Data Privacy Compliance GDPR refers to adhering to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when collecting, processing, and storing personal data of trade show attendees, particularly those from the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). GDPR mandates strict guidelines to protect individuals’ privacy and ensure their data is handled lawfully, transparently, and securely during trade show operations.
Key aspects include obtaining explicit consent before collecting personal data such as names, email addresses, or photos. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and documented. Data minimization is critical—only necessary information should be collected for stated purposes. Furthermore, businesses must provide clear information about how data will be used, stored, shared, and retained. Secure storage practices and safeguards against unauthorized access or breaches are required. Attendees also have rights under GDPR, such as accessing their data or requesting its deletion.
Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines up to €20 million or 4% of annual global turnover. By following GDPR rules at trade shows, businesses not only avoid legal repercussions but also build trust with attendees through ethical data practices.