Industry Veteran Joins Sustainability Initiative
Better Stands has announced the appointment of Roger Lehner as its new Project Manager, effective from 1 May 2026. Lehner joins the exhibition stand sustainability initiative with significant industry experience, having previously served as Senior Operations & Sustainability Executive at IMEX Group.
His background positions him well for the role, having worked at the intersection where organisers, venues and service providers collaborate, while maintaining a focus on sustainability practices. Lehner's commitment to sustainable business practices was developed through previous roles at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Alternative Bank Switzerland, a financial institution founded on social and ecological principles.
Focus on International Growth and Member Engagement
In his new role, Lehner will drive Better Stands' continued international expansion. His responsibilities include bringing new members into the initiative, strengthening engagement with existing participants, developing new partnerships, and supporting broader visibility and adoption across the global exhibition landscape. He will also contribute to the ongoing development of the digital platform and represent Better Stands in industry conversations and at key events.
"Better Stands has an important role to play in helping sustainability become more workable in day-to-day business," Lehner said. "It represents the kind of progress our industry needs: practical, collaborative and rooted in real action, and that is a big part of what drew me to the role."
Industry Leadership Welcomes Appointment
Ellen Osborne, Chairperson of the Better Stands Steering Committee, welcomed the appointment, stating: "We are delighted to welcome Roger to Better Stands. He brings a strong understanding of the exhibition landscape, real sustainability insight and a clear appreciation of the role Better Stands can play in supporting positive change across the industry."
Gregor Bischkopf, Executive Director of IFES, added: "Roger's experience of this industry from the inside is incredibly valuable for an initiative like this. Better Stands needs someone who can build relationships, support growth and help shape meaningful progress."
Initiative's Growing Reach
Better Stands provides a consistent framework to measure the reusability of exhibition stands, with stands able to achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold levels recognising exhibitors and stand contractors adopting reusable build methods. Assessment occurs through pre-certification or onsite assessments conducted by trained assessors.
At launch in June 2025, Better Stands had been implemented at more than 400 events in over 37 countries, with more than 50,000 stands assessed under the Better Stands criteria during the development phase. The initiative is hosted by Net Zero Carbon Events and supported by IFES.
Based on reporting by Exhibitor Magazine. Read the original article.