Taking the Long View
It’s easy in the business and professional events industry to inhabit a short-term world. Where shrinking lead-times and packed conference programmes encourage time-sensitive transactional thinking; where delegate attendance and expenditure dominate success metrics; where “how”, “where” and “when” are prioritised over “why”.
The Iceberg functions as an antidote to this short-term thinking; it’s the equivalent of a “cabinet of curiosities” – a surprises-packed repository that aims to stimulate deeper understanding of our sector’s overarching value, positive societal impact, and capacity to drive innovation, growth and progress all around the world.
Most of this value unfolds over many years, requiring both patience and foresight. That’s why we encourage you to spend time reading the latest edition of Meetings International in our Publications section: a five-year-long passion project for managing editor Atti Soenarso entitled Alfred Nobel: The Impact of 124 Years of Legacy. It’s a history lesson, a dissection of innovative and collaborative thinking, a celebration of how Sweden has leveraged the prizes to drive its own scientific excellence, and most importantly a multifaceted examination of the centrality of international meetings in worldwide scientific and societal progress.
Joining “Think like a Nobel Laureate” in our Features section are other articles highlighting the longer view: international events in Sydney inspiring school students and empowering their teachers; the growing trend of patient inclusion that is transforming healthcare meetings; community-centric convention centre development models; and Destinations International’s Futures Study as a roadmap for long-term priority setting.
Our Case Studies include an African health conference that for the last decade has been identifying and implementing African-originating solutions for Africa-wide challenges, and a compendium of association event innovation showcased under ICCA and BestCities’ Incredible Impacts programme, an initiative that’s been celebrating event legacy and societal impact since 2017.
A particularly rich Reports & Research section looks at Sarawak’s decade of transformation from a minor regional meetings destination to a worldwide leader in meetings legacy generation; examines the barriers that still (even after many years of campaigning and legislation) prevent disabled delegates from enjoying full inclusion at events; evaluates the pros and cons of aligning event hosting and place brand strategies; reveals a long-term shift in exhibition revenue-mix models; and provides existentially important guidance on cyber resilience.
And as always, our Opinions section offers strongly-held views on a wide range of key issues facing our industry: from determinants of destination resilience to the risks of over-optimism in industry forecasts, from frustration at ineffective mega-conferences to a call to use events to stand up against anti-science policies and climate-change denialism.
We have News stories on reinvented meeting destinations and amazing new AI tools for measuring impact, on advocacy champions and new events to put in your diary, and updates on geopolitical impacts on our industry. And there’s a new section, Recommended Reading, where you can easily sign up to a range of useful newsletters and regularly updated data resources.
Whatever your event strategy or advocacy needs, we are sure to have the evidence, examples and tools to support your long-term aspirations.
But the most important advice for getting the most from the over 50 articles and other items in this edition of BEW as well as the entire, vast library of The Iceberg is: Make time for what’s important in the long-term!
The Curator
Showing Featured Features
View all Features
Destinations International’s Jane Cunningham and MMGY NextFactor’s Managing Director Cassandra Gilbertson discuss the ways in which DI’s latest biennial study will shape the policy priorities and primary challenges facing destination organisations worldwide over the coming years. A huge shift in business models and strategic responsibilities has been taking place over the last decade, moving from…
The Rotterdam edition of Convening EMEA featured keynote speaker, academic and economist, Noreena Hertz, who set the scene to an event designed to ensure human connection across generations and the diverse sub-groups of the PCMA community. There was an underlying sense that there is a changing of the guard under way as Boomers prepare to…
Gustav Källstrand has for many years hosted the Nobel Prize Museum’s podcast, in which numerous Nobel laureates emphasise the importance of community, collaboration and of course international meetings in the evolution of truly revolutionary ideas. This wide-ranging essay explores the mindsets of these top thinkers and the environments in which their successful breakthroughs are possible.
