PRESENTS
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The Net Zero Carbon Events pledge from the Joint Meetings Industry Council, which presents The Iceberg, has just been delivered at COP26. At the 60th Congress of our partner ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association), The Iceberg spoke to Aileen Crawford of the Glasgow Convention Bureau and to Guy Bigwood of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement. Speaking…
The Net Zero Carbon Events pledge from the Joint Meetings Industry Council, which presents The Iceberg, has just been delivered at COP26. Iceberg founder James Latham talks to former JMIC President Kai Hattendorf and Miguel Naranjo and Laura Lopez of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change about what it means for the sector….
The global meetings industry is being urged to join together in an historic pledge to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. JMIC (the Joint Meetings Industry Council), which presents The Iceberg, has launched an initiative called Net Zero Carbon Events to connect the sector with the growing movement to radically reduce emissions. The United Nations Framework Convention…
Kai Hattendorf is CEO of Iceberg partner UFI, global association of the exhibition industry. He has launched the UFI Global Policy Leadership Series, holding a series of high-level ministerial conversations to hear directly from government representatives about their economic plans and the role exhibitions play stimulating economies and societies. From UFI…
An Iceberg partner publication just convened heads from association World Physiotherapy, from Iceberg partners Copenhagen Legacy Lab and BestCities Global Alliance, plus our own Founder James Latham, to discuss the nature of business event legacy, and what legacy means after COVID-19. From Association Meetings International…
The Incredible Impacts Programme, a joint initiative by Iceberg partners the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and BestCities Global Alliance, has honoured three associations who have left lasting legacies of social transformation, not only in business events, but also in communities around the world. From BestCities Global Alliance…
Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory will host from 800 to 1,200 international delegates for the World Conference on Ecological Restoration in 2023. The meeeting, secured by NT Business Events, the Darwin Convention Centre and the Society of Ecological Restoration Australia, will leave an important legacy across the world’s damaged ecosystems. From AMI Intellectual Capitals..
The Quebec City Convention Centre has 24 national and international conferences on its books related to the life sciences and health technologies, a thriving sector in the Canadian city, between 2022 and 2025. Quebec’s life sciences industry employs 56,000 across 456 companies and is worth $5.8 billion. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
The Iceberg always enjoys meetings described with an iiceberg metaphor. But this time it is not the broader legacy benefits that are harder to see below the surface, but the tacit versus explicit knowledge imparted. German Convention Bureau MD Matthias Schultze discusses face-to-face and his hybrid BOCOM event. From Matthias Schultze via LinkedIn…
Last September, the “Incredible Impacts” programme run collaboratively by Iceberg partners ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance selected three winning associations for the meeting legacy projects they submitted. Each of the three had shown a dedication to creating legacies that went far beyond the conference walls. The three winners were: Ecocity Builders and the BCIT Ecocity…
The Japan Convention Bureau, working under the umbrella of the Japan National Tourism Organisation, went all-online for its annual event targeted at event planners, Meet Japan. The educational familiarisation trip showcased the 2017 18th World Congress on Lung Cancer in Yokohama, plus a virtual tour of Osaka, set to host Expo 2025. From Boardroom…
Confidence about recovery is revealed in Iceberg partner UFI’s latest Global Exhibition Barometer (see News and Research). But should rebuilding rely solely on rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, or also on advocacy that events can run safely and on “testing over quarantine”. UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf has been planning the months ahead. From Event MB…
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Most destination marketing organisations are not measuring environmental impact of business events, or even including meetings in their “climate strategy”, an Iceberg partner report says. The GDS-Index for 2021 found 86 percent of cities had a climate strategy, but only 36 percent included “business events” specifically in it. From Association Meetings International…
After skipping a year because of the pandemic, IMEX America, the largest global meetings industry trade show, was staged once again in Las Vegas. The tenth edition of the show drew 3,300 buyers and more than 2,200 exhibiting companies. The numbers were down from 2019, but a joyful reunion even so. From Northstar Meetings Group…
Following months of planning, research and consultation, JMIC’s Net Zero Carbon Events, an initiative to radically reduce sector emissions, was presented at Glasgow’s COP26. At the time the pledge already had 109 actual signatories, including COP’s venue the SEC Centre, and 211 additional supporters. The Joint Meetings Industry Council presents The Iceberg. From Association Meetings International…
The NEC Group is to redevelop its Birmingham campus and create 14,000 square metres of new outdoor event space, to be run alongside its other venues on the site. NEC Group said the building work would create around 3,500 local jobs and also a greener and more sustainable campus. From Exhibition News…
