Overview
ISO 25639-2:2008, "Exhibitions, shows, fairs and conventions - Part 2: Measurement procedures for statistical purposes," defines standardized counting and measurement procedures used to interpret the terms in ISO 25639-1 (vocabulary). Intended for statistical reporting and consistent industry benchmarking, this part specifies which data sources and measurement methods organizers and venues should use when counting exhibitors, visitors, delegates, areas and other event metrics.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Link to ISO 25639-1: This part is intended to be used integrally with the vocabulary in ISO 25639-1 so that terms are interpreted uniformly.
- Counting sources: Counts must rely on authoritative documents such as signed contracts, registration/entry management systems, badges and submitted exhibitor documentation.
- Exhibitor counts:
- Exhibitor / Principal exhibitor / International exhibitor / National exhibitor: counts should be based on the contractual documents between organizer and exhibitor.
- Co-exhibitor: based on data supplied by the principal exhibitor.
- Personnel of exhibitors: based on the number of badges issued.
- Visitor and delegate counts:
- Visitor / Professional / Public / International / National / Invited / Delegate: counts should be based on the organizer’s registration or entry management system.
- Each individual (visitors, delegates, media representatives, participants) must be counted only once for the full duration of the event.
- When no registration system exists, counts for categories such as professional, public or international visitors may be obtained from on-site visitor surveys performed and audited by an independent body.
- Area and space measurements:
- Stand area, hired area, gross/net exhibition area, outdoor covered area: counts should be based on contractual documents and can be verified using scaled floor plans or actual on-site measurements.
- Event duration: determined from the dates printed on event documentation.
Practical applications
- Producing reliable event statistics for annual reports, marketing materials and press releases
- Benchmarking attendance, exhibitor mix and space utilization across events and venues
- Contract verification and reconciliation between organizers, exhibitors and venues
- Supporting transparent, audited reporting for industry associations, sponsors and public authorities
- Assisting venue capacity planning and operational logistics
Who uses this standard
- Event and exhibition organizers
- Venue operators and convention centers
- Trade associations and industry statisticians
- Market researchers and auditors
- Exhibitors, sponsors and public-sector stakeholders requiring comparable metrics
Related standards
- ISO 25639-1 - Terminology / Vocabulary for exhibitions, shows, fairs and conventions (required companion document)
Keywords: ISO 25639-2, exhibition measurement procedures, visitor counting, exhibitor counting, trade fair statistics, event measurement standards, exhibitions metrics.