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