Privacy policy

INTRODUCTION

Matexpo maintains a strict privacy policy. We take your privacy extremely seriously and handle your personal information with care. This privacy statement, of Matexpo's websites and the companies associated with Matexpo, explains how we handle the data of prospects, customers and partners.

Matexpo abides by the requirements of the Data Protection Act and other applicable privacy laws. The privacy statement applies to all personal data obtained through Matexpo's websites or any other Matexpo channel and is in line with the new European GDPR legislation around the processing and protection of personal data.

You should be aware that Matexpo is not responsible for the privacy policies of other sites and sources. Matexpo respects the privacy of all users of its site and ensures that the personal information you provide to us is treated confidentially.

Matexpo BV, located at President Kennedypark 31 B, 8500 Kortrijk, is responsible for the processing of personal data as reflected in this privacy statement.

1) WHY THIS PRIVACY STATEMENT?

Matexpo BV collects personal data because you use our services and/or because you provide this data to us yourself.This personal data can be used for all kinds of purposes.With this privacy statement, we want to inform the user about the responsible parties, the processing purposes and the processing operations. The privacy statement also explains how personal data that we collect about you through or from you is processed and protected by Matexpo.By using our website, you agree to Matexpo collecting, storing and using your information as described below. If you do not agree to these terms, you should immediately terminate your access to the website and not engage in any further activities on the site

The processing operations are always carried out in accordance with the relevant (Belgian and European) legislation, and more specifically the Act of 8 December 1992 on the protection of privacy in relation to the processing of personal data (Privacy Act). For more information, please refer to the website of the supervisory authority: https://www.privacycommission.be.

The privacy statement forms an integral part of our General Terms and Conditions.The user is expected to take note of it.By using the website and/or services, the user provides his implicit consent to data processing in accordance with this privacy statement.
Given the current state of technology, it is not possible to project our future processing operations.Consequently, the content of this privacy statement may change at any time. The user is expected to take note of the content of this privacy statement on a regular basis.

2) WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DATA PROCESSING?

The website www.matexpo.com (hereinafter referred to as ‘website’) as well as all subdomains are operated by:

MATEXPO BV - President Kennedypark 31B - 8500 Kortrijk
T +32 (0)56 98 07 60 - info@matexpo.com
Company number: BE 0719.754.8463 

3) PERSONAL DATA WE COLLECT OR PROCESS

Matexpo collects information from the website in two ways: (1) passively (e.g. through cookies and similar technology), and (2) actively (e.g. when you send us an e-mail request).

When you visit our website, we automatically collect some information from your computer.The information includes:Information about your computer (device type), including (where available) your IP address, operating system and browser type. This is used for system administration, to filter traffic, to look up user domains and to report statistics.

Details of your visits to our website and the resources you use (including but not limited to traffic data, location data, weblogs and other communication data).

3.1 USE OF OUR SERVICES
We also collect information when you voluntarily submit it to us.When you register for one of our services, we ask you to provide personal data. We may ask you for the following personal data; name, first name, telephone, address, language and e-mail address.The data is used for the proper performance of the service and to fulfil contractual terms, where applicable to process payments, and for the other services and internal operations of the Matexpo group.  The data is stored on Matexpo's own secure servers or those of a third party. We will not combine this data with other personal data in our possession.

For example,

• Information you provide by submitting forms on our website.This includes registration to use the site, use of services, newsletters and alerts, survey if user decides to leave their own data, various technical means including cookies and log information, registering for an event, or applying for a job.Pages that collect this kind of information may provide further explanation as to why your data is needed and how it is used.It is entirely up to you whether you want to provide it.
  
• Information you provide to us when you want to do business with us.
  
• If you contact us, we may keep track of that correspondence.
  
• Responses to surveys we distribute in which you choose to participate.
  
• Any messages, comments or other content you upload or post on a Matexpo site.
  
• Where this information relates to or identifies you, we will treat it as ‘personal data’.

Below is an overview of the personal data we process:

• First name and surname
• E-mail address
• Gender
• Language
• Function
• Address details
• Sector

3.2 COMMUNICATION

When you send an e-mail or other communications to us, we may retain those communications. Sometimes we will ask you for your personal data relevant to the situation at hand. The personal data we may request are; name, first name, telephone, address, language and e-mail address. This enables us to process your queries and respond to your requests. The data will be stored on our own secure servers or those of a third party.We will not combine this data with other personal data in our possession.

