PRESENTS
Showing Featured Features
View all Features
Hattendorf argues that government support is vital for SME participation in international trade fairs, and is critical for many early-stage export-oriented companies’ success. We now have evidence of what happens when the government funding tap is turned off (in UK) and clear ROI data for schemes that have been consistently running for decades (in Germany).
Held during the 2025 IMEX Policy Forum in Frankfurt, this high-level interview with urbanist, author and global advisor Prof Greg Clark CBE FAcSS provides essential geopolitical and socioeconomic context for understanding the future potential direction of Business Events and what destinations that wish to strengthen their competitive positioning need to do. “A multiplication of opportunity…
Dubai’s Business Events leaders share strategic insights into how our sector supports broader knowledge economy goals, with ideas that can be adopted by many other destinations worldwide. As Dubai works to transform itself into a continents-connecting knowledge economy powerhouse, business events are playing a critical role, especially during these times of global geopolitical disruption. Karina…
In a call to action for all Asian destinations to embrace “beyond-tourism” thinking in their approach to Business Events, PCMA’s Florence Chua summarises the opportunities and barriers to growth in the regional and international association market within Asia Pacific. Interviewed during this year’s PCMA APAC conference at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Chua highlighted the…
In this interview held during The Meetings Show Asia Pacific, held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in April 2025, Michael Shoory from Tourism Economics Asia-Pacific Office succinctly explains the different categories of economic impact generated by business events, and why post-COVID business events travel has rebounded much more strongly than individual business travel, in…
From Boardroom: Long recognised for its hospitality, culture, and strategic position within Europe’s business events landscape, Barcelona is now working to embed long-term societal value into the very fabric of the events it attracts.
The Global Destination Sustainability Movement has released a must-read guide for destination marketers and managers on the latest regulations, including advice on what practical steps to take, both to remain in compliance and to use your sustainability positioning for competitive advantage in attracting events. From GDS-Movement…
A thoughtful article by Gary Grimmer on the latest geopolitical changes and their implications for both international business events and the societal cost in the fields of healthcare, science, trade and beyond. Numerous commentators and analysts are concluding that the changes to US policy and in power relationships between countries and regions will generate far…
The 7-times winner of the 8 GDS-Index Awards for Leadership, the city of Gothenburg in Sweden, share this long-awaited series from The Iceberg into the DMOs 3-part framework which provides a systematic approach to realising impact from business & professional events; The Gothenburg Way to Legacy… In this 4-part mini-series, we begin with an introduction…
“It’s more than a visitor economy,” says Damien Kitto, CEO of Business Events Adelaide. And the benchmarking and KPIs that track the impact data of events reveal metrics that extend far beyond the consumption economy of events hosted in the South Australian capital. The reason lies in the value sought by the Department of Trade…
In this series of articles Boardroom pulls together some excellent practical ideas on how associations can advocate more effectively, both in support of business and scientific events in general, but also to drive the mission of their own specific organisation. A highlight is the case study on how the US National Down Syndrome Society utilised…
From Skift Meetings: President Trump’s second term began with a series of executive orders that immediately impacted the meetings industry. On Inauguration Day, January 20, Trump signed the Executive Order, “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.” It eliminates federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. All federal DEI staff were also placed…
Showing Featured News
View all News
Infrastructure development is a critical policymaking & economic development issue. Singapore understands that hosting & co-creating this type of strategic event on rail transportation will lead to knowledge & know-how transfers and inward investment to create a regional hub with world-class specialised expertise. From MIX – Asia’s Business Events Magazine…
From Conference & Meetings World: The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) is launching a campaign, 1 July, urging UK and EU policymakers to prioritise the establishment of a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for the business events sector in future trade discussions. The UK’s business events industry is a vital economic engine, hosting over 1,100 exhibitions and…
From M&C Asia: Indonesia’s hospitality and MICE industries are facing a new crisis, as sweeping government budget cuts begin to bite. A recent survey by the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) reveals a looming wave of layoffs, with most businesses planning to reduce their workforce by 10–30%. Some 90% have…
By Christian Folden Lund, CEO, Bellagroup: After more than a year of intense work, Danish legislation around work permits for large international events has finally been changed. A new exemption will be introduced for non-EU professionals working at events in Denmark — a major win for our event industry! This change will make it significantly…
This year’s VisitBrussels Night celebrated the academics, scientific and healthcare professionals, and business leaders whose bids brought important international events to Brussels. The event was a great opportunity to hear views on the strategic role of business events from industry thought-leaders. Over 150 ambassadors, 300,000 delegates and EUR 250 million in direct economic impact …
The second edition of this Asia-Pacific tradeshow at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was a great success, thanks to healthy demand growth for business events across the region, and strong partnerships with Singapore Tourism Board and Marina Bay Sands, as well as with global and regional associations. David Blansfield, Executive VP & Group Publisher, Northstar:…
