Who Has So Far Hosted the Specialized Expos?
Specialized Expos have been a hub of excitement and innovation, from showcasing the latest technological advancements to highlighting unique cultural aspects. But who were the masterminds behind these unforgettable events? Join us on a journey through time as we explore the host countries of some of the most successful Specialized Expos in history. Get ready for a trip around the world as we dive into their stories and uncover what made each Expo so special.
Some of the most recognizable cities in the world have been home to these international gatherings ever since the first Specialized Expo in 1951. Every host city, from Paris and Geneva to New York and Tokyo, have given the Expo its special flare. Millions of people have flocked to the Specialized Expos over the years to see the newest in innovation, technology, and design. Here are a few of the Specialized Expo’s previous hosts:
- Paris, France (1951)
- Geneva, Switzerland (1955)
- New York City, USA (1965)
- Tokyo, Japan (1970)
- Munich, Germany (1973)
- Birmingham, UK (1976)
The whole list of all Specialized Expos since 1936 is here.
The international body in charge of directing and policing World Expos is the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which has served in that capacity since 1931. The Triennale di Milano, World Expos, Specialized Expos, and Horticultural Expos are currently held under its aegis.
Due to the popularity and effectiveness of expos, the BIE has expanded from the 31 nations that founded it in 1928 to 171 member states. The BIE Member States actively participate in all BIE decisions and work to continuously raise the standard of Expos. Paris serves as the BIE’s administrative center.
The most recent Specialized Expo took place in 2017 from June 10 to September 10 in Astana, Kazakhstan. The expo’s theme was “Future Energy”, and aimed to create a global debate between countries, nongovernmental organizations, companies, and the general public on the crucial question: “How do we ensure safe and sustainable access to energy for all while reducing CO2 emissions? 115 states and 22 international organizations took part in it. The exhibition was visited by more than 3 million people.
The next specialized expo will be held in 2027. During the 171st General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which took place in Paris on November 28–29 last year, member states approved the list of candidates to be put forward for the election of the host of Specialized Expo 2027–28.
The five candidates’ projects were determined to be feasible and compliant with BIE regulations based on the results of the inquiry missions conducted between July and October 2022. Following the choice, the General Assembly heard presentations from each applicant, including Serbia (for Belgrade), Spain (for Malaga), Argentina (for Bariloche), the United States (for Minnesota), and Thailand (for Phuket).
Candidates will only have one more chance to present their ideas for the following specialized expo because the election of the host nation will take place during the following General Assembly, which is scheduled to take place in June 2023.
