Signing of Participation Contract with U.S.

Ambassador Kim Il-Soo

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Korea presented 7,000 tulips to the Seoul Metropolitan Government in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations bewteen our two countries.

Amb. Kim Il-Soo, my former Director General for External Cooperation, sat next to Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon.

- Apr. 4, 2011

 

One-year Countdown to the Expo's Opening

BIE Secretary General, presented with the Camelia of Yeosu

여수 동백 그림 선물받은 BIE사무총장

| 기사입력 2011-03-09 17:17

【여수=뉴시스】김석훈 기자 = 9일 2012여수세계박람회 조직위원회 위원장 사무실에서 로세르탈레스 국제박람회기구(BIE) 사무총장(오른쪽), 강동석 위원장, 강종열 화백이 여수의 상징인 동백꽃 그림을 들고 기념촬영하고 있다. 로세르탈레스 BIE 사무총장은 이날 조직위를 방문해 강 위원장과 박람회 준비상황과 성공개최 방안에 대해 의견을 교환했다. 이 자리에서 여수에서 활동하고 있는 '바다'와 '동백꽃'의 화가 강종열 화백(60)이 동백꽃 그림(30호) 액자를 BIE 사무총장에게 전달했다. 로세르탈레스 BIE 사무총장은 9일과 10일 양일에 걸쳐 박람회 준비상황에 대해 조직위 관계자들과 업무협의를 하고 11일 출국할 예정이다. (사진=여수박람회조직위 제공)

kim@newsis.com

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Request for Proposals: The Design, Development, Installation, Operation, and Final Disposition of a U.S. Pavilion at the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012

A Notice by the State Department on 01/20/2011

Table of Contents

• Key Dates
• Executive Summary
• I. Funding Opportunity Description
• Authority
• Purpose
• U.S. Direction
• Funding Limitations
• Costs
• Design/Fabrication
• Operations
• Student Guides
• Expo Guidelines
• II. Award Information
• III. Eligibility Information
• III.1. Eligible Applicants
• IV. Application and Submission Information
• IV.1Contact Information To Request an Application Package
• IV.2Proposals
• IV.3Application Deadline and Methods of Submission
• Submitting Applications
• V. Application Review Information
• V.1Review Process
• V.2Review Criteria
• VI. Award Administration Information
• Award Notices
• Reporting Requirements
• VII. Agency Contacts
• VIII. Other Information
• Notice

Announcement Type: New.Show citation box

Key Dates Back to Top

Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 15, 2011.Show citation box

Executive Summary Back to Top

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the Department of State (Department) requests proposals from private U.S. individuals, firms, associations and organizations (for-profit or non-profit) for the design, development, installation, operation (including managing sponsorship donations and sponsorship fulfillment), and final disposition of a U.S. Pavilion at the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012, whose theme is “The Living Ocean and Coast.” The U.S. Pavilion will be situated in an approximately 1,183-square-meter module within the International Pavilions building. The Department intends to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the proposer submitting the proposal most advantageous to the U.S. Government, authorizing that project manager to proceed with the design, development, installation, and operation of the U.S. Pavilion, and the Department would subsequently sign a Participation Contract with the Korea Expo Organizing Committee.Show citation box

The Department is not authorized to provide funding for the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. The Department is authorized, however, to raise funds for the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea from the private sector and will secure pledges from prospective donors (Sponsors) that have been vetted within the Department for potential conflict of interest. The Department is seeking proposals, with detailed budget estimates based on $10 (ten) million in sponsorship, and a second alternate proposal showing the project scaled back to $7 (seven) million. Sponsors have agreed to follow through on pledges by donating pledged amounts to the successful proposer, who will manage sponsorship engagement (including sponsorship donations and sponsorship fulfillment).Show citation box

The successful proposer will need to have secured IRS recognition as a tax exempt organization, as well as an IRS declaration that contributions are deductible—and to have provided documentation to this effect to the Department—before the Department will sign an MOA.Show citation box

Total cost for a U.S. presence at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea is estimated to be $10 million. This will include all costs associated with the design, fabrication, installation, operation (including staffing), and final disposition of the U.S. Pavilion, as well as all support for a U.S. Commissioner General. The successful proposer will consult closely with and follow the direction of State Department officials and the Commissioner General with respect to Pavilion content and programming. The successful proposer should also consult with a design proposal review team that includes non-USG Pavilion experts plus non-USG Korea experts, such as the Korea-America Foundation or U.S. academics in Korea studies. The U.S. Pavilion shall be considered on loan to the U.S. Government for the duration of the Expo (May 12-August 12, 2012). The loan shall be treated as a gift to the U.S. Government.Show citation box

