Astana Kazakhstan has secured the right to host Expo 2017, a BIE-recognized exposition, after voting that took place on 22 November 2012. The exposition will run three months under the theme "Energy of the Future."
Astana beat out Liége, Belgium which was hoping to host the event under the theme "Connecting the World, Linking People." The vote was: Astana, 103 votes; Liége, 44 votes, 1 abstention.
Expo 2017 overview
The Expo 2017 bid video
On August 12th, Korea's second world's fair officially closed. Korea's second world's fair (after Expo '93), Expo 2012 celebrated the world's oceans and coasts, meeting its goal of 8 million visits. One hundred four nations participated in this BIE-recognized celebration.
The 25 hectares (62 acres) site was the largest permissible size for a smaller sized international exposition. Foreign nations shared a central International Pavilion with separate pavilions for Korea, a theme pavilion, an aquarium, corporate pavilions, and performance venues. Outside the site, a new Expo Town was built for the exposition's workers.
The Museum of History & Industry is hosting exhibits and presentations for the 50th anniversary in the International Fountain Pavilion that served as the Sweden Pavilion during the exposition
Naturally, the Space Needle and monorail are also celebrating the anniversary.
Bids for 2020 Placed
With Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy in the planning stages and the host of Expo 2017 having been selected, the five bids for Expo 2020 take center stage in 2013. The host of Expo 2020 is expected to be chosen in November 2013 by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
Visit the new ExpoBids.com site (presented by ExpoMuseum.com) for updated information.
Join the Conversation
ExpoMuseum has partnered with WorldsFairCommunity.org to discuss world's fairs... past, present, and future. I invite you to join the dialogue or ask a question. It now has nearly 800 members with a wide breadth of world's fair knowledge, interest, and experience. Click the "Discussion Group" tab at left to visit the site.
You can also join our audio discussion through The World's Fair Podcast. We talk about world's fairs, past and future and you can add to the discussion by calling +1-650-ASK-EXPO any time, 24 hours a day. Go to the Discussion Boards.
ExpoMuseum's sister site, WorldsFairCommunity.org, maintains several discussion groups about world's fairs, past and future.
The World's Fair Podcast
The World's Fair Podcast is a project of ExpoMuseum's Urso Chappell and John McGregor of Foundation Expo 88. Recent episodes have covered the role of public diplomacy at international expositions as well as the United States Pavilion at Yeosu's Expo 2012.
Find out more about our new podcast and listen at WorldsFairPodcast.com.You can comment or ask a question on our 24-hour phone line at +1-650-ASK-EXPO. Your thoughts and queries could appear in an upcoming episode.