The BIE is the intergovernmental organization established to regulate the frequency, quality and management of international exhibitions. The history of the BIE is defined by a transition from unregulated global competition to a disciplined international framework.

Origins and the need for regulation (1851-1925)

The tradition of international exhibitions began with Expo 1851 London, the Great Exhibition, which was followed by numerous successful events worldwide, such as Expo 1889 Paris. However, by the late 19th century, the rapid and uncoordinated proliferation of these events began to worry governments. Because there were no standard rules, host nations acted independently, leading to an “anarchy” of exhibitions that varied wildly in quality and placed an immense financial burden on participating countries and industries.

The first movement toward regulation began in France in 1902, eventually leading to the 1912 Berlin Convention. While 16 states signed this agreement to limit the frequency of “universal” exhibitions, World War I broke out before the ratification process could be completed, rendering the convention void.

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The 1928 Paris Convention and early years

After the war, the proliferation of exhibitions resumed without coordination, prompting the French government to invite 40 states to a diplomatic conference in 1928. On November 22, 1928, 31 countries signed the Paris Convention Relating to International Exhibitions, which officially created the BIE to oversee its application.

Key milestones in the BIE’s early operation included:

• 1931: The Convention entered into force on January 17, and the BIE established its headquarters in Paris.

• League of Nations: In May 1931, the BIE was placed under the authority of the League of Nations, granting it international recognition, privileges and immunities.

• World War II: The organization went “dormant” during World War II but resumed activity shortly after the war ended.

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Evolution through protocols and amendments

As global communication and technology advanced, the BIE updated its rules through several key protocols to ensure exhibitions remained relevant and financially viable:

• 1948 and 1966 Protocols: These updates focused on refining the classification of exhibitions and further restricting their frequency to reduce the complex preparations and high costs required from participants.

• 1972 Protocol: This represented a total overhaul of the 1928 Convention to adapt to modern activity. It increased the authority of the BIE and established the distinction between universal and specialized exhibitions.

• 1988 Amendment: Entering into force in July 1996, this amendment established the current system of registered Expos (held every five years) and recognized Expos (held in the intervals between registered ones).

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The modern BIE

From its original core of members, the organization grew to 91 countries by 2004 and reached 184 Member States by 2025. Its mission has shifted from merely presenting technical inventions to promoting international cooperation, cultural diversity and public diplomacy on global issues.

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The 1988 amendment entered into force in 1996 and was first applied to Expo 2008 Zaragoza. Before the amendment, specialized exhibitions could last up to six months, with no limit on the size of the site. The same rules applied to special exhibitions before the 1972 Protocol. The dates of categorization systems and Expos do not always align because some Expos were awarded and planned before a new system entered into force.

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Sources

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• Bureau International des Expositions. Le Bureau International des Expositions: La règlementation des Expositions internationales. Paris: Bureau International des Expositions, n.d.

• Bureau International des Expositions. Participation Guide for International Exhibitions. Paris: Bureau International des Expositions, n.d.

• Busa, Federica. Action Plan for the Identity, Communication and Promotion of the BIE and Expos. Paris: Bureau International des Expositions, April 2006.

• International Exhibitions Bureau. Communication Plan. Paris: Bureau International des Expositions, May 2004.

• Piat, Charles. Les expositions internationales relevant du Bureau International des Expositions (B.I.E.). Paris: Bureau International des Expositions, April 2001.