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ICCA and BestCities Announce Incredible Impacts Programme Finalists

Published: 8th October 2024

BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) are thrilled to announce the finalists of the 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme: International Hip Preservation Society (ISHA), European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), and World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The Incredible Impacts Programme celebrates the value of international association meetings by rewarding innovative…

The Old Playbook Will Not Work for Today’s Corporate Events

Published: 25th September 2024

From Skift Meetings: Bring hundreds of people together for days of presentations at a corporate event and hope they get something out of it. That’s a tired playbook for meetings and events. It’s not going to cut it in 2024, according to Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange, and Rob Adams, president of Bishop-McCann….

ADVOCACY: Beam Engages with UK MPs

Published: 23rd September 2024
Host Destination: United Kingdom

From M&IT: SIC codes and the value of business events were the main discussion topics with MPs at beam’s State of the Nation event at Cliveden House. Senior representatives of the beam agency and venue members, as well as Windsor MP Jack Rankin and shadow business minister Mike Wood, were joined at the invitation-only event…

Harnessing the Positive Impacts of Meetings and Events

Published: 11th September 2024

Skift Meetings has launched a report, in partnership with IMEX, intended to be the ideal entry point for meeting professionals who want to play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s and broader society’s future. It provides an exploration of potential impacts of meetings, practical insights from industry leaders, implementation strategies, and relevant case studies…

In Search of Data

Published: 1st September 2024
Host Destination: United Kingdom

By David Edwards, Freelance tourism market intelligence consultant: Once upon a time in a faraway land the Office for National Statistics published provisional monthly estimates for the volume and value of inbound and outbound tourism six weeks after that month had reached its end. Ten weeks after the end of each quarter more granular data…

IMEX Policy Forum: Overcoming the Pitfalls of Democracy

Published: 22nd August 2024
Host Destination: Frankfurt Germany

The BE Sector’s foremost forum for political and policy engagement is the IMEX Policy Forum held annually in Frankfurt, hosted by IMEX Director for Impact & Industry Relations, Natasha Richards. In this video insight from the Forum, Pádraic Gilligan – the CMO of the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) and latest recipient of the…

BestCities: Pioneering Legacy in Global Conferences

Published: 20th August 2024
Host Destination: Global

From BestCities: In the dynamic world of international conferences and business events, few organizations have left as indelible a mark as BestCities Global Alliance. By leveraging its network of premier global destinations, BestCities has reshaped the conference industry and established a legacy of profound, lasting impact. From fostering groundbreaking research collaborations to inspiring transformative policy…

ABEA: Know Your Message & Audience

Published: 16th August 2024
Host Destination: Australia

The mission of the newly formed Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) is to promote the business events industry and drive member prosperity through industry development, networking, research, and advocacy. In this video report from IMEX 2024, Peter King, the organisation’s inaugural chair, is joined by leading industry faces who share the reaction of both industry…

Where Talent Meets Tech and Connectivity

Published: 1st August 2024
Host Destination: Singapore

From AMI: With an expanding economy and a reputation as one of the world’s key financial hubs, Singapore is booming. Nearly half of all regional headquarters in Asia are now based in the city-state, partly fuelled by an exodus from Hong Kong but also prompted by the government’s support for the most future-focused industries and…

PCMA EMEA Prepares for Barcelona Double-Bill

Published: 26th July 2024
Host Destination: Barcelona Spain

PCMA’s flagship event for the EMEA region, Convening EMEA, rolls into Barcelona 30th September – 2nd October with Trust, Strategy, and Future the three key thematic pillars to the event. Jaimé Bennett, PCMA’s charismatic managing director for the 117 countries represented, explains how a Programme Architecture will allow for intentional and personalised experiences in order…

Future Ready: ISTH 2024 Congress, Bangkok

Published: 25th July 2024
Host Destination: Bangkok Thailand

From AMI: In an age of social media, open-source publishing, rising travel costs and heightened concerns around sustainability, it is a brave association that chooses to increase the frequency of its flagship congress. But that’s the decision leaders of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) took in 2019, when they resolved to turn…

Building Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable Cities

Published: 19th July 2024
Host Destination: Global

From BestCities: In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity across the planet. At its heart are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) urging all countries to implement strategies to improve health and education, reduce inequality, spur economic growth, and tackle climate…

News

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IMEX America Breaks Attendance Records and Commits to Vegas

Published: 11th October 2024
Host Destination: Las Vegas Nevada USA

From Skift Meetings: IMEX America wrapped up its 2024 edition at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas. Record-breaking attendance included 15,500, of which 5,500 were buyers who had 86,000 meetings over three days. The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) shared the same venue with IMEX. It is estimated that more than 25,000 convenience…