Personal data of (potential) visitors and (potential) exhibitors may be used to inform them about Matexpo and about products and services of carefully selected third parties. Exhibitor data may also be used for publication in the exhibition catalogue.Users largely determine the quality and quantity of personal data they provide via www.matexpo.com.Data processing will be more extensive as use of the website and services increases.

4) SPECIAL AND/OR SENSITIVE PERSONAL DATA WE PROCESS

Our website and/or service does not intend to collect data on website visitors under 16 years of age. Unless they have permission from parents or guardians.However, we cannot check whether a visitor is older than 16. We therefore advise parents to be involved in their children's online activities to avoid collecting data on children without parental consent. If you are convinced that we have collected personal data on a minor without such consent, please contact us at info@matexpo.com and we will delete this information.

Under no circumstances do we collect and process personal data that qualifies as sensitive. If we attempt to collect such data, we will ask you to expressly consent to our proposed use of the data.

If you provide us with unsolicited sensitive personal data, you consent to our use of that data in accordance with applicable law.The term ‘sensitive personal data’ refers to the various categories of personal data identified by European and other data privacy laws as requiring special treatment, including in some cases the need to obtain explicit consent.These categories include personal identity numbers, data on personality and private life, financial account information, racial or ethnic origin, nationality, political opinions, membership of political parties or movements, religious, philosophical or other similar beliefs, membership of a trade union or profession or trade association, physical or mental health, biometric or genetic data, addictions, sexual life, property matters or criminal records (including information on suspected criminal activity).

5) FOR WHAT PURPOSE AND ON WHAT BASIS WE PROCESS PERSONAL DATA

MATEXPO processes the personal data collected in order to identify you and possibly get in touch with you and offer you the best possible service. Matexpo BV processes your personal data for the following purposes:

• Processing payment
  
• Sending newsletter and/or other advertising: only after opt-in
  
• Proper access to and use of the website and services
  
• Sending various commercial and non-commercial messages, both on our own behalf and on behalf of partners
  
• Sending out and analysing surveys or research questionnaires
  
• Telephone or e-mail contact
  
• Informing about changes to services and products
  
• Offering the possibility to create an account
  
• Build interest profiles for use for advertising purposes
  
• Personalising your site experience
  
• Processing job applications you submit
  
• Determining your suitability as a Matexpo business partner
  
• Responding to technical questions you submit and seeking clarification when necessary
  
• Contacting you for marketing purposes (with your consent, if necessary)

MATEXPO may send to existing customers a newsletter based on legitimate interest of the company. Visitors to Matexpo, potential visitors and the like are not considered customers. They must first give their consent via an opt-in to receive a newsletter.

6) AUTHORISATION FOR PROCESSING PERSONAL DATA

By providing your personal data, you expressly authorise MATEXPO to process them for the purposes mentioned above.If MATEXPO wishes to process your personal data for other purposes or to pass them on to organisations or companies with which it cooperates, it will ask for your express consent to do so and you may object.

The personal data collected by MATEXPO may be transferred or shared within the same Matexpo organisation to which DEMO DAYS, a wholly-owned subsidiary also belongs.

7) AUTOMATED DECISION-MAKING

Matexpo BV does not, on the basis of automated processing, make decisions about matters that could (significantly) affect individuals. This concerns decisions that are made by computer programmes or systems, without any human being (e.g. an employee of Matexpo BV) being involved.

8) HOW LONG WE KEEP PERSONAL DATA

Matexpo does not keep personal data longer than necessary for the purpose for which it is provided or required by law. Personal data will be removed from our file after a maximum of 5 years of inactivity

9) ARE PERSONAL DATA SHARED WITH THIRD PARTIES?

We do not share your personal data with third parties in any way, except as necessary to perform the agreements between you and us or to comply with any legal obligation. In some cases, information may be shared internally, our employees are therefore obliged to respect the confidentiality of your data.

In addition, your personal data is passed on to external service providers we use, but these service providers are not allowed to use this personal data.

A processing agreement has been concluded with them in each case.We naturally make the necessary agreements with these parties to guarantee the security of your personal data.

Matexpo will call on certain agencies/actors for e-mail marketing, invoicing, repeat orders and direct mailing. The data that are processed in this context are name, first name, language, gender and e-mail address.