Proposals from non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S.-owned firms or organizations shall be deemed ineligible for consideration. Show citation box

I. Funding Opportunity Description Back to Top

Authority

Overall authority for Department support for U.S. participation in international expositions is contained in Section 102(a)(3) of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2452(a)(3)), also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act. The purpose of the Act is “to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.” Pursuant to this authority, and internal delegations of authority, ECA is the Department bureau responsible for coordinating U.S. participation in Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. Consequently, ECA will take the lead, with the assistance of U.S. Mission to Korea, to represent the U.S. Government in dealings with the Organizing Committee of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea.Show citation box

Purpose

The Government of the Republic of Korea has invited the United States to participate in the International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012 and the U.S. Government has advised the Korean Government of its intention to participate with an official U.S. Pavilion, subject to our ability to raise sufficient private sector funds. Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea will be held on specially constructed exhibition grounds. The Expo opens on May 12, 2012 and closes on August 12, 2012.Show citation box

Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea is a small-scale international exposition or “world's fair” recognized by the International Expositions Bureau (BIE), an international treaty organization established to sanction and monitor international exhibitions of long duration (over three weeks) and significant scale. Invitations to world's fairs are extended from the host government to other governments. The United States is not a member of the BIE, and the U.S. Commissioner General—selected by the Department of State—will therefore not be a formal member of the Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners General for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea.Show citation box

With a projected eight million visitors, Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea offers an excellent opportunity to educate and inform foreign audiences about the United States and its scientific and technological innovations relating to the theme of the Yeosu Expo—oceans and coasts—as well as to promote broad U.S. commercial interests around the world. U.S. participation in Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea will confirm the strength and importance of U.S.-Korean bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding between the people of Korea and the United States.Show citation box

The Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu explains the overall theme of the Expo “The Living Ocean and Coast.” as follows: “Diversity of Resources and Sustainable Activities defines the guiding principle that should inform all future actions regarding our oceans. Only with sustainable use, in other words finding the balance between production and consumption, while preserving diversity of resources, species and culture, can the oceans and coasts continue to live.”Show citation box

The theme for the U.S. Pavilion should be directly linked to the overall theme of the Expo. ECA welcomes proposals for a Pavilion to showcase American expertise and innovation in some or all of the following areas: preservation of marine ecosystems; protection of the marine environment and marine biodiversity; bio- and nanotechnology; impacts of climate change on the oceans, including ocean acidification; education in sound environmental practices in the marine environment; new resources technology in energy, marine mineral resource management, sustainable aquaculture and fisheries; and the cultural, artistic and scientific interaction between the sea and people. Other Pavilion themes related to the overall Expo theme may also be proposed. The design concept for the U.S. Pavilion should appeal to a general, non-expert audience; proposals should therefore include entertaining elements for all ages as well as academic/expository aspects.Show citation box

U.S. Direction

The U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea will be an official representation of the Government of the United States of America; the Department of State must therefore ensure that the U.S. Pavilion is nonpolitical in nature, of the highest possible quality, and balanced and representative of the diversity of American political, social and cultural life. The Pavilion must maintain the highest level of scholarly integrity and meet the highest standards of artistic achievement and academic excellence. It should also be entertaining and interactive. The project manager, working for the selected proposer, must submit both early concept plans and final detailed ex plans, blue prints, schematics graphics, and audio-visual productions for review and prior approval by ECA. Any work undertaken by the project manager without prior ECA approval will be done at the sole risk of the proposer and may require remedial work at the proposer's sole expense. The project manager is strongly encouraged to seek outside experts to review potential Pavilion content and to review early concepts with local audiences to make sure that the proposed elements will resonate with the target Korean audience.Show citation box

The U.S. Pavilion will be used to promote U.S. commercial interests as well as to highlight outstanding U.S. scientific and technological achievements. The proposed design for the U.S. Pavilion should include functional space for three purposes: An exhibit area, an administrative area, and hospitality facilities. The Pavilion layout should also include provisions for sponsorship recognition. Firms or companies subcontracted for design and other content creation must be U.S.-owned.Show citation box

Further information on Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea can be found at the official Expo Web site: http://www.expo2012.or.kr/eng/ain.asp. Show citation box

Funding Limitations

Section 204 of Public Law 106-113 (22 U.S.C. 2452b) limits the support the Department may provide for U.S. participation in international expositions such as Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. This Request for Proposals is intended to help identify a private U.S. individual, firm, association or organization interested in and capable of providing a complete Pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea as a gift to the United States Government. Under section 204, the Department is not authorized to provide funding for the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. The Department is authorized, however, to raise funds for the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea from the private sector. All such donations will be collected by the successful proposer once a Memorandum of Agreement has been signed.Show citation box

