Better Stands by Net Zero Carbon Events has been selected as one of four finalists in the UFI Sustainable Development Award 2026.

This recognition marks an important moment for the Better Stands movement and for the growing community working to reduce the environmental impact of exhibition stand construction. What began as a clear call to move away from single-use stands has become a practical, measurable framework helping organisers, venues, suppliers and exhibitors make reuse a more normal part of event delivery.

As Secretariat for Better Stands, IFES has seen first-hand how much progress is being driven through collaboration. Across the global exhibition and events industry, more companies are engaging with reusable stand principles, assessing their stands, sharing learnings and taking practical steps to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.

Being named a finalist in the UFI Sustainable Development Awards ( https://www.ufi.org/awards/sustainable-development-award/ ) is a welcome acknowledgement of that collective effort. It reflects the work of the many partners, assessors, venues, organisers, exhibitors and service providers who are helping turn sustainability commitments into visible action on the show floor.

Congratulations to everyone involved in Better Stands, and to the other finalists recognised by UFI for their contribution to sustainable development in our industry. This is a meaningful step forward, and one IFES is proud to help support.