Furthermore, Matexpo will not disclose the data you provide to third parties, unless required and permitted by law. We may also share personal data with third parties if you give us your written consent. You have the right to withdraw this consent at any time.  We do not provide personal data to parties located outside the EU.

a) Actual processors
Matexpo BV may use various external parties for the effective processing of personal data. These external parties act exclusively on behalf of Matexpo and are referred to as ‘actual processors’. Matexpo BV can submit the following guarantees regarding the data processing:

• Actual processors are exclusively appointed after a comparative selection in which high-quality and secure processing is paramount
  
• Matexpo BV has made clear agreements in its contract with the actual processor regarding the quality of data processing
  
• The actual processor can only use the data for the purposes determined by Matexpo

Your personal data shall never be processed by an actual processor that does not subscribe to or guarantee the European principles of personal data protection.

Actual processors have specialised knowledge of data processing. Consequently, these processors are given the freedom of choice between different techniques and procedures, for which they bear full responsibility.

b) Other responsible processors
Our website uses various third-party integrations. Through these integrations, the third parties collect personal data which they may then use for their own processing operations.
The following parties are designated as responsible processors:

• Google Analytics
  
• Facebook Inc
  
• Twitter Inc
  

Matexpo BV is not a party to the processing operations of these third parties. The user is expected to take note of the third parties' privacy statement for more information regarding the purposes of the processing.

c) Transfer pursuant to a court order or applicable regulation
Matexpo may be obliged to provide, in whole or in part, insight into the personal data processed on the basis of a court order, an order of a competent public authority or an applicable regulation. Matexpo BV will always guarantee a certain restraint regarding the data insight but within the limits of the insight order.

10) COOKIES, OR SIMILAR TECHNIQUES, THAT WE USE

Matexpo BV uses functional, analytical and tracking cookies. A cookie is a small text file that is stored in the browser of your computer, tablet or smartphone the first time you visit this website. Matexpo BV uses cookies with a purely technical functionality. These ensure that the website works properly and that, for example, your preferences are remembered. These cookies are also used to make the website work properly and to optimise it. In addition, we place cookies that track your browsing behaviour so that we can offer tailored content and advertisements. On your first visit to our website, we have already informed you about these cookies and asked your permission to place them. You can opt out of cookies by setting your internet browser to stop storing cookies. In addition, you can also delete any information previously stored via your browser's settings.

More information on how to enable or disable cookies for:

Internet Explorer: http://windows.microsoft.com/nl-be/internet-explorer/delete-manage-cookies#ie=ie-11

Safari: https://support.apple.com/nl-be/HT201265

Mozilla Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/nl/kb/cookies-in-en-uitschakelen-websites-voorkeuren

Google Chrome: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95647?hl=nl

Cookies are also set on this website by third parties.These include, for example, advertisers and/or the social media companies.Below is an overview:

SESSION ID

GOOGLE ANALYTICS

More information: https://www.google.com/policies/privacy/

To disable the use of tracking by Google Analytics for all websites, please visit the following page

https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

ADDTHIS

More information: https://www.addthis.com/privacy/privacy-polic

11) WHAT RIGHTS DOES THE USER HAVE? DATA INSPECTION, CORRECTION OR DELETION

Right to inspect, correct and delete personal data: you have the right to inspect the data that MATEXPO has registered about you and to have any inaccurate or incomplete data corrected. Furthermore, you can request that your personal data be deleted from MATEXPO's database at any time. You can do this yourself via the personal settings of your account. You can also contact MATEXPO by e-mail (info@matexpo.com) or by letter. If you wish to unsubscribe from our e-mailing list, please use the opt-out option embedded in each mailing or contact us at info@matexpo.com.

www.matexpo.com makes every effort to ensure that personal data is processed in accordance with legal requirements. The processing is done with particular attention to:

• Processings hall be carried out fairly and lawfully for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes;
• The processing operations are purely adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the well-defined purposes;
• Personal data are not kept longer than necessary for the realisation of the purposes.
• Matexpo takes the best possible security measures to prevent third parties from abusing your personal data.

In addition, you also have the right to withdraw your possible consent to data processing or object to the processing of your personal data by our company and you have the right to data portability. This means that you can submit a request to us to send the personal data we hold on you in a computer file to you or another organisation named by you. If you wish to exercise your right of objection and/or right to data portability, or if you have other questions/comments about data processing, please send an itemised request to info@matexpo.com.

This request must be accompanied by proof of identity, preferably by a copy of identity card. In this copy, black out your passport photo, MRZ (machine readable zone, the strip of numbers at the bottom of the passport) and national register number (INSZ). This is to protect your privacy.