Costs

The U.S. Pavilion will be situated in an approximate 1,183-square-meter module provided at no-cost by the Expo Organizing Committee. A mezzanine floor may be installed within the 7.2-meter height of the module. It is estimated that a representative U.S. presence in that space will cost $10 (ten) million. Costs would include, but not be limited to:Show citation box

• Design and construction of the Pavilion space; incorporation of appropriate internal and external crowd control features; Show citation box
• Design of the Pavilion; development of the story line; Show citation box
• Managing sponsorship engagement by defining Sponsor packages based on pledge factors, accepting sponsor pledges solicited by the Department, and managing sponsorship fulfillment; Show citation box
• Production of exhibits, audio-visual materials, films, DVDs, videos, posters, and other promotional materials needed for the exhibit; Show citation box
• Managing all administrative, personnel, operations, and Pavilion costs, including salaries, benefits, staff housing expenses, contracting and supplier costs, and consulting fees, as well as funding associated with student guides, escorts, and representational gifts; Show citation box
• Protocol team for the creation and staffing of hospitality facilities devoted to hosting all dignitaries visiting the U.S. Pavilion; Show citation box
• Promotion and advertisement of the U.S. Pavilion; Show citation box
• Media engagement and planning of communication strategy of the U.S. Pavilion, including the development of a Web site; Show citation box
• Transport, travel, insurance, postage and shipping fees; Show citation box
• Security, namely, development and implementation of a security program for the U.S. Pavilion in consultation with the Department of State and appropriate Korean authorities; Show citation box
• Cultural and informational programs associated with the Pavilion, including, but not limited to, production of U.S. National Day activities as well as other cultural programs; Show citation box
• Funding for all expenses associated with the U.S. Commissioner General; and Show citation box
• Tear-down, including removal of exhibits and return of the module space in the condition required by the Expo Organizing Committee. Final disposition plan must be approved by ECA. Show citation box

Design/Fabrication

The successful proposer will need to design and fabricate the Pavilion, administrative area, and hospitality facilities of the U.S. Pavilion. The space provided by the Yeosu Organizing Committee is approximately 1,183 square meters in size. A floor plan showing the space provided by the organizers can be sent to proposers by the Department upon request. The Pavilion should follow the theme of “The Living Ocean and Coast” and should be highly interactive and engaging. Proposals should show how the proposer would intend to portray this storyline. A written description should be augmented by artist renderings. Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by Department officials.Show citation box

Operations

The successful proposer will be responsible for full operation of the U.S. Pavilion. This would include, but not be limited to, such areas as protocol, public affairs, sponsorship fulfillment, cultural programming, student guide services, communications, operations, security, cleaning, and maintenance. Office space must be adequate for the proposed number of staff. A proposed staffing plan should be provided in the response to this RFP.Show citation box

Student Guides

Proposals must include a plan for managing student guides at the U.S. Pavilion. All student guides must be U.S. citizens, from a diverse set of backgrounds and U.S. States, and fluent in Korean with two or more years of college-level language training or equivalent ability gained through family or residence in Korea. It would be advantageous if the student guide (also called Student Ambassador) program were run in conjunction with a U.S.-based college or university.Show citation box

Expo Guidelines

Interested parties may obtain copies of the General Regulations and Participation Guide from the Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea offices in Korea at:Show citation box

The Organizing Committee for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, 75 Yulgok-no Jongno-Gu Seoul 110-793, Korea. Tel: +82-1577-2012/+82-2-740-4500. http://www.expo2012.or.kr/eng//main.asp.Show citation box

II. Award Information Back to Top

Type of Award: MOA. The Department's level of involvement in this program is listed under number I above.Show citation box

Approximate Number of Awards: 1.Show citation box

III. Eligibility Information Back to Top

III.1. Eligible Applicants

Applications may be submitted by individuals, firms, associations, and public and private organizations (non-profit or for-profit). Non-profit organizations must meet the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3). For-profit organizations must be prepared to establish a non-profit entity, which also meets these provisions, to manage the project if it is the successful proposer. The successful proposer will need to have secured IRS recognition as a tax exempt organization, as well as an IRS declaration that contributions are deductible—and to have provided documentation to this effect to the Department—before the Department will sign an MOA.Show citation box

IV. Application and Submission Information Back to Top

IV.1Contact Information To Request an Application Package

Please contact the Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C, U.S. Department of State, SA-5, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522; fax: 202-632-9355; or e-mail Yeosu2012@state.gov for assistance. Please refer to Citizen Exchanges Yeosu Expo when making your request.Show citation box