Two events, ten years apart, continue to provide legacies for their host communities and the world at large, emphasising the importance of long-term impact monitoring. CEO of ICMS Australasia, Emma Bowyer, reports the company received news this month that outcomes of two events they managed continue to make an strong societal impact: the 6th IUCN…
The link between CEO turnover and volume of corporate events demonstrates the critical role meetings play in companies’ strategic relationships both internally and with key stakeholders. From Skift Meetings: A wave of CEO turnover is creating new demand for in-person gatherings. From leadership summits to town halls, companies are convening under new leadership…
From Boardroom: From 27 to 30 May 2025, Calgary played host to Innovate Canada – Life Sciences 2025, the latest edition of Destination Canada’s signature event series. Designed to rotate across the country’s top-performing sectors and innovation hubs, Innovate Canada connects international associations with the research, business, and policy leaders shaping Canada’s future. This year’s…
From Boardroom: This past March, Stuttgart played host to the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2025, marking the first time in its fifteen-year history that Europe’s premier robotics and AI gathering took place in Germany. More than 1,500 participants from research, industry, and government convened at the Kultur- & Kongresszentrum Liederhalle, cementing the region’s reputation as…
Discussions will explore opportunities in growing sectors such as green energy and the care economy, as well as how places can boost their global presence through hosting major events and place marketing. The OECD Local Development Forum 2025 Annual Meeting will take place on 08-11 July in Barranquilla, Colombia – find out more here…
Showing Featured Case Studies
View all Case Studies
From Wonderful Copenhagen: Comprehensive guidelines on how to design a strategic legacy programme, and how to apply the principles and practices to individual events, from identification of challenges and desired impact, designing the process, measuring the impact, with the active involvement of local policymakers. View / download Copenhagen Legacy Lab’s publications and find inspirational tools…
Last month, The Iceberg shared its introduction to three case studies of how the GDS-Award winning city is activating the attraction of business events to advance social, societal, and economic transformation, destination development, and positive change. “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” claimed Katarina Thorstensson, Head of Sustainability at the city’s destination…
From Boardroom: The 30th Annual Congress of the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO), one of the leading organisations within the field of implant dentistry, was a landmark event that underscored the city’s appeal as a world-class congress destination. With over 3,000 delegates and 140+ expert speakers, the meeting provided a dynamic platform for discussing cutting-edge…
An urban conference with a global impact Destination Canada’s Legacy & Impact Study examines the lasting economic, social and environmental impacts of up to 16 business events held across Canada between 2018 and 2024. This case study highlights the legacy of the CitiesIPCC Cities and Climate Change Science Conference, which inspired cutting-edge urban climate science…
Bringing together over 2,800 C-suite executives from 90 countries, start-up entrepreneurs, senior policymakers (including five Heads of State), NGOs and global investors, this annual event has an impressive track record of generating multinational business deals and new economic development programmes, including major new projects for the host destination. This article provides insight into the headline…
HIV Glasgow, the HIV Drug Therapy Conference held in the medical hub city, has become the curator of data, the summary of knowledge from other international conferences focussed on the treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS. But the legacy is truly unique… The 2025 edition revealed the circularity of a non-profit event dedicated to…
Showing Featured Reports & Research
View all Reports & Research
A comprehensive overview with extensive data on event management platforms, Apps and specialist tech suppliers, together with informed commentary and practical advice from technical experts and industry thought leaders about how to select and apply technology to meet strategic and operational objectives. From Skift Meetings…
Essential reading for destination leaders interested in building stronger relationships with national or city policymakers: 120 Business Events association and destination marketing leaders and 20 policymakers (a mix of ministers and MPs, mayors and councillors, senior civil servants and advisors) met during IMEX in Frankfurt to discuss the practical steps our sector could take to…
The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry, has released its quarterly Global Events Barometer for 2025 Q1. The numbers reflect a slight dip in global business events from the end of 2024 but remain stronger than the same period last year. The report also acknowledges growing concern about the…
From The Business of Events: We are delighted to share the 2025 International Planner Sentiment Report, which reveals a marked divergence in event planner priorities across global markets. Supported by Tourism Ireland, this year’s findings unveil growing regional differences in planner priorities across the UK, Europe, and North America – shaped by shifting economic, political,…
VisitBritain’s updated Delegate Spend Report reveals that 62% of all delegates on average intend to return to the city where the event is held, and 47% intend to return to invest or grow business relationships, encouraging sector growth. You can learn more about the findings / download the full report here…
Wonderful Copenhagen’s new high-level strategy for tourism (including Business Events) 2024-2030, designed to “shed light on tourism’s true impact on society and the world – its positive and negative effects, and its direct and indirect.” A model for meaningful engagement with local citizens and deeper links to local business and scientific ecosystems.