UFI’s 88th Global Congress held in Rotterdam saw the association’s return to face-to-face gatherings. The Iceberg partner event drew 350 participants from about 40 countries and regions. The main theme of the congress, staged at the Rotterdam Ahoy and co-hosted by Rotterdam Partners, was “together again”. From Exhibition News…
Business Events Sarawak, the local region’s convention bureau, has just launched a scheme to help congress organisers to leave positive legacies through their meetings. The initiative identifies five key areas where legacy occurs, namely sectoral, economic, environmental, plus community and social, and political. BESarawak’s initiative was launched at TRIBE. From Association Meetings International…
A company of association executives, destination managers and meeting industry thought leaders is now gathering on site for the BestCities Global Forum. The Iceberg partner event taking place in Madrid, Spain, will focus on legacy and inclusivity, committing to a more “sustainable and socially equitable future”. From Association Meetings International…
More than 6,000 delegates from 110 nations gathered in Madrid for World Air Traffic Management Congress. Greener aviation was high on the agenda, solutions including more precise route planning and traffic management to reduce plane fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. From Association Meetings International…
Associations and the meetings sector have gathered across hub cities and via a virtual platform for the 60th ICCA Congress. Around 1,200 delegates from 83 countries attended the Iceberg partner event to enjoy 100 hours of live content. Hopes for one unified Congress in Colombia, were dashed by travel restrictions. From Conference & Meetings World…
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company has announced a plan to expand its centres in Abu Dhabi and London. These include building the largest exhibition hall in the MENA region at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi, plus ExCeL London gets added space for exhibitions as well as new halls for conferences. From Exhibition News…
Copenhagen Legacy Lab, the project run by convention bureau Wonderful Copenhagen, has won the Global Destination Sustainability Movement’s Innovation Award for 2021. The trophy was presented at the 60th ICCA Congress’ Paris hub in recognition of CLL’s efforts to focus the industry on legacy work. All three are Iceberg partners. From Association Meetings International…
The third Global Recovery Insights 2021 report, conducted by Iceberg partner UFI with SISO (the Society for Independent Show Organisers), has been released. The study found that demand has returned to levels pre-pandemic for both exhibitors and visitors, with no signs of any fundamental shift away from in person events. From Exhibition News…
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This project collected, analysed and synthesised the findings of all prior Joint Meetings Industry Council Case Studies to deliver a verdict on the broader contributions that conferences, congresses, trade shows, convention centres and bureaux deliver to destinations, communities, industries and economies. The cases were drawn from four continents: Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. The…
The China-LAC Summit is an annual meeting organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It is a key entrepreneurial event for companies from China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Punta del Este Convention and Exhibition Center in Uruguay hosted the 11th edition of the…
The EuroHeartCare conference is one of the most important platforms for driving research publications, exchanging ideas, and forming and deepening collaborations within the field of cardiovascular nursing in Europe. It aims to support healthcare professionals in delivering the best care possible to patients with cardiovascular disease. The 2017 edition was hosted by Jönköping University in…
The study explores the benefits and barriers for individual researchers and universities when hosting research conferences. The study has been commissioned by the Danish Council for Research and Innovation Policy – an advisory body to the Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science. Thereby the study situates the hosting of research conferences as a potential…
London Tech Week is a festival of live events taking place once a year across the United Kingdom capital. Having been held now for four years, it has become a key gathering for the ICT industry in London. It connects the entire tech ecosystem both within the city and beyond, shapes the future of the…
Many international convention centres use sophisticated methods to measure the economic impact of business events in their host cities. Others recognise the importance of food in customer experience and promote programs like paddock to plate or food miles. ICC Sydney marries these two concepts together and takes them to a new level by measuring the…
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Meeting professionals say they are feeling more confident and well-equipped to plan high-quality meetings and events and adapt to any ongoing uncertainties. This is according to the 2022 Global Meetings and Events Forecast, the 11th annual report produced by American Express Meetings & Events, a division of American Express Global Business Travel (GBT). The report’s…
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has released the 17th edition of its annual report on the Trade Fair Industry in Asia, providing a snapshot of an industry reeling from an ongoing crisis. The report, compiled by Business Strategies Group in Hong Kong, provides a best estimate for the actual performance of the…