IV.2Proposals

Proposals should be provided in a narrative of no more than twenty (20) pages 81/2″ x 11″ in size, no smaller than 12-point font, single-spaced, plus a detailed budget, with necessary attachments and/or exhibits. The narrative and additional documents should outline in as much detail as possible the plans for providing a U.S. Pavilion at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. Proposals should address the following:Show citation box

• Willingness to adhere to the General Regulations of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea as stipulated by the Expo Organizing Committee, including restrictions and limitations related to construction; Show citation box
• Track record of working with Pavilions and on the proposed theme; Show citation box
• Experienced staff with language facility; Show citation box
• Clear concept for the exhibit plan and storyline, including designs; Show citation box
• Detailed budget showing breakdown of budget items required for each aspect of the project development and implementation; Show citation box
• Detailed organizational chart indicating all necessary positions and start dates, including but not limited to operations, communications, protocol, Sponsor fulfillment, and student guides; Show citation box
• Timeline detailing each step in the design, construction, and breakdown of the U.S. Pavilion as well as the development of the U.S. Pavilion content; and Show citation box
• Agreement to consult closely with and follow the direction of State Department officials and the Commissioner General. Show citation box

Proposals should state clearly that all materials developed specifically for the project will be subject to prior review and approval by ECA. In addition, proposals should state that all contracts or sub-contracts contemplated to be awarded by the proposer to further the purposes of the U.S. Pavilion which are in excess of $50,000 will be reviewed and approved by ECA prior to their award.Show citation box

IV.3Application Deadline and Methods of Submission

Application Deadline Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2011.Show citation box

Reference: Citizen Exchanges Yeosu Expo.Show citation box

Submitting Applications

Due to heightened security measures, proposal submissions must be sent via a nationally recognized overnight delivery service (i.e., DHL, Federal Express, UPS, Airborne Express, or U.S. Postal Service Express Overnight Mail, etc.) and be shipped no later than the above deadline. The delivery services used by applicants must have in-place, centralized shipping identification and tracking systems that may be accessed via the Internet and delivery people who are identifiable by commonly recognized uniforms and delivery vehicles. Proposals shipped on or before the above deadline but received at ECA more than seven calendar days after the deadline will be ineligible for further consideration under this competition. Proposals shipped after the established deadlines are ineligible for consideration under this competition. It is each applicant's responsibility to ensure that each package is marked with a legible tracking number and to monitor/confirm delivery to ECA via the Internet. ECA will not notify you upon receipt of application. Delivery of proposal packages may not be made via local courier service or in person for this competition. Faxed documents will not be accepted at any time. Only proposals submitted as stated above will be considered. Applications may not be submitted electronically.Show citation box

The original and ten copies of the application should be sent to:Show citation box

U.S. Department of State, SA-5, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Ref.: Citizen Exchanges Yeosu Expo, ECA/PE/C, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522.Show citation box

Applicants must also submit the “Executive Summary” and “Proposal Narrative” sections of the proposal in text (.txt) format on a PC-formatted CD-ROM. Show citation box

V. Application Review Information Back to Top

V.1Review Process

ECA will review all proposals for technical eligibility. Proposals will be deemed ineligible if they are not submitted by a U.S. citizen, U.S.-owned corporation or U.S.-based organization, and do not fully adhere to the General Regulations of Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea and the guidelines stated herein. Eligible proposals will be subject to compliance with Federal and Bureau regulations and guidelines.Show citation box

The ECA program office will review all eligible proposals, as will relevant elements of the U.S. Mission in the Republic of Korea and a panel of senior U.S. Government employees. Proposals may also be reviewed by the Office of the Legal Adviser or by other Department elements, including but not limited to the State Department Bureaus of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, as well as U.S. diplomatic officers in Korea, and private sector experts. The final decision on which proposal is most advantageous to the U.S. Government will be at the sole discretion of the Department's Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs.Show citation box

V.2Review Criteria

Technically eligible proposals will be reviewed according to the criteria stated below. These criteria are not rank-ordered and all carry equal weight in the evaluation.Show citation box

1. Program planning to achieve Pavilion objectives: Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the planned Pavilion will: Educate and inform foreign audiences about the United States and its scientific and technological innovations relating to the oceans and coasts; promote broad U.S. commercial interests around the world, and specifically address the theme and General Regulations of the Expo. The proposal should also include a clearly articulated media engagement plan and communications strategy for the Pavilion. Pavilion objectives should be reasonable, feasible, and flexible. The proposal should contain a detailed timeline and budget that demonstrate substantive undertakings and logistical capacity.Show citation box

2. Institutional Capacity/Record/Ability: Proposals should describe personnel and institutional resources, which should be adequate and appropriate to achieve the Pavilion's goals. Proposals should demonstrate an institutional record of successful Pavilion activities, including responsible fiscal management and governance practices, and full compliance with all applicable BIE Expo requirements.Show citation box

