Bureau International des Expositions or International Exhibitions
Bureau
The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) is an international, governmental
organization sanctioning and monitoring international exhibitions. Established
in 1928, the headquarters of BIE is located in Paris and currently includes
98 nations.
World Expo
The World Expo is a global, non-commercial exposition, originally aimed
at exhibiting the accomplishments of human beings in artwork and traditional
craftwork. During its 150-year history, it has become the world wide summit
for presenting scientific developments and technology as well as industrial
technology. It is now the largest international exposition for exhibitors
to show their achievements concerning economy, society and culture as well
as science and technology. Moreover, every Expo also attracts hundreds of
thousands of visitors to its abundant performances and specially-designed
buildings in addition to the exhibitions.
Usually, the World Expo is hosted by the government of a country, with
participation by other countries and international organizations. In terms
of the BIE's provision, there are two categories of exhibitions. One is
the International Registered Exhibition, also called Comprehensive Exhibition.
It is held every five years, lasting for six months. The other one is called
the International Recognized Exhibition, also called Professional Exhibition.
It is held after every other International Registered Exhibitions, lasting
for 3 months.
World Expo Forum
The forum, used to select the theme of the Expo from different perspectives,
is an important component of each World Expo. From 2003 to 2009,
an international forum will be held every year by BIE and the
Shanghai Municipal Government, around the theme - 'Better City, Better
Life'. Each forum will be divided into three categories in terms of the
attendees. They are high-end forums, theme forums and public forums.