History
 
In January 1992, thirteen centres created EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association, with a constitution in accordance with the relevant French law. Membership is voluntary.
 
Each member, being a leading international exhibition venue, is dedicated to the task of providing a professional service for exhibition organisers, exhibitors, visitors and buyers at national, European and international levels.

Aims
 
EMECA aims to bring together European major exhibition centres with a strong investment profile and an international dimension. EMECA strives to improve the quality and availability of technical and commercial information on fairs and exhibitions in Europe and also promotes the exchange of ideas and experience in managing exhibition centres and researches the scope for harmonising technical regulations on a consistent European basis.
 
Authoritative views on the exhibition industry will therefore be presented to the European Commission and intergovernmental organisations interested in international trade and commerce development.