First ISO Standard for the Exhibition Industry Led by China, ISO 25639-1 on Terminology, Is Published

In April 2025 the international standard ISO 25639-1, Exhibitions and Events, Part 1: Terminology, was formally published, developed under Chinese leadership. It is the first ISO international standard that China has led in the exhibitions and events field, and represents a significant breakthrough for the country in this area since it resumed ISO membership in 1978. The standard establishes a single global vocabulary for the exhibition sector, removing definitional obstacles in cross-border communication and giving exhibitions and events concepts a consistent formulation. That in turn supports the organisation of shows across borders, the comparison of data between markets and wider industry collaboration, and helps Chinese exhibition practice align more quickly with international norms. The adoption of the standard also gives China a new foothold in the drafting of global exhibition rules, and stands as one of the clearest markers of the continuing rise in the internationalisation of the Chinese exhibition industry during 2025.