EXCO: A Global Hub for Exhibitions and Conventions
EXCO, Korea’s first regional exhibition and convention center opened in 2001 following its incorporation in 1995, has continuously expanded its facilities to enhance its capabilities in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. The expansion of Exhibition Hall 1 in 2011 and the opening of Exhibition Hall 2 in 2021 have played pivotal roles in strengthening its operational efficiency and promoting the MICE industry.
With its state-of-the-art facilities, services, and global marketing strategies, EXCO has hosted major international events such as the 22nd World Energy Congress (2013), the 7th World Water Forum (2015), the International Society for Education through Art Conference (2017), and the 10th IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience (2019). In May 2022, it successfully held the World Gas Conference 2022, also known as the Olympics of the gas industry, reinforcing its reputation as a global exhibition and convention hub.
As it approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, EXCO aims to advance further as a global leader through several key initiatives. The organization is focused on internationalizing its key exhibitions while simultaneously strengthening its eco-friendly energy systems throughout its exhibition spaces. EXCO is also dedicated to creating cultural content in partnership with the local community, and developing customer-centric systems powered by data analytics.
Powering Northeast Asia’s Economy through World-Class MICE Leadership
EXCO contributes to the local economy by organizing specialized exhibitions focused on Daegu’s future industries, including AI, Big Data, Blockchain (ABB), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), healthcare, robotics, and semiconductors.
The International Green Energy Expo, one of Asia’s top three and one of the world’s top-10 renewable energy exhibitions, will celebrate its 22nd edition in 2025. The International Fire & Safety Expo Korea, the largest exhibition in Korea’s firefighting and safety sector, has become a globally recognized event attracting numerous international visitors.
FIX2025 (Future Innovation tech eXpo 2025) is a comprehensive exhibition encompassing future technologies such as mobility, robotics, blockchain, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced materials. In 2024, it unified three key expos—the Daegu International Future Auto & Mobility Expo (DIFA), ICT Convergence Expo Korea, and Daegu Robot Expo—to showcase cutting-edge innovation. For 2025, the expo will expand its focus on digital healthcare, semiconductors, and airport logistics to rival global ICT fairs such as the CES in the United States and IFA in Germany.
Additionally, Medi Expo Korea, which incorporates the Korea International Advanced Medical Equipment & Medicine Expo (KOAMEX), serves as a business platform for the healthcare industry. Other exhibitions, such as the Daegu Machinery Expo (DAMEX) and K-FOOD EXPO, provide insights into key industrial trends. Notably, EXCO is preparing to host a specialized airport and aviation exhibition to coincide with the completion of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Unified New Airport in 2030.
Elevating MICE Excellence through Global Conference Mastery
Daegu City established Korea’s first convention bureau in 2003 to facilitate international conference hosting, followed by the creation of an International Conference Complex Zone in 2021. Starting in 2024, EXCO will oversee these functions, operating a cutting-edge system to attract and manage conventions.
Notable international events include the World Biomaterials Congress and the International Conference on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, each drawing over 4,000 participants. Upcoming events through 2028 include the FIRA RoboWorld Cup and the World Engineering Education Forum (2025), as well as the Asia-Pacific Conference on Biomedical Engineering and the IEEE International Augmented Reality Conference (2026).
Enriching MICE Events with Authentic Cultural Experiences
EXCO leverages Daegu’s cultural assets to offer B2C events and promote tourism. For example, during FIX2024, participants enjoyed wellness tours to Sayuwon, a local meditation and healing site, alongside medical tourism programs. With Daegu’s Dongseong-ro being designated a tourism zone, visitors can enjoy various accommodations, shopping, and K-beauty experiences.
EXCO’s proximity to cultural landmarks such as Palgongsan National Park, nearby UNESO World Heritage Sites, and cities like Andong, Gyeongju, and Cheongsong—all within an hour’s reach—provides diverse opportunities for participants to explore Korea’s Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist heritage.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Event Innovation
EXCO is a green convention center equipped with renewable energy systems, including solar power, geothermal energy, and solar water heating. In 2023, it replaced all its lighting with LEDs and installed high-efficiency boilers, thereby increasing energy efficiency by 10%. Annually, EXCO generates 76,650 kWh of electricity through its solar power system, solidifying its reputation as an eco-friendly landmark in Daegu.
Furthermore, EXCO adheres to global standards in the MICE sector, strengthening its position as an environmentally friendly exhibition and convention center. It also strives to fulfill its social responsibilities as a public institution and lead management innovation through accountable leadership and governance.
Pyo Chul-soo, President & CEO of EXCO, emphasized, “Beyond exhibitions and conventions, EXCO aims to create diverse, citizen-friendly content, becoming Daegu’s cultural and tourism landmark while enhancing Korea’s global competitiveness as a premier exhibition and convention center.”
For more information, visit EXCO’s official website.
Annual Event Schedule
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