Global events industry gains recognition: New ISO Technical Committee

29.09.2025

UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, is proud to announce the approval of a new ISO Technical Committee on Events (TC 354).

ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, develops globally recognised standards across industries to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency. TC 354 is championed by UFI and managed by Afnor (Association Française de Normalisation).

Its scope spans across event formats and purposes, from academic conferences and business exhibitions to sporting competitions and live entertainment. Its work will establish standards for event management, addressing key areas such as terminology, metrics, crisis management, safety and security, technology, and accessibility. In addition, the TC will feature a Sub-Committee on Sustainability in Event Management, building on the legacy of PC 250, which developed ISO 20121 on event sustainability management systems.

With 17 countries already participating, TC 354 marks a significant step in recognising the events industry as a key global sector and establishing harmonised international standards that will benefit the entire event ecosystem, including host destinations, organisers, venues, service providers, and participants.

UFI president Hugh Jones comments: “This is a landmark moment for our industry. For the first time, we have a dedicated ISO committee to define and align global standards for events. TC 354 recognizes 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.”

Franck Lebeugle, general manager of Afnor’s Standardization Unit, adds: “Twelve months after paving the way for responsability 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. Standardization 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 harmonize innovation, accessibility, sustainability, safety, and profitability. We invite all interested parties to join and contribute to this initiative.”

UFI remains committed to driving this work forward and invites all industry members and stakeholders to engage with national standards bodies to ensure industry perspectives are represented at the highest international level.