• Free preliminary investigation

Particular attention is however reserved to the initial analysis phase, also pre-contractual and therefore without any economic commitment, in order to assess the concrete possibility of achieving recognition as an exhibition certified according to ISO 25639:2008. In this preliminary investigation ISFCERT will verify that the organiser is familiar with the definitions and calculation methods of the standard and that there are the general technical conditions for statistical reporting consistent with this standard, or that there are no organisational impediments that hinder adequate verification.

• Maintenance of International Event Qualification

It is important to point out that, for events with such a qualification, obtaining certification through a body recognised by Accredia, which ISFCERT is, facilitates the maintenance of the International Exhibition qualification.

In fact, the Regions and Autonomous Provinces, the bodies in charge of assigning the qualification, implement what is stated in the « Understanding, pursuant to Article 8, paragraph 6, of Law no. 131 of 5 June 2003, between the Government, Regions and Local Authorities for the unitary discipline in trade fair matters ».

The agreement, published in the Official Gazette no. 52 of 04/03/2014 provides, for certified trade fair events only, for a significant decrease in the « entry threshold » to international qualification: « In the case of certification of the data relating to exhibitors and visitors through certification bodies recognised by Accredia for the application of the ISO 25369-2008 standard, the « international » qualification is recognised for the trade fair event when at least 10% of the total number of direct and indirect exhibitors from abroad, or at least 5% of the total number of visits or general or professional visitors from abroad, is recorded ».

• Prizes reserved for ISO 25639:2008 certified events

Regardless of the qualification, the event, as certified, will enjoy all the rewards envisaged for ISO 25639:2008 certified fairs, which, as indicated in the aforementioned agreement, are listed as follows:

« International trade fairs that will be recognised by means of accredited data certification can be consulted constantly on the websites: www.calendariofiereinternazionali.it; www.aefi.it and will also enjoy a series of bonuses consisting of »:

1) more streamlined regional administrative procedures regarding the awarding of international status and inclusion in the Regional Exhibition Calendars, as defined in point 2 letter b);

2) recognition of priorities within the framework of promotional activities in favour of the internationalisation of the trade fair system managed by the Ministry for Economic Development and the Regions;

3) recognition of higher scores in favour of certified events in accessing financial contributions from the Regions and Chambers of Commerce;

4) initiatives to support innovative start-ups or the reconversion of existing events along innovative development lines, within the framework of promotional activities in favour of the internationalisation of the trade fair system, managed by the Ministry for Economic Development and the Regions;

5) simplified procedure for granting the patronage of the Ministry for Economic Development and the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces to the certified event;

6) highlighting of certified events in the Italian Exhibition Calendar and in the annual statistics edited by the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, in communications to the UFI (Union of International Fairs) and in the annual reports on the sector;

7) from 2015 provision for a section dedicated to certified events in the calendar of international trade fairs;

8) mutual recognition of the status of « certified » international exhibition throughout the country.

• UFI approved event

UFI (Union Fair International), the most important international association of the world’s trade fair industry, recognises ISFCERT as UFI ACCREDITED AUDITORS and therefore qualified to issue the UFI STANDARD AUDIT CERTIFICATE necessary for obtaining UFI INTERNATIONAL APPROVED EVENT recognition.

 
Since 2013, ISFCERT has been carrying out the certification service for events taking place outside Italy both organised by Italian and foreign operators.

As an Accredia-recognised certification body for the ISO 25639:2008 standard, the certificate issued has international value and is therefore recognised in all foreign countries.

• Free preliminary investigation

Particular attention is however paid to the initial analysis phase, also pre-contractual and therefore without any economic commitment, in order to assess the concrete possibility of achieving recognition as an event certified according to the ISO 25639:2008 standard. In this preliminary investigation, ISFCERT will verify that the organiser is familiar with the definitions and calculation methods of the standard and that there are the technical conditions for statistical reporting consistent with this standard, or that there are no organisational impediments that hinder adequate verification.

• UFI approved event

UFI (Union Fair International), the most important international association of the trade fair industry worldwide, recognises ISFCERT as UFI ACCREDITED AUDITORS and therefore qualified to issue the UFI STANDARD AUDIT CERTIFICATE necessary for the purposes of obtaining UFI INTERNATIONAL APPROVED EVENT recognition.