3. Multiplier effect/impact: Proposals should clearly state how Pavilion content and related activities will strengthen long-term mutual understanding between the United States and Korea.Show citation box

4. Support of Diversity: Proposals should demonstrate involvement of participants from traditionally underrepresented groups including, but not limited to, women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.Show citation box

5. Monitoring and Project Evaluation Plan: Proposals should include a plan to measure the impact of the proposed U.S. Pavilion, cultural programs, and information programs.Show citation box

6. Sponsorship Management: Proposals should include a plan to manage sponsor engagement and sponsorship fulfillment.Show citation box

7. Cost-effectiveness: Proposals should include a proposed action plan and timeline for all aspects of the project with associated, detailed budget estimates based on a $10 (ten) million budget, as well as a second alternate plan showing the ability for the project to be scaled back to $7 (seven) million.Show citation box

VI. Award Administration Information Back to Top

Award Notices

The successful proposer will sign an MOA with the Department. Unsuccessful proposers will receive notification of the results of the application review from the ECA program office coordinating this competition.Show citation box

Reporting Requirements

The project manager must provide ECA with a hard copy original plus two copies of the following reports:Show citation box

1. Program and financial reports every 90 (ninety) calendar days after the signature of the MOA.Show citation box

2. Program and financial reports no more than 90 (ninety) calendar days after the expiration of the award.Show citation box

VII. Agency Contacts Back to Top

For questions about this announcement, contact: The Office of Citizen Exchanges, ECA/PE/C, Yeosu Expo, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, SA-5, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522; Fax: 202-632-9355; E-mail: Yeosu2012@state.gov. Show citation box

Correspondence with ECA concerning this Request for Proposals (RFP) should reference Citizen Exchanges Yeosu Expo.Show citation box

Please read the complete announcement before sending inquiries or submitting proposals. Once the RFP deadline for submission of proposals has passed, ECA staff may not discuss this competition with applicants until the proposal review process has been completed.Show citation box

VIII. Other Information Back to Top

Notice

The terms and conditions published in this Request for Proposals are binding and may not be modified orally by any ECA representative. Amendments to this RFP, if any, will be issued in writing. Explanatory information provided by ECA that contradicts published language will not be binding. Issuance of this RFP does not constitute an intention to agree to work with any private sector project manager at Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea. ECA reserves the right to select the successful proposer for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea and to approve all elements of the Pavilion and project. All decisions made based on indications of interest submitted in response to this RFP will be made solely by ECA and are final.Show citation box

Dated: January 14, 2011.

Ann Stock,

Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State.

[FR Doc. 2011-1185 Filed 1-19-11; 8:45 am]

http://federalregister.gov/a/2011-1185

Ambassador Philipson in his uniform!

Ambassador Philipson clad in his ambassador's uniform to greet the Danish Queen for the New Year.

Date: Wednesday, Jan 5, 2011 04:13:39 PM
From: Ole Philipson
To: Lee Eunshin
Subject: Re: Thank you!

Dear Eunshin,

"Glædelig Jul" is Happy Xmas in Danish. 

I hope you will visit Denmark in the future - preferably during summer though many from South Europe now like to come when it is winter and - like this year - cold and white.

I am glad you can use the report, and I think it is a very good idea to put the very text you sent me as an introduction. Perfect.

The lecture was given on November 22nd in the Business School of Copenhagen to a group of students of Economics.

Pls. let me know when it is put on the website. 

A little later today I am off to greet our Queen on occasion of the New Year. I shall put on my ambassador's uniform, and shall try to take a photo by "Photo Booth" on my Apple computer and mail it to you - for fun!

Best greeting from,

Ole Philipson.

The Wonderful World of World EXPOS by Ambassador Philipson

The Wonderful World of World EXPOS.

Within the world of great events the world of World Expositions occupies a prominent place.

For more than one and a half century, ever since the Great Exhibition took place in London in 1851, have these great events marked their own times.

The impact on the world stage of the World Expositions has been significant with each and every of these events. Each exposition has been the product of its time in history and each has contributed to pointing towards the future, each in its particular field and geographic location.

Thus the trajectory of the World Exposition as an international and cultural event marks a unique history of one event’s relevance in the world and its ever-present power to attract and fascinate millions of people all over the world. A true test of longevity.

However, not everybody is familiar with the importance and history of this great event, though most have heard about one or another of these expositions.

An overview of the history of these great expositions and a study of their character are therefore in place.

 EXPO History at a glance. 

