The BIE
International Exhibitions Bureau
Expos need common rules: when they take place, how long they last and how countries are invited. Since 1931, one intergovernmental organization has set those rules and made sure they are followed: the International Exhibitions Bureau (Bureau International des Expositions, BIE).
01
What the BIE does
The Convention Relating to International Exhibitions, signed in Paris on November 22, 1928, created the International Exhibitions Bureau to make sure the Convention is applied. The BIE began its work in 1931 and has its headquarters in Paris.
The BIE regulates how often Expos take place and how they are organized. Its General Assembly chooses the hosts of future Expos, approves their rules and follows their preparation until closing day. Along the way, the BIE protects the interests of the countries that take part.
02
Two kinds of Expos
Under the Convention as amended in 1988, the BIE oversees two kinds of Expos. Registered Expos take place every five years, last up to six months and have no limit on the size of their site. Recognized Expos are smaller: they last up to three months, cover up to 25 hectares (62 acres) and take place between two registered Expos.
Expo 2027 Belgrade will be the next recognized Expo, and Expo 2030 Riyadh the next registered Expo.
03
184 Member States
As of October 28, 2026, 184 countries are Members of the BIE. Each Member State sends up to three delegates and has one vote in the General Assembly, which meets in Paris twice a year.
Twelve United Nations member states are not BIE members: Australia, Bhutan, Bolivia, Canada, India, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. Three BIE members are not U.N. member states: the Cook Islands, Kosovo and the State of Palestine.
See the full list on the BIE website.
04
An emblem and a flag
Since Expo 1970 Osaka, the BIE has had its own emblem and flag, chosen through an international design competition. Read the story of the BIE flag and emblem.