The GDS-Index is a performance improvement programme to make the business and leisure tourism industry more sustainable. In a collaborative effort it supports destination management organisations and convention bureaux to adopt, promote and recognise responsible and regenerative practices. Iceberg partner the Global Destination Sustainability Movement evaluates four key areas that it believes are vital to…
A new research report published by Cities Restart called The Importance of International Conferences and Business Events to Restarting City Economies has revealed that spending on international conferences and business events for the UK is estimated to have been worth £19.4 billion in 2019, but following the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, by 2026 is forecast…
The Business Visits and Events Partnership, the umbrella body and advocacy group representing the UK events sector, has published its Shape of Events report. The study was compiled using responses from over 300 professionals and organisations from across the UK events sector and authored by Richard Smith from Team Tourism Consulting and John Gallery, Chair…
Iceberg partner Positive impact Events is a not for profit which since 2005 has been providing education, engagement and collaboration opportunities to create a sustainable event industry. Since 2016 it has had a number of Memorandums of Understanding with United Nations bodies including the UN Environment Programme, the UNFCCC (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change)…
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It is hard to think of a conference with higher stakes than the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties. As well as the future of the entire planet, it also could define that of business events. Net Zero Carbon Events from JMIC, and Iceberg partner Positive Impact, played their part. From PCMA…
The Farm at Javits Center, managed by urban farming company Brooklyn Grange, will produce 40,000 pounds of produce annually at the New York venue. The crops will be irrigated by rainwater gathered in an enormous underground cistern, and the space will also become the largest rooftop solar farm in all of Manhattan. From PCMA…
With recent sustainability initiatives in the event sector, including the signing of JMIC’s Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge at COP26 and others joining UNFCCC’s The Race to Zero, are this industry’s narratives around the climate crisis changing, and will net zero be enough to improve the global situation and safeguard our industry? From Event MB…
During the recent IMEX America in Las Vegas, Iceberg partners ICCA and the BestCities Global Alliance collaboratively staged a deep dive workshop that explored “Legacy for Association Meetings”. With the use of templates taken from the toolkit of Copenhagen Legacy Lab, also an Iceberg partner, attendees worked to develop tangible solutions for sector challenges. From ICCA…
The New York Times Climate Hub, a hybrid event held at the same time as COP26 in Glasgow, was a first for the legacy media brand. Staged less than a mile from COP26, the quartet of main venues included The Think Tank, where artist Es Devlin created a temporary forest as the setting. From PCMA…
In terms of legacies left for the planet, COP26 is surely the most important business event ever to come to the UK. But what does it mean for Glasgow to deliver this ultimate global climate meeting? Voices include Iceberg ambassador Aileen Crawford, Glasgow Life Head of Tourism and Conventions. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
The Joint Meetings Industry Council pledge over Net Zero Carbon Events is not the end of the events industry, as some alarmists have decried, but rather a new beginning. But the key will be measurement. Here is how assorted Iceberg partners worked together to make progress on the issue, including Positive Impact. From Exhibition News…
The global meetings industry took a giant step towards recovery with the USA reopening to air travel. But the Joint Meetings Industry Council’s Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge at COP26 in Glasgow should also now focus attention on the challenge of industry environmental credentials. From Association Meetings International…
In this M&IT webinar, a panel of experts joined editor Paul Harvey to dive into what sustainability will look like in “The Next Normal”. The group discussed the polluting reality of the meetings industry and conjured up solutions to combat waste and stay “on the right side of history”. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
One way to take action on climate is to purchase carbon offsets, paying to help the planet when you do something that harms it, like air travel. But not all carbon offset programs are equal. Critics argue that some projects don’t deliver any benefit at all, while others do more damage than good. From PCMA…
Just what is COP26, and why should it matter to meetings professionals? Sustainability not-for-profit isla put together this handy historical guide in advance of the Glasgow COP26 conference. Which destinations have hosted previous COPs, and what legacies did they create, if the climate emergency is still upon us? From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Geneviève Leclerc, the Managing Director of the International Society of Limnology, tells AMI’s Deep Dive podcast about #MEET4IMPACT, the not-for-profit Iceberg partner she co-founded in 2019. This facilitates associations and host destinations in creating more sustainable and more impactful meetings to the benefit of society. From Association Meetings International…
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Delivered by a faculty of industry experts, the UFI-EMS will combine both global insights and regional expertise – following the clearly articulated need for education that adapts a global curriculum to the specific regional and local needs.