The Great Exhibition of 1851 in London was held inside a palace of glass, the Crystal Palace, which in itself was quite an event at the time. The exhibition became immensely popular as the showpiece for the industrial revolution that was taking place at the time both in England and the other big powers of the time. The exhibition received 6 millions visitors.

This EXPO was all about showing the public the advancement of England’s industrialisation, and with time also that of other countries. This is what characterized the contents of the EXPOS of the 19^th century: they showed industrial progress.

London was the host to two great exhibitions: 1851 and 1862, but Paris followed quickly hosting not less than 5 great EXPOS in the 19^th century; the Great 1900 Paris exhibition received some 50 million visitors.

The Paris 1889 exhibition, however, is particularly memorable  with its emblematic Eiffel Tower as the main attraction. Many countries have since tried but no other country has yet succeeded in creating such a durable legacy as this EXPO did with its tower, known and loved all over the world.

The BIE is born.

Up till 1928 each organizing country only had to declare its intention to host an EXPO and then invite participating countries and establish its own rules. Neither international rules nor preconditions existed. This state of affairs had brought a chaotic situation about, and the need for a regulation of the hosting and organizing of World Expositions was acutely felt. Upon this background the convention for the creation of an international organization for the regulation of World Expositions of 1928 was drawn up and signed in Paris in 1931 by 31 countries. With the passing of the convention the basis for the BIE, Bureau International des Expositions was laid. Though the convention has been modified in the course of time it still basically adheres to the original principles.

In the BIE the member states constitute the General Assembly where all important decisions and votes are taken. The President of the BIE, who is elected for a period of two years, heads the General Assembly, and the Secretary General is in charge of all day-to-day business and thus heads the whole of the administration. In order to attend the specific needs of the institution four commissions are created: the Executive, the Information, the Rules and the Administration Commission. All the members of the Commissions are BIE delegates.

Since its creation the BIE has been at the centre of the World Expositions regulating all aspects of the international expositions and setting down rules necessary for the holding of successful expositions, protecting the interests both of the organizers and the host country and the participating nations.

Amongst the BIE rules can be mentioned the span of five years between the Registered (big) EXPOS, their duration of 6 months and the rule that the theme must be of a general nature. The holding of a Recognized EXPOS is set to take place between two major ones and must not exceed a duration of 3 months and not occupy a space larger than 25 ha.

Each member country appoints one or more delegates to the BIE who participate in the General Assembly and the work of the organization.

The selection of a candidate for a World Exposition, whether for a “big” or “small” one is done on the basis of “one country one vote”, the voting being by secret ballot.

The EXPO is defined in the BIE convention as a cultural and non-commercial event that contributes to the education of the public.

The cultural and non-commercial nature of an EXPO is absolutely basic for the understanding of the nature and longevity of this event.

One word of explanation is needed here. Being a cultural and non-commercial event does not mean that neither economic nor commercial interests or ties are involved. Not at all.

Any EXPO will have sponsors, corporate participants and commercial backing from many sides. Only the contents of the EXPO itself must remain non-commercial. This distinction between financing and contents is basic for the understanding of the inner workings of an EXPO.

Thanks to the BIE Convention the World Expositions took a new and more regulated turn after 1931. With an absence of EXPOS during the Second World War the interest in the event started to grow again after the war, first slowly but then accelerated and we are now experiencing a true and continued interest in the hosting of an EXPO resulting in more and more countries joining the BIE and more and more candidates for an EXPO.

At the start of 2011 the BIE had 157 member countries making the organisation not only one of the oldest international organisations but also one with the most member countries.

The birth of an EXPO candidacy.

The reasons for a country to wish to host an EXPO can be many, but in most cases there will be the desire to attract the world’s attention and show the world the country’s profile, to improve the urban environment of a city and - to unite the people round a major challenge.

Yet another factor is increasingly playing a significant role:

The Globalization.

With the arrival of globalization the perception of the identity of any country has logically become more blurred in the minds of the world’s public. Therefore a growing need within many countries has arisen to show the rest of the world its identity, what kind of country it really is, what it stands for and what it is capable of.

For this purpose many countries choose to go for the hosting of a great event that can bring attention to the country, show the world what the country stands for. This new situation increases the interest in hosting a mega event in order to – so to speak – get your own country on the world map. The hosting of a World EXPO has become a prime choice for this goal.

Before settling on a world EXPO the country has probably also considered one of the other two alternatives for a mega event: The Olympics and the World Cup of Football - and then settled on a world EXPO.

The three events are fundamentally different in contents and legacy.  Whereas the two sports events are shorter in duration and have very specific contents, an EXPO lasts longer and has broad cultural contents – whether it is the big or the small category. Therefore an EXPO usually leaves a larger imprint on the host city both in the area of urban renewal and mentally on the population. The legacy of an EXPO is palpable.

