International Expositions (Expos) are international technological, commercial and cultural world fairs. The UK hosted the first in 1851 (The Great Exhibition).

Expositions are a great way to promote the UK and the goals and objectives of the FCO and our public diplomacy work has always been involved in the planning and organisation of each exposition the UK participates in.
The International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) is responsible for sanctioning world fairs. It is based in Paris and was established by international convention in 1928. Further background, history and a list of past events can be found on the BIE website www.bie-paris.org. [opens a new website]

The BIE organises major exhibitions every five years and for smaller, interim, themed Expos.

Up-coming expos

Zaragoza Expo 2008

The northern Spanish city of Zaragoza will host an International Expo in 2008. The theme of the Expo will be 'Water and Sustainable Development'. The UK will not be participating with a pavilion.

Shanghai Expo 2010

The United Kingdom will participate with a pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010. The FCO has secured a good site overlooking the Hungpu River for the UK pavilion and we launched a design competition for the pavilion in February.

Expo 2012

Yeosu (Republic of. Korea), Wroclaw (Poland) and Tangier (Morocco) are bidding to host the 2012 Expo. The successful venue will be decided by a vote at the BIE General Assembly in November 2007.

Expo 2015

Milan (Italy) and Izmir (Turkey) are bidding to host the 2015 Expo. The successful venue will be decided by a vote at the BIE General Assembly in March 2008.