience!



Check out the example from Better Stands consulting:


Tips for Choosing Your Stand Builder

When choosing a stand builder, it is essential to ensure that it meets specific legal, operational, and technical requirements to guarantee the quality and safety of the project.

 

Required Documentation

  • Tax ID (RFC or Tax Status Certificate)

  • Articles of Incorporation (for legal entities)

  • Identification document of the legal representative

  • Tax address verification document issued no more than two months ago

  • REPSE Registration

  • Copies of payroll tax payment receipts

  • Copy of the bank payment receipt for the payment of tax withholdings made for these employees

  • Copy of the receipt for the payment of employer-employee contributions to the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS)

  • Copy of the receipt for the payment of contributions to the National Workers' Housing Fund Institute (INFONAVIT)

 

Commercial Requirements

  • Within the allocated budget

  • Own warehouses / workshops

  • Own transportation

  • REPSE registration

  • Coverage in the cities of Monterrey, Guadalajara, Querétaro, and Mexico City (CDMX)

 

Following these guidelines helps ensure safer contracting processes and provides greater reliability throughout all stages of stand projects.

Another recommendation is to visit the website of AMPROFEC AC (Mexican Association of Professionals in Trade Fairs, Exhibitions, Congresses and Conventions).

Many stand-building companies have Quality and Sustainable Management certifications and practices, with the latter aligned with the principles of Better Stands.


Evaluation Steps

 online form 

  The self-assessment form for stand-building companies is available in your event's Exhibitor Manual.

discarded (in progress)

 


Explore the examples and get inspired

Discover how sustainable practices can combine design, creativity, and efficiency, reduce environmental impact without sacrificing aesthetics and functionality, and guarantee a memorable experience for visitors

 

America Water Treatment

Aquatech México 2025

Better Stands Gold Level

Learn more

 

Sabsa

GreenTech 2026

Better Stands Gold Level

 

 

Hexagon

EXPOMAFE 2026

Better Stands Gold Level

Learn more

 

Kokoro

EBIO 2026

Better Stands Gold Level



FAQ

A reusable (non-disposable) stand is built with materials designed to be used ​​many times.

There are almost unlimited variations of multiuse exhibition stands for all desired sizes and looks. The cost of these exhibition stands is usually lower than disposable ones, helping reduce expenses and resulting in a better investment in the long term.

A pre-built exhibition stand arrives at the event in pieces ready to build, reducing the need for on-site work. At the end of the event, the stand is dismantled into parts and stored for reuse at other events. 

For the environment and all Informa Markets event participants:

  • Positive environmental impact: fewer wasted materials
  • Safety of everyone: Safer for contractors, exhibitors, and visitors at Informa Markets events
  • Reduce design and construction costs
  • Save time when constructing, building, and dismantling
  • Promote your company’s brand in a positive way
  • Investment in higher quality and durability stands

Many disposable stands are built with MDF, which cannot be recycled and releases carcinogenic dust particles when cut.

Once used, MDF can only be disposed of in landfills or incinerated. Therefore, it does not meet the Better Stands requirements.

However, some prefabricated stands can be made from wooden inventory panels, which are reusable and would therefore meet the new regulations. For explanation purposes, the contracted contractor must send details of the materials used. 

The costs of a Better Stand vary according to the stand’s size, design, and materials used. However, Better Stands are usually as costly as traditional stands. In many cases, Better Stands can be more cost-effective in the long term as the stand can be reused in other events.

Design options for Better Stands are unlimited. Stands can be customized to meet the specific needs of each exhibitor. Many companies offer design and construction services for Better Stands.

Informa Markets recommends some contractors that already meet the Better Stands criteria:

Find more contractors on the ABRACE (Associação Brasileira de Cenografias e Estandes, Brazilian Association of Scenography and Exhibition Stands) website: www.abracce.com.br/associados/

If your stand does not meet the Better Stands criteria, you may be requested to change the project or have your participation rejected. Therefore, your stand will be classified as in progress.

All the stands at Informa Markets events will be assessed on whether they practice sustainable actions in their projects. They will be classified as Better Stands Bronze, Silver, or Gold or may be considered disposable. Therefore, they will not participate in the Better Stands program.

Yes, at events in other Informa Markets countries that have already implemented the program, the results have been very positive.

  • Significantly reduced environmental impact. The amount of waste generated from the events was drastically reduced.
  • Increased exhibitors and visitors satisfaction: Exhibitors and visitors were satisfied with the program and appreciated the commitment to sustainability.
  • Improved event’s image: The event was seen as more sustainable and responsible, contributing to its positive image.

Better Stands can help you attract more customers in several ways:

  • Showing your commitment to sustainability: Customers look for companies that care for the environment. When participating in the Better Stands program, you will show your commitment to sustainability and attract customers who appreciate these practices.
  • Associating your brand to a positive image: The Better Stands program is well-accepted by the public and the media. By participating in the program, you will associate your brand with a positive image of sustainability and social responsibility.
  • Standing out from competitors: Most competitors are not participating in sustainability programs. By participating in the Better Stands program, you will stand out from competitors and show that your company is innovative and committed to the future.

The periods for application and approval for the Better Stands Program vary according to each event. For specific information about the deadlines of the event you want to participate, refer to your event’s contact persons or contact the Better Stands team.

Contact Brazil: [email protected]
Contact Mexico[email protected]