From the very start of an EXPO project it becomes obvious that part of the key to victory in the vote at the BIE lies in the message you choose for the EXPO, the theme of the exposition.

Another factor of vital importance is the ability of the candidate country to muster votes. In short the international weight of the candidate country.

The theme itself has not always had the importance it has now. In the past the event in itself was often enough to attract votes - and later visitors. However, with the growing awareness of values like sustainability the world at large is more conscious of the message, the contents of an EXPO, and the theme has therefore had a growing role in the choosing of an EXPO. Also the visitors have come to expect a meaningful content of the EXPO.

Any candidate country today is therefore acutely aware of the importance of the theme and a great deal of preparation is done in order to pinpoint the best possible thematic contents.

When a member country of the BIE decides to be a candidate a long and difficult process begins in order to convince a majority of the member countries to vote for the candidacy.

A successful campaign.

Once the candidate country has placed its bid with the BIE the campaign begins. Depending on the field of competitors this campaign can be most demanding and complex. A majority of the 150 member countries of the BIE have to be convinced that the bid is the best.

The effect of the campaign will – as explained above -in part depend on the candidate country’s international weight and importance. Therefore we often see other factors than the strictly objective qualities of a bid take preference over the quality of the bid itself, but these are the conditions of all the bidding situations in the world of the great events - be they in the realm of sports or culture.

The successful country, the winner, will immediately start organizing the event and create the administrative apparatus to carry through the challenge that an EXPO is.

The organizing of an EXPO.

The BIE schedule for the voting on an EXPO and for its actual happening allows for the organizer to start preparations for the EXPO many years ahead of holding the event. The organizer will therefore dispose of ample time to prepare both the physical aspects like infrastructure and building and the mental expectations inside and outside the country.

One of the first tasks will be to attract participating countries. This not an easy process as you find quite a few “EXPO sceptic” countries within the BIE, countries that question the value of the EXPO. However, experience shows that almost all of these sceptic countries in the end – and often at the last minute –join the EXPO anyway!

The task of creating an air of expectation both in the home country and abroad is another big challenge, where the participation of all sectors in the country is needed. Also at this stage a careful weighting of the commercial and non-commercial interests will take place thus deciding much of the character of the future EXPO – all within the framework of the BIE rules of course.

All in all the stage of organizing the EXPO is a major challenge to the whole of the host country’s society and is dealt with according to each country’s own tradition and capacity.

The EXPO itself.

The running of an EXPO is a complex operation. First of all the rules and regulations of the BIE concerning the rights and duties of the host organization and the participating nations must be approved by the BIE within the fixed time frame.

Then it is the goal of every organizing entity to create that feeling of expectation that will permeate the whole event. Each and every prospective visitor – local or foreign – must feel that she/he will be visiting a very special event, making this a unique trip to all the world’s countries without actually travelling.

 Experience from past EXPOS indicates that a high quality and packed cultural programme is essential to the success.

Without going in to details the success of the EXPO will of course also to a large extent depend upon the smooth running and the mood the visitors encounter.

Interestingly enough, almost all EXPOS have been successes. The mere concept of this century old event almost guarantees success.

The host city and its citizens’ attitude is also important. Most host cities and their inhabitants have been happy to “receive the world” but there are examples of the contrary, where the citizens were against the EXPO, an attitude that of course damaged the event.

Also the media play understandably a most important role as to how the EXPO is perceived both at home and abroad. However, a good and well-organized EXPO will inevitably be well, or very well received by both the local and the world press.

The benefits of an EXPO.

EXPO-sceptics have, and will always question the value of an EXPO.

This is of course very legitimate and should be easy to answer – but it isn’t.

First it is important to note that the benefits from any EXPO first of all will depend on the expectations of the host country. The results will be measured against the expectations.

Common for most host countries as to their expectations is that they expect to gain exposure from the EXPO as to the country’s profile nationally and internationally. In short they expect their country and the host city to be more recognizable after the EXPO, better known and known for the better. This alone is such an important result that it is often enough to consider the EXPO as a success.

The problem here is that this effect difficult to measure and that it happens overtime. This of course is where the sceptic will raise his voice.

Usually there is an important urban renewal plan associated with the building of the EXPO. The results are striking and easily perceived in the form of a new infrastructure, new living areas, new parks etc.

Another benefit, but very difficult to measure, is a certain pride felt among the population after a successful EXPO. The inhabitants of the host city are proud of the success they have had a part in.