Showing Featured Opinions
View all Opinions
In this compilation of interviews carried out during PCMA APAC and The Meetings Show APAC in Singapore and IMEX in Frankfurt, industry leaders and top destination specialists discuss how disruptions to long-established global relationships are actually creating openings for many more destinations to use business events to achieve world-class status in their areas of expertise….
By Pádraic Gilligan, Research & Consultancy, SITE and Co–founder, SoolNua: We’ve reached the midpoint of the year and one thing is clear: we’re no clearer as to what lies ahead for our world at large, the world of business, our industry, or our sector. Our innate resilience drives us onwards, but it’s one cautious step…
In this episode of The Meeting Room Podcast: Out of Office, industry leaders discuss sustainability, innovation, and tourism. Edward Koh of the Singapore Tourism Board highlights Singapore’s net-zero roadmap and sustainable MICE initiatives. Matthew Burgess previews the World Design Congress at London’s Barbican, showcasing sustainable event planning. Stephanie Tan Pure unveils Macau’s transformation with The…
Ex-UFI CEO turned industry thought-leader Kai Hattendorf was ubiquitous at this year’s IMEX, challenging the industry to up its game in terms of global advocacy, arguing that this is even more critical than ever during a time of geopolitical flux and uncertainty, and then eloquently demonstrating in a series of interviews how to frame the…
From Northstar Meetings Group: During the IMEX Frankfurt 2025 trade show, Virginie De Visscher, executive director, business events, for Destination Canada, sat down with Northstar Meetings Group editor Lisa Grimaldi to share insight into her organization’s goals for tracking the impact that meetings, conventions and incentives have on destinations. During their conversation, she discussed new…
Follow Geneviève Leclerc’s novel experiment through this series of LinkedIn posts, as she attempts to rigorously apply the “BE Impactful Framework” (designed to measure the overall business, intellectual and societal impact of an event) to her own PERSONAL impact and value gained from attending IMEX 2025 in Frankfurt.
From Meetings International: Few names resonate as strongly in business events as that of Rick Taylor, who has played a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s business events industry. With a career that spans decades, his contributions have left a permanent mark on the industry, shaping the narrative of business events as powerful catalysts for economic…
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) broke new ground when it successfully brought all industry organisations and stakeholders under one umbrella organisation. In so doing, its CEO, Melissa Brown, has the mandate to craft the message conveyed to government – across all departments. As its chair, Peter King, reminded The Iceberg when the association was…
By Matthias Schultze, Managing Director, German Convention Bureau: How Business Events Can Adapt to Megatrends and Unlock Future Business Potential Business events remain vital arenas for innovation and strategic dialogue. Yet, in a rapidly changing world shaped by technological, societal and environmental shifts, these platforms are undergoing transformation themselves. In its most recent research phase,…
From 1TourismWorld: Jane Cunningham, Director of European Engagement at Destinations International, highlights a pivotal shift in destination management toward community-focused stewardship. She emphasizes prioritizing citizens’ interests, ensuring tourism contributes positively to local life rather than becoming a burden. Cunningham advocates engaging communities in tourism planning and aligning visitor experiences with residents’ values, promoting sustainable growth….
Showing Featured Education
View all Education
Transform the way you deliver events… Two 6-week online courses, curated by isla, and designed to support you on your journey to become an expert in delivering sustainable events – one for beginners (The Sustainable Events Course) and one for those looking to further their existing knowledge (The Advanced Sustainable Events Course), in line with…
This advanced certificate course is designed to equip experienced event and meeting managers with the tools, resources, and business savvy to serve as a strategic advisor in designing, planning, and executing programs. Expanding on foundational and fundamental skills in event and meeting planning for in-person events, learners will explore progressive approaches to apply program strategy…
Now, more than ever, clients and stakeholders are bringing a laser-like focus to the R.O.I. of their events. With all the structural changes to the event industry wrought by the pandemic, decision-makers are scrutinizing how much money, time, and energy they invest in hosting, attending, exhibiting, and sponsoring events. And surveys alone won’t cut it….