Reimagining Leadership, Impact & Sustainability in BE Industry

Published: 10th October 2024
Host Destination: Barcelona Spain

From Boardroom: Organised by PCMA EMEA, Convening EMEA 2024 took place from 30 September to 2 October 2024 in Barcelona. This annual gathering of global business events leaders has only grown stronger with each year, creating a platform for exploring new trends, encouraging collaboration, and challenging norms. Under the theme, “Be Present. Be Open. Be…

Bid Fund Program Unlocks Return of Wind Energy Summit to Melbourne

Published: 9th October 2024
Host Destination: Australia Melbourne Victoria

From Melbourne Convention Bureau: The APAC Wind Energy Summit, the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) flagship conference and exhibition, is set to return to Melbourne in 2025. Previously known as the Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit, this prestigious event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and institutions to develop innovative and collaborative solutions addressing…

What are Tourist Taxes? Why Travelers are Expected to Pay Up

Published: 7th October 2024

From USA TODAY: Tourist taxes are becoming increasingly common worldwide as a means to address over-tourism and fund sustainable tourism practices. While the effectiveness of these taxes in combating climate change is still being debated, their growing popularity reflects a greater awareness of the need for sustainable tourism. Climate change is drastically impacting the world…

London Tops Amex GBT’s Rankings amid EMEA Shift

Published: 3rd October 2024
Host Destination: England Europe London United Kingdom

From M&IT: London has again been named the top city in EMEA for corporate events in Amex GBT’s Meetings & Events Forecast Top Meetings Destinations study. But while London holds strong as the top destination, the report also reveals significant shifts in the EMEA region, with Madrid leapfrogging Barcelona to secure second place. As businesses…

Official Launch of Sustainability Hub for Events

Published: 3rd October 2024

After a successful beta launch at IMEX Frankfurt, the Sustainability Hub for Events is officially moving to public access. Developed by Gevme in collaboration with the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative and the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe, the platform is designed to simplify sustainable event planning with actionable, AI-powered insights….

Gothenburg in the Final Stretch of the GDS-Index 2024

Published: 30th September 2024
Host Destination: Europe Gothenburg Sweden

From Meetings International: The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDSM) has announced the top five finalists for this year’s GDS-Index, which ranks the sustainability efforts of over 100 destinations worldwide. Gothenburg, ranked number one since 2016, is once again a finalist. The final ranking will be announced on 16 October in Bruges. Peter Grönberg, CEO of…

World Tourism Day 2024: A Global Message of Tourism for Peace

Published: 27th September 2024
Host Destination: Global

From UN Tourism: Tourism has committed to embrace its unique role as a pillar of peace and understanding. On World Tourism Day 2024, UN Tourism brought sector leaders from every global region together around a common vision and commitment to building a “peace-sensitive sector”, recognizing its potential to build bridges and foster understanding. The official…

Rebuilding Peace Through Women-led Tourism in Rwanda

Published: 27th September 2024
Host Destination: Africa Rwanda

From WiT: The World Tourism Day 2024 theme of “Tourism and Peace” presents a chance to reflect on the transformative role women-led tourism can play in post-conflict recovery. Rwanda offers a powerful example. Tourism has become a pillar of the national economy in the decades following the 1994 genocide, with tourism revenue rising from very…

Lokerman & Solaris Join EIC Hall of Leaders

Published: 27th September 2024

MCI Group president, Robin Lokerman, and Boldpush founder, Julius Solaris, are among 5 inductees set to join the Events Industry Council (EIC) Hall of Leaders to be celebrated at a Gala evening in Las Vegas, October 7th, following a day of free education at Smart Monday powered by MPI at IMEX America. Fellow inductees include…

JMIC Expands Membership in Asia and Africa

Published: 26th September 2024
Host Destination: Africa Asia

The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), the international body representing the collective voice of the global meetings and events industry, is proud to announce the addition of two new members: the China Business Event Industry Committee (CBEIC) and the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI). These additions further strengthen JMIC’s global network and…

GDS-Movement Announces Finalists of the 2024 GDS-Awards

Published: 25th September 2024
Host Destination: Global

From GDS-Movement: The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) is excited to reveal the finalists for the 2024 GDS-Awards, honouring destinations that excel in regeneration, innovation, and impact. The awards, to be presented during the sold-out GDS-Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference, on 16 October at the Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre, celebrate destinations that set new benchmarks…

Case Studies

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International Hip Preservation Society | Annual Scientific Meeting

Published: 8th October 2024
Host Destination: Africa Cape Town South Africa

From ICCA and BestCities: The Hip Preservation Society (ISHA)’s 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting ignited a transformative movement to elevate awareness of hip preservation surgery in Africa, showcasing its profound impact on patient quality of life and socioeconomic benefits. Through meaningful engagement with stakeholders, it tackled the challenges and barriers that hindered adoption. By identifying passionate…

