BETTER STANDS
What is Better Stands?
Better Stands is a programme aiming to ensure that all core elements of exhibitor stands are reusable. Help us to reduce the environmental impact of Independent Hotel Show by committing to the Better Stands programme framework and show that your company values being part of sustainable and socially responsible events.
Did you know that one medium sized disposable stand produces around four tonnes of waste, which is almost 10x the average person’s household waste per year. Designed to be used only once, they have a significant impact on the environment, in addition to increasing health and safety risks onsite.
What’s in it for me?
· A better quality, more attractive & sustainable stand
· Opportunity to promote the sustainable credentials of your brand
· Smoother, more efficient build up and breakdown periods
· Lower work hours and reduced construction costs
· Reduce or eradicate your waste bill
What do I need to do?
To make your commitment to Better Stands and contribute to a more sustainable event:
· Familiarise yourself with the Better Stands framework found below.
· Share these guidelines with your contractor before they begin designing your stand (if you are a self-build, you will be asked to submit the 10-point checklist within your stand plan submission).
· Ensure the stand reaches at least a bronze level, meaning the stand structure and walls, platform or raised flooring, furniture, equipment, and lighting are all reused.
· Ensure that the submitted stand design clearly communicates how your contractor will meet the Better Stands guidelines.
How will we help?
· Once you have submitted your framework, our stand plan approver will send back information on what you can do reach the Bronze, Silver or Gold Better Stands rating.
· If you tell us all elements of your stand are completely reusable, congratulations! You have already reached the Better Stands Gold standard. Our Better Stands representatives will be onsite during build up and breakdown to check this.
· You will receive an email post show with a detailed report and your Better Stands rating.
If you require any further information or guidance on the Better Stands programme, please contact Johanna Shirley
Display / Modular Stands
If you do not plan to construct a stand but utilise a “pop up” structure as a backdrop, all stand regulations still apply to your stand. You are required to submit a full stand plan submission with supporting H&S documentation by completing the Compulsory Space Only Health & Safety Form by Tuesday 7 July.
Please note that pop up stands must be at least 2.5m high and if your stand is taller than this, then you must have suitable dressing for the back of this if your stand has dividing walls.
Floorcovering
No carpet is provided for Space Only sites.
It is not compulsory for exhibitors to install floor covering to their stand space however please consider what it suitable for your stand e.g., nonslip, easy clean surfaces in food preparation areas allow flooring to be cleaned easily, and carpet can provide cushioning for those standing up exhibiting. Please note that gangway carpet will not be laid.
Whoever is responsible for laying the carpet down to the hall floor must ensure that an acceptable carpet tape is used and that all carpet and carpet tape is removed from the hall along with all other stand fitting material at the end of the exhibition. Failure to do so will result in a dilapidation charge at an hourly removal rate, to be calculated by the MOC Cleaning department at the end of breakdown.
If a large number of services (water & waste, gas, electrics, etc.) are required, the Organisers recommend the use of a platform.
Height Restriction
Late Working
Work outside the timetabled hours will not be allowed. In emergency situations e.g., unavoidable delays due to circumstance outside the contractor’s control, this may be possible, but the Organisers will have to pass any charges (venue/ H&S cover etc) to the exhibitor / contractor concerned.
Depending on when any late working is requested, we cannot guarantee that a sufficient amount of required support, from the venue, Health & Safety Officer etc can be provided. We therefore require all exhibitors and contractors to ensure that Space Only stands are designed to be completed in the time available.
Materials for Stand Fitting & Decoration
There are strict regulations governing the materials used in the construction and decoration of stands and in the demonstration of products.
All stands will be inspected during the build-up by the Health and Safety Officer and the Venue Fire Safety Officer. Any fittings or materials not meeting the fire regulations will need to be removed, or the stand will be closed down. You should draw attention to these requirements to any contractors working on your behalf.
- Decorative materials should be flame retardant and accompanied by a certificate.
- The use of materials which are easily flammable or melt, drip or give off toxic fumes when exposed to heat are not permitted.
