ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance have announced the recipients and finalists of the 2025 Incredible Impacts Programme, which recognises associations delivering transformational impact through their events.
One of the three finalists for the $20,000 USD Main Grant is the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) – World Rural Health Conference (Limerick, 2022). Conference Chair, and Fáilte Ireland Ambassador, Professor Liam Glynn, recently shared with The Iceberg the extraordinary story of a grassroots campaign born in rural Ireland that evolved into a global movement for better healthcare in underserved communities:
Learn more about how they intend to use the funding should they win this year’s Main Grant.
The finalists, who will present their impact-driven projects during the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto this November, also include:
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International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA) – World Endodontics Conference (Glasgow, 2024) – See their case study here
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International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) – International Papillomavirus Conference (2024–26) – See their case study here
This year’s Seed Grant is awarded to Autism-Europe, in partnership with AsIAm (Ireland’s Autism charity) and Fáilte Ireland, as they prepare to host the 14th Autism-Europe Congress (AEC 2025) in Dublin (11–13 September). The grant will support efforts to set new standards in event accessibility, enhance advocacy for inclusive employment, and strengthen community engagement. See their case study here.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “The Incredible Impacts Programme continues to inspire and showcase the power of international associations to create true legacy and change. This year’s programme is one of the strongest we’ve ever seen, with outstanding projects that reflect the heart and purpose of our industry. I am looking forward to welcoming the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA), and our Seed Fund Grant Winner, Autism-Europe (AE), to the ICCA Congress this November in Porto. Their work represents the best of what associations can achieve — impacting lives, advancing knowledge, and leaving a meaningful footprint for the future.”
The Incredible Impacts Programme is delivered in partnership with BestCities Global Alliance and continues to highlight the positive change that associations create for communities and societies worldwide.
Loren Christie, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance, said: “This project embodies everything the Incredible Impacts Programme stands for. It’s bold, heartfelt, and visionary — driven by a genuine commitment to inclusion and advocacy that will ripple far beyond Dublin. Autism-Europe and AsIAm aren’t just planning a congress — they’re shaping a more inclusive future”.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said: “On behalf of the 14th Autism-Europe Congress, I am honoured to be awarded the Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Grant. Dublin is a vibrant, inclusive city and we are working towards making it the world’s first accredited Autism-friendly capital. In partnership with Fáilte Ireland, we are committed to delivering an intentional impact project that defines, measures and amplifies the legacy of the Autism-Europe Congress. The grant will help us to work towards creating a fully inclusive congress and will contribute to our overall vision of a society where every autistic person is accepted as they are — equal, valued, and respected.”
The winner of the Incredible Impacts award will be announced at the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal, this November.
For more information about the Incredible Impacts Programme, visit incredibleimpacts.com.