Digitalisation is here to stay, but, in this increasing virtual world, we need to meet physically to work together and get inspiration. “Face-to-face meetings are extremely important. This has been impressively confirmed by the pandemic. ECM is one of the most inspiring networks in this industry to exchange trends, leadership, inspiration and knowledge transfer. We…
Gain insights and inspiration for your next event from our leading sector experts delivering the latest industry updates. Hear from thought leaders within and outside of the industry, as they share dynamic case studies to bring discussions to life and provide tangible solutions for you to take away and implement.
Expect expert speakers, brand-new ideas and plentiful inspiration at 250-plus educational and networking events – and an exhilarating exhibition. From Association Focus to our Inspiration Hub, our programme offers insight and inspiration to meetings industry veterans, those about to enter the industry, and everyone in between. All supported by our partners, from industry leading associations to…
Over the course of the year, this series will bring you 1 on 1 interviews featuring economic, trade, and tourism officials from around the world in conversation with UFI. These discussions are intended to nurture the dialogue between government and industry on a global scale. We will hear directly from government representatives about their economic…
For ECM members and by ECM members: When we ask, what you want, you always want to hear more from each other – what is everyone else doing? How is everyone else facing this challenge or juggling these conditions? How are you measuring your progress, communicating with your stakeholders, planning your marketing, involving your local…
While the global meetings industry continues to find its footing after the global pandemic, hybrid events are emerging as the best of both worlds. BestCities’ multi-hybrid Community Café asked industry leaders in Cape Town and Copenhagen to share their thoughts on the future of hybrid events, and also provide tips on hosting them successfully. Watch…
UCP is a self-paced, self-select educational offering, allowing participants to create a tailored experience unique to them. It’s available to both UFI members and non-members. Participants will have the opportunity to receive an UFI endorsement for their professional education received through UFI offerings. The UCP programme includes existing UFI educational programmes as well as modules…
ICCA is proud to be launching this certification programme for its membership and the industry to meet the challenges of the need for new business models, enhanced professionalism and standards in the industry. With courses beginning in the first quarter of 2022, ICCA will grant recognition to an industry professional who has met certain predetermined…
UFI connects is a way to stay connected, to get through this pandemic, and to be ready for the time afterwards. It is a programme of regular talks, panels, and webinar sessions – organized by the UFI team for you. Recordings of previous sessions are available to view.
We have created a library of resources to not only help you through COVID-19 but also to ensure that you’re ready to get back to face-to-face business on the other side. Because there will be another side. You’ll find webinars and videos from key industry professionals, providing you with the great insights you need to keep…
The current raging of the COVID-19 virus across the globe has already had enormous consequences for the Meetings Industry. It poses however, a whole different challenge for newly-appointed professionals in our industry whether working in CVBs, hotels, venues, PCOs all over Europe. Indeed, they are currently missing out on being at these central platforms, which are…
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Over the years, UFI’s Asia-Pacific Conference has become one of the exhibition industry’s most important gatherings for learning and networking in the region. More information about the event coming soon.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world. AIME 2022 will be…
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world. AIME 2022 will be…
Digitalisation is here to stay, but, in this increasing virtual world, we need to meet physically to work together and get inspiration. “Face-to-face meetings are extremely important. This has been impressively confirmed by the pandemic. ECM is one of the most inspiring networks in this industry to exchange trends, leadership, inspiration and knowledge transfer. We…
IBTM Asia Pacific is the leading event for the meetings and events industry in the region bringing together a high calibre group of international, APAC regional and local meeting planners and exhibitors for two days of pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings, education and networking. The event is under-pinned by IBTM’s sophisticated, industry-leading Hosted Buyer programme which…
The worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. Expect expert speakers, brand-new ideas and plentiful inspiration at 250-plus educational and networking events – and an exhilarating exhibition. Whether you want to keep up with fast-changing event trends, explore event tech, polish your professional skills or connect with your peers, our groundbreaking programme has it…
The UFI European Conference is a must-attend event for exhibition industry professionals who work internationally. This event provides industry updates and insights from across the region.
