Association of Event Venues has named Bournemouth International Centre as the 16th venue to formally adopt its eGuide operational standards.

The eGuide, first introduced 18 years ago, sets out common operational guidance for venues, organisers, exhibitors and suppliers across the UK events industry. It is updated annually and made freely available through the AEV. The Bournemouth venue is operated by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

Sarah Stainer, conference & exhibitions manager at BH Live, said the venue had already been using the eGuide’s principles internally before formally adopting the framework.

“We’re really pleased to use an industry recognised eGuide created by people who understand what it takes to deliver great events,” she said. “Having a shared industry benchmark helps create consistency that event organisers can trust, while making planning simpler, supporting safer environments, and giving everyone a clear and reliable reference point.”

AEV has increasingly positioned the eGuide as a sector wide benchmark for operational consistency, particularly as venues and organisers face greater scrutiny around health and safety, contractor management and sustainability standards.

Alden Arnold, head of commercial and projects at AEV, said formal adoption allows venues to demonstrate they are “following consistent industry agreed guidelines”.

Michelle Baldwin, head of events at NEC Group and chair of the eGuide working group, added: “A shared standard builds confidence, raises expectations, and shows our collective commitment to creating safe, consistent environments for everyone.”