The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), a leading trade association for the global exhibitions and events industry, has announced its full support of VSef (Virtual Standard Export Format), including the RSDE (Reporting Standards for Digital Events) standards.
VSef was launched in early 2021 as a response to the rising uptake of digital event platforms and the increase in virtual event experiences. Its goal was creating a global standardised data structure and output format for digital events. VSef is backed by many leading organisers and platforms, and supported by the event industry’s leading strategic partners, including the Events Industry Council (EIC), UFI, Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) and International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
Simultaneously, global assurance provider BPA Worldwide identified the lack of standardised data in the digital events sector and launched the Reporting Standards for Digital Events (RSDE) initiative with the support of industry leaders. In September, BPA acquired VSef from Explori. The acquisition resulted in a collaboration that has created a single, globally recognised industry data and reporting standard for digital events.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic when organisations turned to producing virtual events, it quickly became evident there was an urgent need for a standardised data format for digital event platforms,” noted IAEE president & CEO David DuBois. “IAEE, along with many other industry organisations, were involved in creating BPA’s Reporting Standards for Digital Events. With the acquisition of VSef by BPA, there is now one industry organisation acting as the steward of the great work of both BPA and VSef. IAEE is pleased to fully support VSef and the Reporting Standards for Digital Events.”
Richard Murphy, president and CEO of BPA Worldwide, adde:, “We are thrilled to receive IAEE support of VSef/RSDE. Digital platforms play a critical role in the events and meetings industry, and the ability to gather, process, and share data efficiently – using a single data standard and reporting format – is essential for continued industry growth.”
To find out more about VSef/RSDE visit www.VSef.io.
