The International Meeting Industry Standardization Institute Symposium
The International Meeting Industry Standardization Institute (ISMI) with the auspices and support of the Costa Rican Association of Professional Congress Organizers, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, the International Congress and Convention Association and the Fairs Association of the Americas, will hold the 1st. International Symposium -- Workshop on the "Creation of International Regulations and Standards for the Events Industry," that will take place in San Jose, Costa Rica, March 30 - April 2, 2004.
This symposium is supported by the Asociacion Internacional de Ferias de America (AFIDA) and the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA).
The growing needs of the events industry for higher levels of quality and state of the art technology require the creation of regulations and standards for the construction and management of convention centers, sports arenas, auditoriums, and meeting and exhibition infrastructure as well as support services in general.
After much research and aware of the need to develop and implement such rules and standards in Latin America, we are inviting all those concerned with the industry to this Symposium -- Workshop as a starting point towards achieving that goal.
A select group of specially invited specialists of international prestige in the meeting shows and exhibitions industry will share their experiences and contribute their knowledge towards the development of a basis for standardization.
Given the need to continue this process and establish a mechanism to provide assistance in the application of standards, as well as to promote awareness, communication, updating and evolution of these standards, the participants in this First Symposium will be designated as members of the Advisory Council of the Institute, in recognition of their valuable contribution.
It is fitting that the event take place in Costa Rica which is presently seeking to develop a much needed meeting infrastructure to complement its standing as an outstanding tourism destination in the region, an effort in which its government and private sector are committed.
