BPA Worldwide has purchased VSef, the global data format for the digital events industry. The move is the next step following its collaboration with VSef to create a single industry standard for digital events.
VSef was launched in early 2021 in response to the rising uptake of digital event platforms and the increase in virtual event experiences. Its goal of creating a global standardized data format for digital events received backing from many world-leading organizers and platforms, including Informa Markets, Reed Exhibitions, Tarsus Group, Emerald Expositions, Clarion Events, Grip, Balluun, Notified, Swapcard, Accelevents, ExpoPlatfororlm and many more.
Digital events and digital components of in-person events are important elements of an event organizer’s portfolio, explained Richard Murphy, president and CEO of BPA Worldwide, adding that after leveling off after pandemic highs, the digital channel is expected to grow.
“The ability to gather, process and share data efficiently is critical to achieving scale, and we want to recognize the excellent work of Explori and the VSef team to mobilize industry support and develop this data format,” said Murphy. “We are excited to take the lead and continue the journey. We will work with the industry associations and industry leaders to increase awareness, adoption and advancement of digital events, and digital events data solutions.”
VSef has recruited the support of the event industry’s leading strategic partners, including the Events Industry Council (EIC), UFI, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), which were keen to assist in expanding the global reach of the initiative.
With the digital event platform market having developed more rapidly during the pandemic than it has ever done in the past, it became clear that a data standard for digital events was essential in enabling event organizers to have consistent data and insights across the plethora of digital event technologies used, according to Mark Brewster, founder and CEO of Explori and VSef.
