UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the approval, saying that it had “championed” the formation of the committee with the International Organization for Standardization. The Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) will manage the committee, which is known as TC 354.
“This is a landmark moment for our industry,” said UFI president, Hugh Jones.
“For the first time, we have a dedicated ISO committee to define and align global standards for events.
“TC 354 recognises the vital role our sector plays worldwide, not only as a driver of economies and industries, but also of knowledge and professionalism.
“I encourage our colleagues and partners worldwide to support this initiative to ensure our collective expertise shapes the standards that will define the future of our events and our industry.”
The technical committee will work on standards across the entire events industry ecosystem, including conferences, exhibitions, festivals and major sporting and other events.
A standard for event management – covering terminology, crisis management, metrics, safety and security, accessibility and technology – is on the agenda while there will also be a sustainability in event management subcommittee.
“Twelve months after paving the way for responsibility in event management with Paris 2024, AFNOR is proud to lead ISO/TC 354, thanks to the collective work carried out with numerous stakeholders, led by UFI,” said general manager of AFNOR’s standardization unit, Franck Lebeugle.
“Standardisation can provide a shared framework to address the events industry’s multiple challenges and is a key tool to meet the sector’s expectations to harmonise innovation, accessibility, sustainability, safety and profitability.
“We invite all interested parties to join and contribute to this initiative.”
Australia is one of the countries participating in TC 354.