Slovakia’s two largest cities, Bratislava and Košice, are taking advantage of their networks of universities, research institutes, innovation centres and start-up clusters serving Automotive, IT, Energy, Life Sciences and Creative industries, to carefully target international events that will gain from interacting with these local centres of intellectual excellence. From AMI…
When international conferences take place in Sydney, their influence extends well beyond industry networking and economic return. Through a strategic partnership between BESydney and the NSW Department of Education, business events are being translated into real-world impact, inspiring students, equipping teachers, and preparing communities for the jobs of tomorrow. From Boardroom…
Dr Mike Duigan from the Centre for Events & Festivals clarifies how two very different but equally powerful conceptual frameworks – Theory of Change and Field Configuring Events – can be used in tandem to generate practical, lasting transformation, both in host destinations and more generally in service of the event-owning organisation’s mission.
This excellent overview of the conference discussions and presentations by Boardroom’s Vicky Koffa highlights key concerns and opportunities facing organisers of medical meetings, and points the way towards the sector’s future evolution, where patients may have just as much of a voice as researchers and practitioners, and impact and outcomes are the most important metrics.
Understand how and why Antwerp is building its events strategy around future-industries, sustainable solutions and economic development priorities, leveraging academic excellence, start-up innovation, and industrial scaling-up know-how to attract the most relevant international events. An excellent model for other cities wishing to fully exploit their intellectual capital and business sector advantages, from Antwerp Convention Bureau…
If place branding was initially created to reinforce and, in different ways, stabilise a place with consistent narratives capable of offering predictability about its identity, today that stability is the exception; predictability is a myth we insist on clinging to. From City Nation Place, by Caio Esteves, Managing Partner, N/LF…
This report confirms the necessity of a new boardroom and senior management focus on the geopolitical environment, and analysis and management of related risks and opportunities. Many recommendations can be applied to organisations’ international meetings strategies, e.g. qualifying value at stake, honing narratives and strategic offerings, optimising engagement, and investing in new capabilities. From McKinsey…
Sally Beerworth and Caroline Fleming from Good Talent Media share best practices on how organisations can move from reactive to proactive advocacy, to turn good ideas into impactful influence: For associations and not-for-profits, advocacy isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential to delivering on our mission. These days, making your voice heard feels like shouting…
More cities are designing or renovating their major meetings venues with the interests and needs of local citizens and communities front of mind, as well as accommodating the usual priorities of meeting organiser clients. This article highlights convention centres in Cincinnati, Dallas, Montréal, New Orleans, and Fort Lauderdale that exemplify this community-focused approach. From PCMA…
As Asia-Pacific’s growing energy needs and economic goals intersect with geopolitical risks, conferences become crucial. By hosting global energy industry gatherings, Brisbane offers a neutral ground for Asia, Europe, and North America to exchange expertise and forge collaborations that inform policy and investment, reducing risk and boosting mutual understanding across the region. From Boardroom…
View this video interview of Guy Bigwood, CEO and Chief Changemaker with Global Destination Sustainability Movement, as part of the series “Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet” by Content with Purpose and Global Sustainable Tourism Council, in which he urges destinations to start thinking and acting beyond sustainability and into regeneration.
Showing Featured News
View all News
A unique collaboration between academia, event impact expert practitioners #MEET4IMPACT, AI events company Gevme and leading meetings destinations aims to help meeting owners and destinations to create unique impact reports on these events, making it relatively simple to plug a wide variety of large data sets into standardised reporting frameworks, for example “Theory of Change”…
With an extensive career covering venues, associations, international conferences, and global corporate strategy, Maritz’s Chief Global Strategy Officer Ben Goedegebuure has established himself as one of the industry’s most respected voices. His work reflects a deep commitment to positioning business events as powerful enablers of economic development, knowledge exchange, societal progress, and global collaboration.