If the conditions are met, Matexpo BV is obliged to act on the request within 30 days of receiving it. If Matexpo BV does not respond, refuses or if the response is unsatisfactory, the user can always turn to the privacy committee to obtain compliance.

Matexpo cannot be held liable for direct or indirect damages resulting from the use of this website or of the information made available on or through the site, including, without limitation, all losses, work interruptions, damage to your programmes or other data on the computer system, or to your equipment or programmes.

a) Right of access
The user has the right to know about the existence or non-existence of processing operations on data concerning him as well as at least information about the purposes of these processing operations, of the categories of data to which these processing operations relate and of the categories of recipients to whom the data are disclosed; the user has the right to be informed of the existence or non-existence of the processing operations on data concerning him.Matexpo BV retains a certain policy margin regarding the exercise of the right of inspection. Matexpo BV is not obliged to grant the user access to his specific file containing personal data, nor is it obliged to provide the user with a copy of this file.

The period for proper inspection may be extended to 30 days after receipt of the request, in accordance with the legal provisions.

b) Right of objection and rectification

The user is entitled to have all incorrect personal data relating to him corrected free of charge.The user is also entitled to object to data concerning him/her being the subject of processing for compelling legitimate reasons relating to his/her particular situation.

If the personal data are obtained for the purpose of direct marketing, the data subject may oppose the intended processing of personal data concerning him free of charge and without any justification.

12) CLICK BEHAVIOUR AND IP ADDRES

On the MATEXPO website, general visit data is kept, without identifying the visitors. The purpose of this is to optimise the website. These data can also be used to put more targeted information on the site.In this way, MATEXPO can further optimise its services to you.To do this, Matexpo also makes use of the IP address of your computer.This IP address is a number that is automatically assigned to your computer when you visit the internet.That number is used to process sessions and can be used to see what use is being made of the website and for analysis and reporting purposes.

Targeted emails: We send emails to individuals with whom we want to develop or maintain a relationship. Our targeted e-mail messages usually contain cookies and similar technologies that allow us to know whether you open, read or delete the message, and links that you can click on.When you click on a link in an email you receive from Matexpo, you will be asked for permission to allow the cookies.  

13) HOW WE SECURE PERSONAL DATA

Matexpo BV takes the protection of your data seriously and takes appropriate measures to counter abuse, loss, unauthorised access, unwanted disclosure and unauthorised modification.

Matexpo strives to protect your personal data as much as possible. This is done through both technical and organisational measures, for example, we have taken the following measures:

• All persons who may learn of your data on behalf of Matexpo are bound to secrecy.
• We maintain a username and password policy on all our systems.
  
• Backups are made of personal data to restore it in case of physical or technical incidents.
  
• Our employees are informed about the importance of protecting personal data.

The personal data collected by MATEXPO is stored in a secure environment that is not accessible to the public. The file can only be consulted by a limited number of persons employed by MATEXPO, who need this information for the performance of their duties. The information will be processed purely for internal purposes. As a rule, MATEXPO does not pass on personal data to third parties, except to comply with legal obligations and in case of explicit request by the judicial authorities or police services. In the exceptional case that MATEXPO does pass on personal data to organisations or companies with which it cooperates, this will be explicitly stated or you will be explicitly asked for your consent.

Our website may from time to time contain links to and from the sites of our partners, advertisers and affiliates. If you follow a link to any of these sites, please note that these sites have their own privacy statement and that we do not accept any responsibility or liability for this statement or these sites. Please check this statement before sending any personal data to these sites. Matexpo assumes that these third parties also comply with the new GDPR regulations.Matexpo also uses mobile applications, which have their own privacy statement. If a Matexpo app does not have its own privacy statement, this privacy statement applies.
If you have the impression that your data is not properly secured or there are indications of misuse, please contact our customer service or at info@matexpo.com

14) CHANGES AND QUESTIONS TO THIS PRIVACY STATEMENT

We regularly check our compliance with this privacy policy. Do you have any questions about how Matexpo handles your data? Feel free to ask them via:
Matexpo BV
President Kennedypark 31B
8500 Kortrijk
056/98.07.60
info@matexpo.com

If you have a complaint about the processing of your personal data, please contact us directly about this. You always have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commission, which is the supervisory authority in the field of privacy protection. www.privacycommission.be/nl

Matexpo BV reserves the right to make changes to this privacy statement at any time. We will make the changes on this page. Therefore, please check this privacy statement regularly for the most recent version. This page was last updated on 30 March 2022.