ICCA Business workshops are a quick and effective way to get a well-informed overview of what offers are available on the market from ICCA members and to exchange knowledge and best practices between associations and meeting suppliers. During the workshop, a series of one-to-one business meetings will take place where all associations executives will have…
Find your next business spark at IBTM Wired. Illuminate the future of events at IBTM Wired. We’re here to provide innovative inspiration to keep you connected with the industry and discover new opportunities and business partners across the globe, so that you can deliver outstanding events in 2021 and beyond.
Beyond a trade show, we offer brilliant speakers, fresh ideas and continuous inspiration at 180-plus educational and networking events over four days. Meet 4,200-plus global decision makers with real buying power in one of the biggest meetings markets in the world; 3,500-plus exhibitors from 155 countries; countless opportunities to connect – from the glamour of…
ICCA Members, who are exhibiting at IMEX America are invited, free of charge, to attend the IMEX Association Evening. This event is organised by IMEX in collaboration with ICCA. ICCA will also have a stand and member reception at this tradeshow.
(Open to UFI members only.) UFI’s annual Global Congress is known as the exhibition industry’s largest global meeting of the year, combining international networking with unique content. It is an ideal opportunity for members to gain insight into topics of strategic interest, on the current industry trends and challenges that the exhibition industry is currently…
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Ms Petra Stušek is Managing Director of the Ljubljana Tourism and President of the Board at European Cities Marketing, a non-profit organization which aims at improving the competitiveness and performance of city tourism destinations in Europe, including the leading ones. Prior to this, she managed communications for the foreign and domestic public at Ljubljana Tourism,…
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Joining IBTM in September 2018, David came with 14 years’ experience in the events industry, producing award-winning events for the likes of Haymarket Exhibitions, BBC, Informa, Daily Mail Group and Clarion Events. Having previously organised exhibitions and conferences across Europe, the Middle East and the US, he brought with him an international perspective. With an…
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Jane Vong Holmes is Senior Manager – Asia of GainingEdge, GainingEdge, a consultancy specialising in the business events industry since 2004, and a proud Partner of The Iceberg. Jane has been part of the consulting team on several GainingEdge projects in Asia, working with bureaus, tourism offices and convention centres in Hangzhou, Japan, Malaysia, South…
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Kai Hattendorf is Managing Director / CEO of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. As such, he is responsible for UFI activities and events globally, as well as the operation of its offices and presences in Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai, and Bogota. Currently, Kai also serves as Honorary President of the Joint…
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Lesley joined BestCities in 2017 as Market Development Director and took up the position of Managing Director in January 2020 following the decision of BestCities to award extending the management contract to GainingEdge. Lesley is a strong supporter and advocate of the beyond tourism impacts of meetings. In 2017 BestCities formed a collaboration with ICCA…
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Sven joined AIPC as CEO in May 2020. Together with the Board, the Members and the Business Partners he will be spearheading a transformation programme which will result into an entirely new value proposal to Convention and Exhibition Centres across the globe based on the changing needs of the members and the challenges they are…
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Having lived and worked in Asia, Africa and Europe before moving to Canada in 2010, Virginie is the Senior Director of Business Development – Economic Sectors for Destination Canada Business Events (DCBE), Virginie is responsible for leading the development and implementation of DCBE’s global economic sector strategy and team to increase overnight visitations to Canada…
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Born in Toronto, Canada, Greg has divided his life between living in Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa. With now more than 20 years in the hospitality industry Greg has spent time in Management of a high end independent mountain resort property (The Rimrock Resort), Hyatt Hotels and the Intercontinental group before moving over to convention centers….
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Heike Mahmoud, born in 1964, became Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CCH – Congress Center Hamburg, a business unit of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH, on March 1st, 2018. As fully authorized officer, the business administration professional is also a member of the Executive Board of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH. Heike Mahmoud has been…
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At MCEC, we’re passionate about creating inspirational environments. We do this by delivering a personalised service and partnering with our customers to offer ideas, insights and imaginative solutions. We tailor every experience because we realise it’s the little details that make all the difference. Our people are at the heart of who we are and…
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Robin has over 25 years’ experience of the events industry with the last 20 focussed on the convention sector. His career in business events has led him from the SECC in Glasgow to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), where he has spent the last seven years diversifying and growing the venue’s conference and…
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Aileen has worked in the meetings industry for over 20 years, initially in venue sales for Glasgow Museums, then in a variety of roles within the Conventions team at the Tourist Board, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and is currently the Head of Tourism and Conventions at Glasgow Convention Bureau, Glasgow Life. The Glasgow Convention Bureau…
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