ICCA
The impact of ICCA
ICCA CEO SENTHIL GOPINATH LOOKS BACK AT THE ASSOCIATION ’ S ACTIVITIES AND INITIATIVES THROUGHOUT 2024 AND AHEAD TO FUTURE PLANS IN 2025
T he end of the year is always a time of reflection – about the accomplishments we ’ ve achieved , the places we ’ ve been , and the moments that made this time memorable . It ’ s also a time to think about the ways we ’ ve grown , and the journeys we ’ d like to continue in the future . ICCA is committed to continually iterating on our past successes , creating a better experience for members , and developing unique and valuable programmes and events that set the standard for the industry .
As we look back , 2024 brought us farther along the path toward pandemic recovery , with successful events held around the world , including the 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi . We participated in high-level discussions on advocacy and leadership with world leaders , welcomed new members to our association , and attended and hosted outstanding global events .
Collaboration , partnership and innovation ICCA developed groundbreaking initiatives that set in motion collaborations and partnerships with key organisations , including the United Nations , with whom we forged a landmark agreement that recognises ICCA as UN Tourism partner for business events across all UN Tourism platforms and initiatives . The partnership , many years in the making , underscores the pivotal role business events play as drivers of economic growth , and legacy initiatives worldwide .
We introduced the Global Advocacy Alliance , a programme that ran during the ICCA Plenary at IMEX Frankfurt . This initiative convened industry leaders to foster dialogue and share best practices in advocating for the event sector to governmental bodies at all levels . The session equiped participants with practical knowledge on how to communicate with policymakers to advocate for their sectors .
Also at IMEX , we announced our partnership with the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance ( ECA ). This alliance has given us a unique
Above : Senthil Gopinath
opportunity to advocate for our members in North America .
A commitment to sustainability This year , sustainability was a key focus . ICCA worked with the Costa Rica Tourism Board ( ICT ) and the Costa Rica Convention Center in a joint three-year project focused on creating initiatives and tools for the meetings and events industry , resources that will contribute to better sustainable tourism destinations , venues , and providers in the meetings space .
We were also proud to partner with Destination Canada to present a groundbreaking survey on the integration of sustainability into business events , bringing key collaborators together online to focus on this industry-wide issue .
Growth , expansion and development We expanded our presence in Latin America and the Caribbean with a new office within the Panama Association Hub ( PAH ). The office joins ICCA ’ s existing Montevideo , Uruguay , office , increasing ICCA ’ s reach in the region . We also saw growth in Asia , where the Beijing government invited ICCA to set up a strategic office in Beijing . ICCA is the first global meetings industry association to have successfully opened an office in the Chinese capital . 2024 also saw the unveiling of several new educational offerings and initiatives , including new ICCA Masterclasses ; the launch of ICCA ’ s new partnership with colleges and universities , ICCAUni ; and the expansion of certification programme ICCASkills .
Looking forward to 2025 , we are filled with anticipation . We are committed to growing our offerings for members and continuing to design programmes and events that bring the world of meetings and events together to create the kind of community that isn ’ t found anywhere else – a space where all voices are heard and valued ; where we have the power to make lasting change all over the world . n
ISSUE 133 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 9