European Academy of Childhood Disability | 36th Annual Meeting

Published: 8th October 2024
Host Destination: Belgium Bruges Europe

From ICCA and BestCities: The European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD)’s 36th Annual Meeting inspired a vision for a better future for individuals with childhood-onset disabilities. The event celebrated excellence in research and education while raising vital awareness of their needs and rights. Through the impactful EACD+ programme, it expanded access to sports, culture, and…

World Association of News Publishers | 2024 World News Media Congress

Published: 8th October 2024
Host Destination: Copenhagen Denmark Europe

From ICCA and BestCities: The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA)’s 2024 World Congress championed the protection and promotion of journalists’ and publishers’ rights to maintain free, independent, and sustainable media. The event inspired innovation, equipping members to navigate technological advancements and evolving audience behaviors. It boldly tackled news avoidance among young and marginalized demographics,…

International Virus Conference Spreads Knowledge in Cairns

Published: 27th August 2024
Host Destination: Australia Cairns

From AMI: In July, the Viruses of Microbes Conference (VoM) convened in Cairns, Australia, marking the first time the 14-year-old conference has stepped outside Europe. The International Society for Viruses of Microorganisms (ISVM), which aims to advance the study and application of microorganism viruses, debuted the first VoM conference in Paris back in 2010. Under…

IHPBA World Congress 2024: Leaving a Lasting Footprint

Published: 9th August 2024
Host Destination: Africa Cape Town

By Alison Shamwana, Association Specialist, ACS Global Management Executive Director, IHPBA Foundation: In May 2024, the IHPBA World Congress was, for the first time, hosted on the African continent. In order to leave a lasting footprint for the congress, our legacy initiative focused on the improvement of management pathways and access to care in sub-Saharan…

Impact of AIDS 2014 Conference Still Resonates Today

Published: 22nd July 2024
Host Destination: Australia Melbourne

From Melbourne Convention Bureau: In 2014 the 20th International AIDS Conference was held in Melbourne, which to this day is still the largest health conference ever held here. Ten-years down the track we are still talking about it. Thinking back to then and the global spotlight on Melbourne with more than 13,000 delegates, visitors and…

Research

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Events Industry Optimism Still High According to Forecast

Published: 9th October 2024
Host Destination: Global

From Conference & Meetings World: 74% of events professionals are optimistic about the health of the industry, according to the American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) Meetings & Events 2025 forecast. To gather results, the report surveyed over 500 meetings and events professionals worldwide. Although the outlook is still positive, 74% optimism actually marks…

Incentive Travel Index 2024 Survey Highlights

Published: 7th October 2024
Host Destination: Global

From Incentive Travel Index: A joint initiative of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), the Incentive Travel Index (ITI) is the business events industry’s most authoritative study of the global incentive travel market and its impact on corporations, agencies and the supply chain in destinations. The Index is undertaken…

Corporate Event Market Expected to Reach $1,171.3 bn Globally by 2032

Published: 7th October 2024
Host Destination: Global

From yahoo!finance: The corporate event market is growing due to the increasing demand for experiential marketing and brand-building activities, driven by companies looking to engage stakeholders and enhance customer experiences. Additionally, advancements in event technology, such as virtual and hybrid formats, are expanding the market’s reach and reducing logistical barriers.

Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey | October 2024

Published: 4th October 2024

From Northstar Meetings Group: The latest Meetings Industry PULSE Survey, coproduced and sponsored by Cvent, reveals sustained optimism among planners. Just 15 percent of this cycle’s 332 respondents are less bullish now than they were six months ago. In fact, nearly 40 percent will produce more meetings in 2025 than in 2024. Among other noteworthy…

Global Travel Market to Grow 10% Per Year up to 2026

Published: 23rd September 2024
Host Destination: Global

From Conference & Meetings World: Phocuswright, leading travel research firm, reports that the global travel market will grow 6-10% per year through 2026. The industry has now surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with a total spend in 2023 of $1.5tn. ‘Online travel’ was a recurring trend of the Phocuswright’s Global Travel Market Report 2024. The sector is…

Growth of US B2B Exhibition Industry Continues

Published: 13th September 2024
Host Destination: USA

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced today that the U.S. business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry experienced a minor slowdown following a strong first quarter in 2024. Modest performance of the metrics for completed events – especially in exhibition attendance – set back the Q2 2024 Index value to 87.7 after a record 92.3 in…

Opinions

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Barcelona: A Convention Powerhouse Confronting Overtourism Challenges

Published: 10th October 2024
Host Destination: Barcelona Europe Spain

From Skift Meetings, by Miguel Neves: The head of the Barcelona Convention Bureau, Christoph Tessmar, was delighted that the city hosted record numbers for PCMA’s Convening EMEA, with 636 in-person attendees. This is a significant increase from last year’s event in Copenhagen, which attracted 550 and almost triple the attendance of the 2019 PCMA European…