The European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) has announced the launch of the European Association Awards 2026, celebrating excellence, creativity, and purpose within Europe’s association sector. Open to all not-for-profit, membership-based associations active in Europe, the awards aim to recognise projects that demonstrate measurable impact and align with an organisation’s broader mission.
From Exhibition World: International consultancy for the for the exhibition and conference industry, Germany-based jwc GmbH, has announced a shake up in its management structure that sees former UFI CEO and MD Kai Hattendorf join as managing partner, and founder Jochen Witt transition to executive chairman. The leadership changes include Sebastian Witt also named as…
From AMI: An international association of family doctors whose conference led to a string of initiatives to improve healthcare in rural areas has won $20,000 for its efforts. WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors) scooped the 2025 Incredible Impacts Award, run by ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance, presented during the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto,…
From Northstar Meetings Group: Airlines are optimistic they can resume normal operations just a few days after the government lifts its order to cut flights at 40 busy airports, but it’s not clear how soon that will happen even though the federal shutdown is over. The Federal Aviation Administration did announce Wednesday night that airlines…
Between April 2018 and March 2024, 91 grant-supported international events taking place in 18 cities across Britain generated over £60 million direct economic impact, £35 for every £1 invested. Positive societal impacts (on healthcare and scientific progress, trade development and inward investment, etc.) need to be added to this already impressive figure.
Sarawak’s delegation to ICCA Congress 2025 was led by The Honourable Data Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, who announced MoUs with 12 other Sarawak ministries, formalising the multi-sector government engagement that has led to Sarawak’s 100% success-rate in winning international meeting bids since 2021. From TTR Weekly…
The inaugural Advocacy & Action event will unite and reimagine two of DI’s most dynamic gatherings into one event dedicated to advancing purpose-driven destination leadership. “Advocacy & Action brings together the full spectrum of what destination organisations stand for — community resilience, brand stewardship, leadership and impact,” said Don Welsh, DI President & CEO.
The new SAE is the brainchild of GConvene and Talley Management Group, which will act as strategic advisors to the new organisation, aiming to professionalise the enormous number of associations in India. This has the long-term potential to significantly transform the association meetings landscape in the region. From M&C Asia…
City Destinations Alliance has launched a Call for Speakers for the International Conference & General Assembly in Helsinki, on April 22-24, 2026. Under the theme “The Human Pulse of Place and Purpose: Beyond the numbers, exploring the strategic forces shaping cities,” you are invited to help shape a programme that turns insight into action for…
From TSNN: ECA’s Tommy Goodwin explains what’s at stake as SCOTUS hears arguments in two tariff cases on November 5 and why it matters to the trade show industry: Since January 20, the White House has been ground zero for tariff policy changes negatively impacting the trade show industry. In the coming days, the focus…
Business events across the U.S. are facing mounting cancellations and disruptions due to the ongoing federal shutdown that began on October 1. Government-linked conferences are hit hardest, with major gatherings being scaled back or scrapped entirely, forcing planners to re-evaluate travel, location and engagement strategies amid uncertainty. From Skift Meetings…
Nearly 90 senior executives and thought leaders gathered in Washington, DC for the new gathering, designed to bring together the most influential voices in corporate travel management. The event offered a platform where Travel Management Companies, suppliers and buyers could exchange ideas, challenge assumptions and explore the evolving business case for managed travel. From TravelPulse…
International meetings have become the critical platform for increasing implementation and broadening understanding of the societal importance and key concepts behind Circular Economies and related business practices. As with any complex process, the fastest way to learn and generate new ideas is face-to-face, bringing together technical experts, policymakers and business leaders. From From CMW…
The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) Australia and New Zealand Chapter have signed a three-year memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing research, professional development, talent growth and sector visibility. From Meetings & Conventions Asia…
Erik Hansen, a 15-year veteran of the U.S. Travel Association, has been named senior VP, head of government relations. He will lead the association’s advocacy on travel policies, including infrastructure, border management, and traveler programs, as the U.S. prepares for events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. From U.S. Travel Association…
From TSNN: A newly authorized $250 Visa Integrity Fee could reshape the cost — and feasibility — of attending trade shows and exhibitions in the U.S. Though slated to take effect October 1, 2025, the fee remains in bureaucratic limbo. No one’s paying it yet, but many are bracing for impact.