- Artificial plants are highly flammable and when burning give of toxic fumes. All materials used for decorative purposes should be at least flame-retardant (in accordance with DIN 4102 or DIN EN 13501-1)—certification must be provided. If flame-retardance is to be achieved after the stand has been set up, this is only permissible for small areas with the approval of Munich Municipal Fire Department and using officially approved flameproofing agents in accordance with the instructions for use. The use of materials which are easily flammable or melt, drip or give off toxic gases when exposed to heat is not permitted.
- Gangways must be kept clear and free from exhibits, stand dressing, furniture etc at all times during the open period of the exhibition. Offending items are liable to be removed without warning.
- No empty packing cases may be stored on, around or behind your stand, as this constitutes a fire hazard.
Please click here for full information on Fire Protection Measures at the MOC Munich.
Permission to Build
Proposed stand designs must be uploaded to the Compulsory Space Only Health & Safety Form by Tuesday 7 July. All documents must be submitted in English.
Please feel free to pass this link onto your nominated contractor. Please note the form allows you to start, save and complete later if you do not have all the information to start with so you do not have to start again.
The link will ask you to include the following information:
1. Technical drawings showing layout and elevation details with dimensions.
2. Colour visual of your stand (if available).
3. A risk assessment of build and breakdown. (Sample forms enclosed for you to upload or you can provide your own).
4. A method statement of build and breakdown of your stand. (Sample forms enclosed for you to upload or you can provide your own).
5. Welfare details as part of CDM regulations.
6. Health and Safety Declaration.
7. Better Stands as part of our Sustainability Policy
If a stand is considered to be ‘Complex’ the Local Authority requires certification by an Independent Structural Engineer. There will be a charge for this inspection and certification. If you have any questions about what constitutes a ‘Complex’ stand and the charge, please contact Johanna Shirley.
No construction will be permitted in the hall until permission to build has been issued.
Platforms
Please note, all electrics, water & waste and gas is pulled from floor ducts. Where possible exhibitor services will be pulled from a duct within their stand space, however this may not always be possible and there may be a possibility that another exhibitors services are pulled from the duct on your stand. Due to this we recommend that exhibitors consider installing platforms on their stands so that pipes and wires are covered.
Ramps and Handrails
Please check the E-Guide for Regulations relating to the use of ramps and handrails.
Stand Ceilings
The halls at MOC Event Center Messe München are equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system, the effective operation of which may not be hindered by any stand ceilings.
Irrespective of their size, stand coverings of any kind are subject to approval and must be registered in writing with the Department Events MOC of Messe München GmbH. All stand ceilings and canopies are subject to the prior written approval of Messe München GmbH’s Department Events MOC.
Stand ceilings must generally be at least flame-retardant and a sprinkler system has to be installed for any single covered area exceeding 30 m2.
In such cases, one sprinkler nozzle must be installed for every 12m2 or part thereof of covered space; any rooms / cabins located beneath the stand cover must be encompassed by the sprinkler system.
Given the consent of the Munich Municipal Fire Department, sprinkler systems for stand coverings larger than 30m2 are not necessary if the coverings meet the following requirements:
- Metal modular or grid ceilings:
The covering concerned is a modular or metal-grid ceiling comprising open-mesh grating, perforated sheet metal or similar. At least 70 % of the entire ceiling structure including lamp fittings, etc. must be open in accordance with the planning and installation guidelines laid down by the Association of Damage Insurers (VdS). The degree of openness of the given structure must be proven verifiably.
The covering is fire-resistant and its horizontal installation below sprinkler units has been approved by the Association of Damage Insurers (VdS) (wide-mesh netting or fabric with integral thread fusing). VdS’ written approval should be submitted to Messe München GmbH’s Department Events MOC; compliance with the VdS installation instructions is required.
Click here for further information; Notice on Sprinkler-compatible Materials.
Please click here to view the Application for Preventive Fire Protection Measures.
Water & Waste
Exhibitors requiring a water and/or waste supply on their stand should order this directly with the MOC Munich Exhibitor Shop.
If necessary, it is advisable to build a platform to cover unsightly pipes and connections, and to avoid potential trip hazards. To obtain a ‘Ducting Plan’ showing the location of the ducts on your stand, please contact Johanna Shirley.
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