How Gothenburg Became One of the World’s Most Sustainable Places

Published: 5th October 2024
Host Destination: Europe Gothenburg Sweden

From Forbes: Ask Katarina Thorstensson to define sustainability in tourism, and you might think you’re talking to a character in a Star Wars movie. Sustainability surrounds us, and it binds the galaxy together like the Force — at least her galaxy. Thorstensson, a sustainability strategist for Gothenburg, Sweden, says her city has been working on…

Conferli the Podcast | Unmasking Legacy Washing

Published: 1st October 2024

Conferli – The conference matchmaking platform’s latest podcast features Beatriz Ibañez, Impact Specialist at #MEET4IMPACT. In this episode, Beatriz unpacks the critical difference between impact and legacy in the events industry, discussing the concept of legacy washing; barriers to creating true, lasting impact; why focusing on long-term change is essential for meaningful progress. Ready to…

Can Climate Action Week Stop the Hot Air?

Published: 22nd September 2024
Host Destination: New York City USA

From Forbes, by Michael Sheldrick: UN Secretary-General António Guterres framed this week as a pivotal moment to “reboot” multilateralism with the adoption of the Pact for the Future. Described by the UN as “the culmination of a years-long effort to adapt global cooperation to today’s realities,” the Pact’s real-world impact remains uncertain and open to…

Takeaways from the ICCA Central European Chapter Meeting in Zurich

Published: 17th September 2024
Host Destination: Switzerland Zurich

From Boardroom, by Remi Deve: Attending an ICCA Central European Chapter Meeting was a first for Boardroom. Expertly organised in Zurich by the Zurich Convention Bureau, it was an insightful experience filled with valuable lessons on the future of events. Here are my key takeaways. 1. The Need for Purpose-Driven & Human-Centric Events: Co-founder and…

Iceberg Ambassador Tommy Goodwin in Conversation

Published: 12th September 2024
Host Destination: USA

From Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance: At last month’s SISO Leadership Conference, CNTV’s Bob Frier sat down with Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance’s Tommy Goodwin to talk about ECA’s 2024 accomplishments to-date, what to expect between now and the election, and what’s on the horizon for 2025.

Time to Get Involved (Wherever You Are)!

Published: 11th September 2024
Host Destination: Global

From TSNN, by Tommy Goodwin: From bringing back international exhibitors and attendees to attracting and training the next-generation workforce, there is a lot happening in Washington, DC that will impact the future of the trade show industry. While ECA brings industry leaders and advocates to our nation’s capital annually for Legislative Action Day, we know…

Stop Talking About Tearing Down Silos & Instead Fix Them

Published: 11th September 2024

From Destinations International, by Jack Johnson: Silos, whether in agriculture or organizations, are not inherently problematic. By focusing on improving the connections between silos, destination organizations can maximize the benefits of specialization while avoiding the pitfalls of fragmentation, ultimately driving innovation, efficiency, and success in promoting their destinations.

From our Experts: DMO Funding – a New Frontier?

Published: 11th September 2024

From GainingEdge, by Gary Grimmer: If destination marketing organisations (DMO) are to receive funds derived from private sources, there would need to be a mechanism by which the City imposes a levy or tax and then provides the resulting funding to the DMO. That could be through a hotel tax, or a district levy or…

Climate change: Is it time for NZCE to join the race?

Published: 9th September 2024

From AMI, by James Lancaster: Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) – the business events industry’s attempt to tackle its carbon emissions – has galvanised companies and associations to act on climate change. But there is a growing sense of disquiet amongst event professionals that the scheme doesn’t go far enough and that its light-touch approach…

Igniting the AI Spark to Break Barriers

Published: 3rd September 2024

Conference & Meetings World (CMW) talks to Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, newly appointed vice-president of Spark and PCMA insights: What excites you most about your new role? After 25+ years leading a DMO and an NTO, I can now leverage my knowledge and expertise with an industry association leader. I have been a PCMA member for a…

Tracy Halliwell: The Legacy of Hosting Mega-Sporting Events

Published: 2nd September 2024

From Conference & Meetings World: Mega events such as the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, and the FIFA World Cup can transform host countries. Savvy MICE professionals should monitor them to predict future hotspots. Mega sports events can have a mega economic impact on a host country, region, or city. How you assess the financial…

Education

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7 October 2024

Education at IMEX America, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Event Date: 7th October 2024 to 10th October 2024
Host Destination: Las Vegas Nevada USA

Enjoy four days of expert education at IMEX America kicking off on Smart Monday powered by MPI, on October 7. Our education program allows you to explore the latest topics and trends, level up your professional skills, and find solutions to industry challenges. Whether you want to keep up with fast-changing event trends, explore event…