Finally the economic aspect cannot be ignored, and therefore the EXPO sceptic should be happy to see that most expenses really have been investments, and very sound investments indeed, in the future of the city and country. Again the benefits only show after a number of years giving the sceptic food for his criticism – but only for a limited time

With the passing of the years it becomes more and more obvious, that the EXPO has been an important factor in the development of the city and of the country. This has been the case in almost all host countries and cities; many former host cities actually talk of a “rebirth” of the city thanks to the EXPO.

Another and important aspect of the benefits of an EXPO is the benefits the participating countries derive from having participated in the EXPO. Of course the investment is on a very different level, but is anyway an important investment that contributes decisively to the success of the event.

The aim of most participating countries with their participation is a wish to strengthen their image in the host country, give the visitors and idea of their country’s profile and eventually make some commercial contacts. The National Days on the EXPO is an ideal opportunity for the strengthening of relations with visits of heads of state being the norm.

It must be stressed that without participation of the world’s countries there would be no EXPO. Therefore it is important to make sure that these countries are satisfied with the results of their participation, which usually also has been the case.

Post-EXPO.

The BIE has very strict rules concerning the plans for the post-EXPO. Detailed plans for the site after the EXPO is finished must be approved by the BIE before the bid is accepted thus guaranteeing the situation after the EXPO.

These rules have greatly contributed to the popularity of the EXPO as an urban event, as the people know that the site will be a better place after the EXPO.

A few examples of post-EXPO results can illustrate the importance of this aspect.

The first successful example is that of the Seville EXPO1992. Here an empty lot of land next to the city was chosen for the EXPO, and plans were made for the creation of a scientific centre. Today it is one of the most important scientific centres in Spain.

Art EXPO1993 in Taejon the site was turned into a Science park, now famous all over Korea.

At the Lisbon EXPO1998 the site became the home to a beautiful park and new living areas and a new rail line connects the area to the city.

The Zaragoza EXPO2008 has greatly improved the city as a modern and attractive place to live.

The great Shanghai EXPO2010 is in the middle of transforming its EXPO site into an important and completely new part of the city.

The recent history of World EXPOS is full of examples of urban renewal taking place as a result of an EXPO. 

The longevity of the EXPO.

Many times in the past have the EXPOS been declared dead, a thing of the past. Many times has an EXPO been declared to be the very last. A famous example is the 1900 EXPO in Paris. Because of its exorbitant costs the leading countries of the time said “never again”. But history has shown this prediction to be wrong over and over again. Somehow the time-honoured recipe for a great event contained in the BIE convention has survived and is still going strong, stronger than ever as a matter of fact with many countries waiting for their chance to host an EXPO.

There are several opinions as to the reasons for this extraordinary longevity.

*Most people agree that the format is ideal to mirror the time of the event. Each organizer has to reinvent the EXPO. An EXPO cannot be a copy of a past EXPO. The EXPO will always mirror its own times, which is one of its greatest assets.

*Another reason is that people all over the world are attracted by an exhibition where the inhabitants of almost all of the world’s countries are present “live”, and where the cultural values – and not the commercial product – of each country are shown. The typical visitors – parents with children – have always flocked to such an event. They always will. It is a unique world marketplace where the merchandise is not goods but knowledge and culture!

In this age of cyberspace the “real thing”, the “hands on experience”, the “live” people from the whole world exerts a powerful attraction on all of us who spend so much time in front of a screen and no people around us. 

The future of EXPO.

It seems likely that the EXPO as an event will stay with us for a very long time. Countries that rise in the economic hierarchy of the world will wish to show their newly acquired position by hosting an EXPO and older established countries will also wish to have their image updated in the eyes of the world.

Consequently there are candidates for the foreseeable future, a situation that seems likely to continue as long as the world wants to know more about the world and its values – country by country.

EXPO2012 YEOSU.

Finally a word about the next EXPO in the long line of EXPOS: the YEOSU EXPO2012.

The Republic of Korea has already hosted an EXPO. The 1993EXPO in Taejon with the theme “The Challenge of a new road of Development” received some 14 million visitors. This EXPO had a great effect not only on the Korean visitors to the event, but also on the whole country. During the EXPO many heads of state visited the EXPO and Korea and the EXPO was a great success – acclaimed from all sides at home and abroad.

The theme of EXPO2012 is “The Living Ocean and Coast” and great expectations are put in this EXPO. Not only Korea’s leading position in the world of technology but its pioneering effort in the realm of sustainability make the expectations for this EXPO very high in the world of the BIE. The theme is indeed most attractive and relevant to the world’s problems today. Therefore this EXPO is expected to draw great international interest and focus from all over the world.

There is a general consensus that EXPO2012 will be a very important milestone in the long history of EXPOS. Its important theme and its location in the middle of a coastal are full of natural beauty makes it a most attractive and exciting event.

Everyone in the wonderful world of EXPO looks forward to this event.