GDPR Compliance

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union legislation that took effect in May 2018, significantly changing how businesses process and handle data. Its primary aim is to give individuals control over their personal data and to unify the European Union's regulatory environment for international business.

Impact on the Event Industry

In the event industry, where collecting and handling data is an everyday occurrence, understanding and adhering to GDPR is crucial. Whether it’s attendee registration information, networking apps or lead generation tools, a huge amount of personal data is shared during events. Event organizers must ensure that they comply with GDPR, placing the privacy of attendees at the forefront.

Common Problems and Solutions

One common GDPR compliance problem is lack of knowledge and understanding about how to handle data correctly. Professional help, such as legal advice or outsourcing to a GDPR-compliant third-party, or investing in training can address this. Furthermore, event organizers might face challenges verifying the age of attendees, particularly for online events. It would be best to utilize reliable age verification tools or asking for parental consent when needed, without violating GDPR rules.

Benefits of GDPR Compliance

Complying with GDPR not only avoids hefty fines but also builds trust with attendees and partners. Implementing GDPR-compliant practices can enhance your organization's reputation as a responsible data handler. Moreover, it can streamline data management processes, making them more efficient and secure.

Choosing the Right Platform

When selecting an online conference platform or a hybrid event platform, ensure that they offer GDPR-compliant features. This includes robust data protection measures and transparent privacy policies that make it easier for event organizers to adhere to GDPR requirements.

• Continually educate staff about GDPR and its implications for data handing.
• Ensure transparency about how you use and process personal data.
• Implement appropriate security measures to protect personal data.
• Document all data processing activities, a requirement under GDPR.
• Use a double opt-in process for e-mail subscriptions and marketing.

• GDPR applies to all businesses that handle EU citizens' personal data.
• Transparency and security are fundamental to GDPR compliance.
• Event organizers may need to verify age or obtain parental consent.
• Failure to comply with GDPR can result in significant penalties.
• Outlining and understanding your organization’s process of data collection, storage, and use can aid in ensuring GDPR compliance.