The future of Africa looks bright. Ratified by a majority of African countries, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement will merge 55 economies into a single, competitive mega market of more than a billion people, making it one of the biggest free trade areas in the world. This also means that there will…
Earning the Events Industry Council’s Certified Meeting Planner designation showcases your industry expertise to employers and clients and enhances prestige among peers. However, with the last standardized exam in the rearview mirror for many, navigating the CMP-International Standards (CMP-IS) and related study material can be intimidating. This course from the long-time leaders in professional development…
The CityDNA Summer School is one of the flagship event of the meetings industry. It provides great insights into the structure and functioning of the Meetings Industry. Our programme, filled with up-to-date and cutting edge examples of European best practice, lays out a comprehensive framework for you to build your expertise in one of the…
Learn how to manage destinations through regenerative business models, destination stewardship approaches, and stakeholder engagement methodologies. We are all under pressure: visitor economies, their host communities, the earth, and the vulnerable. We need a new approach that considers how interconnected networks – social, environmental, and economic – can work together to restore, replenish, and sustain…
If you are new to the events industry, looking to become an event or meeting planner, or you’ve been planning events for a while but never received the proper training, this is the ultimate course for you! By the end of this course, you’ll have a thorough understanding of how events work, why people and…
Jointly organised by City Destinations Alliance, the European Travel Commission, & Modul University Vienna, the workshop is aimed at city, regional, national, and international tourism organisations, as well as universities and companies from the hospitality and tourism industry. It is directed toward managers, academics, as well as consultants and representatives of governments and international organisations…
We designed this course to provide you and your team with the knowledge, skills, and know-how to transform your in-person and digital events so they are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for every body: Create a commonsense approach to event accessibility; Determine which accessibility protocols to include in venue & supplier RFPs, and identify criteria for…
As an event organizer, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) often means bringing groups of attendees, speakers, and suppliers together from different backgrounds, identities, and experiences. But there is still work to be done when it comes to activating allies both internally and externally. This work includes planning events that enact diverse, equitable, and inclusive…
The Enhancing Events with AI certificate course (with refreshed content for 2025) is a tailor-made program for all event organizers who want to bring the power (and magic) of artificial intelligence (AI) into their work. This course goes beyond helping you understand AI. We’ll take you behind the scenes, revealing how to use the most…
Showing Featured Events
View all Events
Northstar Meetings Group’s Luxury & Wellness Meetings event connects North American planners seeking luxury or wellness-focused venues for their meetings or incentives. Those who are selected to attend will participate in: Two productive days of pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings with suppliers; Insightful educational presentations from inspiring speakers; Great meals, receptions, and numerous networking opportunities with other…
Destination Southeast — Northstar’s destination-specific hosted-buyer event — brings together the most highly-qualified meeting and incentive buyers with top destinations, hotels/resorts, cruise lines, attractions, DMCs, DMOs, technology and merchandise providers, and tourism offices from the Southeastern states including: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Attendees…
Join your industry peers for the must attend hosted-buyer event bringing together the most highly-qualified meeting and incentive buyers with top destinations, hotels/resorts, attractions, DMCs, DMOs, technology and merchandise providers, and tourism offices from the Midwest U.S. Meet buyers who are ready to book business in: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North…
M&C Asia Connections is an exclusive tabletop tradeshow that unites Asia’s top suppliers and global buyers in the MICE industry. This premier event offers a compelling agenda tailored for forward-thinking MICE professionals to forge impactful connections through pre-scheduled 1-to-1 business appointments and enriching networking sessions. Leveraging Northstar’s comprehensive global MICE database and esteemed brands, M&C…
An attendee favorite, Destination Caribbean + Islands, brings together the most highly qualified meeting and incentive buyers with top destinations, hotels/resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs, technology and merchandise providers, and tourism offices from the Caribbean. Attendees participate in one-on-one prescheduled appointments with strongly vetted buyers, gain industry insights from our guest speakers, and network with…
Destination California — Northstar’s destination-specific hosted-buyer event — enables attendees to experience firsthand the most desirable destinations, hotels and activities for successful meetings, while making invaluable business connections. This unique event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands—Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive magazine.