From GCB: PCMA and the German Convention Bureau (GCB) have announced a strategic collaboration bringing together two innovative initiatives – Destinaitor and Open Data MICE Germany – to shape the future of business events intelligence and destination marketing. The partnership aims to enhance global accessibility, foster cross-border collaboration, and position business events as catalysts for…
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress 2025 has been certified compliant with the ISO 20121:2024 certification for sustainable event management, recognising its commitment to organising a responsible and sustainable World Conservation Congress in 2025. IUCN has strived to ensure all aspects of Congress operations adhere to rigorous sustainability standards…
For the first time in 20 years, the United States is no longer ranked amongst the world’s Top 10 most powerful passports. Once unrivalled at No.1 in 2014, the American passport has now slumped to 12th place, tied with Malaysia, with visa-free access to only 180 of 227 destinations worldwide. From Henley & Partners…
The partnership supports the implementation of IAPCO’s Sustainability Strategy and introduces two cornerstone initiatives: a new Sustainability Award powered by Business Events Australia, and the development of a new IAPCO Sustainability Toolkit designed to equip professional congress organisers (PCOs) with practical tools and insights to drive measurable environmental and social impact.
This inaugural, invite-only business and professional events Global Policy Forum is a collaborative initiative between ECA, UFI – the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry, and MAD Event Management. The focus will be on key public policy issues shaping events around the world, including: sustainability; talent; and international travel and commerce. From ECA…
The Iceberg, the platform and metaphor for business & professional events advocacy, presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council, is to be transferred from The Fred Production Company Ltd to The Iceberg Trust, a non-profit UK-based Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) from January 2026. The Iceberg was founded in 2017 by James Latham with the support…
Showing Featured Case Studies
View all Case Studies
Hip replacements in Africa, domestic violence abatement in Mongolia, autism inclusivity, First People’s engagement, public health structural transformation – the wide-ranging case studies highlighted in this Boardroom article have one thing in common: a shift from “recognising” the impact of events, to partnerships between organisers and destinations that proactively plan for positive outcomes and long-term…
This post-conference report from the latest edition of AHAIC held earlier this year in Kigali, Rwanda illustrates how international meetings can not only identify critical vulnerabilities and shared challenges, but can craft and launch local-needs-led programmes aimed at building continent-wide resilience and innovation. AHAIC now has a decade-long track record of convening African thought leaders…
At ICCA Congress 2025, Conference Ambassador Professor William McLean presented the legacy story of the World Endodontic Congress (WEC) 2024, a finalist in the Incredible Impacts Programme 2025. Hosted by the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA) and British Endodontic Society (BES), WEC 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland, harnessed creative, engaging activities to boost oral health…
This press release from The Hague & Partners is included under “Case Studies” because it is an excellent example of how to communicate the “below the waterline” impacts of international meetings (as opposed to focusing on direct delegate and organiser expenditure), and how these impacts align with a destination’s intellectual capital strengths and economic development…
This unique business partnership case study from the world of exhibitions has a wide range of potential lessons for all sectors of the business events industry, not just for other trade show organisers. “What got us here will not get us there” has become an MBA cliche, but in this case Messe München and the…
David Adler deconstructs the unique outcome-oriented elements that Young Presidents Organisation has incorporated in their Global Business Summit, with invaluable lessons for any organisers focused on how to maximise the deal-making and relationship-building elements of their own events. Read the GatheringPoint.News article here
The 14th Autism Europe Congress (AEC 2025) has been recognised for its societal impact, earning the 2025 Incredible Impacts Seed Grant Award from ICCA and BestCities. The Congress, held in Dublin in September, in partnership with AsIAm and Fáilte Ireland, focused on accessibility and meaningful inclusion for autistic people, with the programme and event design…
IPVC won the Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Grant for its advocacy and engagement programmes at IPVC 2024 in Edinburgh, resulting in a nationwide HPV information hub reaching thousands of people across Scotland, involving over 1,200 students in educational workshops, and embedding HPV education into numerous academic and community programmes. Now this initiative will extend into…
Prof. Liam Glynn of Limerick University shares the remarkable journey to impactful change from his remote General Practice in Ireland’s Ballyvaughan, County Clare. Starting from the creation of a political movement – No Doctor No Village – reversing post-GFC rural healthcare policy in Ireland. Attracting one of the world’s leading rural healthcare conferences to Limerick…
Showing Featured Reports & Research
View all Reports & Research
This report launched at this year’s IBTM World sets out in detail the intentional planning and sophisticated business models behind Sarawak’s journey from minor regional conference destination to impact-oriented success story, with lessons for other destinations aiming to unlock the potential of their intellectual capital and to attract events that drive local economic development priorities.
