ICCA
ICCA sparking new connections in North America
ICCA CEO SENTHIL GOPINATH EXPLAINS THAT THE ASSOCIATION ’ S GROWTH IN NORTH AMERICA IS A SIGN OF ITS DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP WITHIN THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY
T he backbone of ICCA is all about connectivity . We exist to facilitate connections : between vendors and associations ; among colleagues and peers ; and among government entities and organisations . One of our key brand values is to actively engage and provide opportunities for participation for members , clients , and industry partners . For us , connectivity is at the core of what we do – and we ’ ve made big strides toward connecting even more members of our community over the last year .
ICCA is excited to expand further in the American market with our successful event at Business Events Industry Week ( BEIW ), held in April in Washington DC . In sessions focusing on the future of association meetings and how they can impact societal change , attendees discussed the future of associations and their role in transforming perspectives on a global level . This event was an opportunity for our North American members – and beyond – to showcase their strategies for building stronger organisations and network with colleagues in the region .
We also teamed up with the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance , which gives ICCA the opportunity to advocate for our members in North America , and to join a group of likeminded organisations working toward the advancement of the industry ’ s collective business and sustainability objectives . The alliance gives ICCA access to an expanded network of connections and resources in the US .
Another of ICCA ’ s foundations is sustainability , and to that end , we are thrilled to have continued our
Above : Senthil Gopinath
work with Destination Canada on the Association Sustainability Survey . Launched in 2023 , the survey has been designed to capture a comprehensive range of insights , enabling members of the meetings and events community to develop effective event strategies and initiatives that promote sustainable practices worldwide . Information gathered from survey respondents has already been instrumental in providing a nuanced picture of the status of the international meetings industry ’ s efforts in event and destination sustainability .
In late 2023 , we renewed our strategic relationship with the American Society of Association Executives ( ASAE ). This alliance provides an opportunity for the two associations to engage in knowledgesharing and promoting the relevancy of the business events sector to advance shared objectives and grow the global community .
The associations meeting industry is on the rise in the US , and ICCA is excited to be a part of this fast-moving community as it grows , advocating for our members , welcoming new associations into the fold , and leaving a legacy of positive change . With the demand for face-to-face meetings and events on the rise and a projected market of $ 174bn by the end of the decade , our organisation is wellpositioned to facilitate connections and help our members in North America achieve their goals .
ICCA ’ s partnerships in the US , Mexico , and Canada are important , and we look forward to making further inroads into the North American region . Our annual Congress , taking place 20-23 October in Abu Dhabi , is a prime example of ICCA ’ s ability to bring together members of the meetings and events community from around the world to share ideas , network with peers , and collaborate on the revolutionary innovations that make our industry strong . n
ISSUE 132 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 9