Destination East is the premier hosted-buyer event for qualified meetings and incentive professionals sourcing programs in the East. Destination East will include destinations, hotels, DMCs, technology and merchandise providers, and other services provided in the Eastern U.S. Learn from, and be inspired by, our guest speakers who will provide targeted education specific to your needs…
Destination Hawaii—Northstar’s destination-specific hosted-buyer event—brings together the most highly-qualified meeting and incentive buyers with top destinations, hotels/resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs, technology and merchandise providers, and tourism offices from the islands of Hawaii. Attendees participate in one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain industry insights from our guest speakers and network with this exclusive group. This unique event…
In 2025, the event proudly marks 33 years of championing international MICE business within Asia-Pacific, consistently delivering opportunities for global exhibitors and buyers to engage, network, and build strategic partnerships that fuel the growth of the sector. Simultaneously, the event celebrates 28 years of advancing Corporate Travel and Entertainment (T&E) management best practices, providing a…
City Destinations Alliance is proud to partner with Visit Tórshavn and Visit Faroe Islands to bring our community to this unique destination and can’t wait to explore its stunning landscapes and rich culture together. To better align with available flight connections, the conference will take place from Tuesday to Thursday instead of the usual Wednesday…
IMEX America is the largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. Our award-winning show brings the meetings industry together to do a year’s worth of business under one roof. Suppliers and buyers from every sector of the meetings industry come together at IMEX, held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino,…
Small & Boutique Meetings — Northstar’s premiere hosted-buyer event designed specifically for small and boutique-sized meetings — bringing together highly-qualified meeting buyers with destinations, hotels, DMCs, technology and merchandise providers, and other suppliers ready to welcome smaller events. Attendees participate in one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain industry insights from our guest speakers and network with this…
Showing Featured Ambassadors
View all Ambassadors
Website: View website
European, Asian or Arab? …One always wonder where Ms. Karina Soraya Lance is from when meeting her for the first time, as her adaptability to any environment always triggers curiosity. With a master in International Relations and Asia Pacific Studies, Karina was one of the few students who started learning Mandarin Chinese in the late…
Website: View website
Sherrif Karamat, CAE, is President and CEO of PCMA and CEMA, the world’s largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Karamat leads the vision, mission and promise for PCMA’s global family of brands. He is a prominent business architect, enabling communities to become…
Website: View website
Caroline Lepage is a visionary leader and trailblazer in the meetings and events industry, currently serving as CEO of the Québec City Convention Centre and Québec City Business Destination. With a Master’s degree in International Relations and a Bachelor’s in Commerce, she brings a unique blend of strategic insight and operational expertise to her role….
Website: View website
As the Founder and CEO of 49travelmice.com, Peng Ee leverage over four decades of expertise in the media, travel and MICE industries to deliver strategic consultancy and tailored solutions for the business events and travel sectors. His passion lies in mentoring high performance teams, and driving growth for clients by providing valuable insights, facilitating industry…
Website: View website
Aileen has worked in the meetings industry for over 25 years and is currently the Head of Tourism and Conventions at Glasgow Convention Bureau, Glasgow Life. Aileen has served on the board of ICCA as Destination Co-Chair. The Convention Bureau focus on attracting and supporting association conferences to meet in Glasgow. The Bureau offer a…
Website: View website
After spending his first 20 years in the international MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) industry in various executive roles — including meetings organisation, management, MICE technology, as well as planning infrastructure projects — Adem, commonly known as Braco within the industry, sought to contribute his extensive knowledge and experience on a broader scale. Since…
Website: View website
Stephanie Lynch is a results-driven event professional with a proven track record of creating impactful experiences and driving measurable success. With over eight years at Explore Edmonton, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated her expertise in event strategy, economic impact maximization, and stakeholder collaboration. Currently serving her second term as Chair of the International Congress and Convention…
Website: View website
Martin has a wealth of experience and a strategic vision that has been shaped over decades of working across a number of countries in the business and professional events and meetings industry. After university and a successful run as a restauranteur, he launched a corporate event management start-up in Canada in the late 1990s. At…
Website: View website
With more than 20 years’ experience in the meetings industry, Bettina has extensive knowledge on working with association congresses and in creating close collaboration between associations, academia, organisations, companies and government. AMCs in attracting international association congresses, meetings and exhibitions to Copenhagen. In her last 7 years as Deputy in the Convention department and Head…
Website: View website
For the last 15 years, Guy has been delivering award-winning consulting services focused on helping cities, governments, corporations and associations step up, scale up and speed up their sustainability programmes and regenerative practices. Guy’s pioneering work has been recognised with 22 sustainability awards including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow…
Jennifer Jensen is a passionate advocate for sustainable events, with over 20 years of experience in the events and tourism industry. Based in her hometown of Liverpool, she brings a wealth of expertise gained from working in both London and Liverpool, with extensive experience across venues, convention bureaus, and event management. Her diverse background provides…
Website: View website
Matt is the CEO and co-founder of Talk2 Media & Events. Talk2 ME owns and runs a variety of trade and consumer exhibitions throughout Australia. Every year Talk2 ME works with some of Australia’s best brands as partners on exhibitions that attract almost 200,000 highly engaged visitors through their doors. Talk2 Media & Events was…
Showing Partners
View all Partners
Powered by 
