expos

Expos, short for expositions, refers to large public exhibitions or world fairs that bring together nations, corporations, and cultural organizations to showcase achievements in science, industry, culture, and trade. The modern exposition movement aims to stimulate international exchange, inspire innovation, and highlight ideas and products through pavilion displays, demonstrations, and cultural programs.

World Expositions are typically organized for extended periods in host cities and are governed by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). Expos have historically spurred urban development, created iconic architecture, and introduced new technologies and consumer goods to broad audiences. They come in different formats, with World Expositions being the largest, and specialized or international expositions focusing on narrower themes and shorter durations.

Notable historical examples include the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and the Exposition Universelle of 1889 in Paris, famous for architectural landmarks and advances of the era. In North America, the term Expos is also closely associated with the Montreal Expos, a Major League Baseball team that operated from 1969 to 2004; the team’s name referenced Expo 67, the city's famous international exposition. The franchise later relocated to Washington, D.C., where it became the Nationals.

The impact of expositions extends beyond the events themselves. They can influence urban planning, tourism, and international perception, while also attracting criticism over cost, displacement, and boisterous promotion of commercial interests. Today, expositions continue to be used by cities to showcase development, foster collaboration, and attract investment, though formats and sponsorship models vary.