ICCA
Agility the key to navigating shifting landscapes and choppy waters
THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS AND CONVENTION ASSOCIATION ( ICCA ) CEO SENTHIL GOPINATH SAYS THAT AS GEOPOLITICS BECOMES MORE FRACTURED AND CONTENTIOUS , OUR ROLE AS CONNECTORS AND CHANGEMAKERS GROWS MORE IMPORTANT
A t ICCA , one of our guiding principles is to be a force for good in the meetings and events space – to shape the future and value of international association meetings . Ever since the founding of ICCA in 1963 , our association has been devoted to bringing people together ; to encourage inclusion and equity ; and to facilitate the free exchange of ideas and information among individuals from diverse backgrounds and from different regions .
To that end , it ’ s critical for us to remain agile ; to anticipate the swells on the sea as we navigate choppy waters .
As the global landscape shifts , we must shift . We must grow . We must adapt to changes as they come our way and react to challenges and obstacles with dexterity and foresight . It ’ s crucial that , as the global leader in the business events space , we remain flexible , alert , and open to innovative ideas in order to harness the power of emerging trends and technologies and enable the free flow of information .
In a world that feels increasingly unstable , the connections that bring us together are becoming more and more important . The value of international meetings and events to draw members of our global community from all
Above : Senthil Gopinath
around the world to exchange ideas , get to know one another as individuals , and increase collaboration and innovation across borders and beyond boardroom walls cannot be understated . As geopolitics becomes more fractured and contentious , our role as connectors , changemakers , and ambassadors from every sector of health , business , and tourism – as well as from our respective countries – grows ever more important .
The position of associations is at a crossroads . Leaders have a choice to push forward toward a more interconnected future or remain within traditional frameworks that may limit adaptability and progress . Associations must continue to foster inclusivity and forward-thinking approaches to grow and work collectively toward a brighter future .
Agility in times of tumult is of the utmost importance .
With that said , what does it mean to be agile ? It doesn ’ t mean just staying on top of changing trends in attendee preferences , social media , or F & B . It also doesn ’ t mean simply following the path of least resistance when it comes to the issues that serve as the backbone of who we are as an industry .
The men and women who make up the meetings and events community know – perhaps better than professionals in any other space – just how important it is for us to remain steadfast in our dedication to bringing together people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds ; to providing a safe haven where individuals can meet , share , collaborate , and build the relationships that have made the international meetings and events industry such a driving force for progressive change throughout history . Agility , in this case , means staying alert ; staying vigilant and staying true to our values . Our industry was built as a community of people with strong ideals and the knowledge that we are stronger together . And it ’ s together that we ’ ll continue to grow stronger . n
ISSUE 135 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 9