A report from The Business of Events & ICC Wales uncovers a major disconnect between how accessible venues believe they are and the reality faced by delegates. Based on feedback from 1,000 delegates and more than 100 venues, the research identifies widespread challenges such as inaccessible layouts, untrained staff, overstimulating environments, and limited accessible facilities.
GainingEdge has released the third edition of its Leveraging Intellectual Capital Global Report, analysing more than 7,500 international associations. Building upon the foundations of the 2021 report, the new edition introduces a refined methodology that broadens the analysis beyond associations hosting large congresses (over 500 participants) to also include mid-size conferences (200–499 participants).
This excellent benchmarking project by City Nation Place offers a wealth of strategic yet practical advice on this critical issue, with perspectives from destination representatives and owners/organisers of a wide range of international events. Download the report to learn more and to understand how you can leverage events to deliver against your place brand ambitions.
The latest report includes data from 11 trade fair bodies in 16 European countries and covers 2,240 exhibitions, totalling 23.1 million m² of net space rented in 2024. The number of events covered by the ‘Euro Fair Statistics’ report has continued to grow in recent years. UFI estimates that this year’s data represents almost 55%…
BCD Meetings & Events has released its What’s Trending 2026 guide. The report sets out what will shape meetings and events next year, with global findings and regional detail to help planners adjust programmes, budgets and formats in practical ways. The guide finds that meetings are now treated as strategic spend. From CMW…
A new analytical framework and report breaks down exhibition organizer income into five segments. Former UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf has developed the “5 S Model for Organiser Sales Segmentation,” as a way to address the long‑standing challenge of standardising how the industry measures and ranks the revenue streams of trade show companies and event organisers.
Destination Canada has completed its first Climate Action Plan — a major step in its sustainability journey and a signal of Canada’s leadership in regenerative tourism. Together with its long-term conference impact research, it highlights the importance of minimising negative environmental impacts while maximising the positive societal impacts generated by business and professional events.
AIPC is strongly recommending that its congress centre members and other business events organisations should study and apply the recommendations in the World Economic Forum’s 2005 report, “The Cyber Resilience Compass”. Drawing on over 100 experts across industries, the paper distills real-world lessons on how to anticipate risks, strengthen collaboration, and transform cyber awareness into…
There are plenty of thought-provoking insights and useful lessons for Business Events professionals from the parallel universe of music, culture and the creative economy, in this White Paper style report produced by specialist agency Sound Diplomacy.
Destination leaders recently gathered in California as Destinations International shared new research and resources for destination organisations to strengthen reputation, advocacy, and long-term success. This included The Advocacy Leadership Imperative, produced with MMGY NextFactor and supported by the DI Foundation, outlining a model for destination advocacy that embeds it across governance, strategy, and performance.
Skifts’s third annual summit for CEOs and thought-leaders in the Business Events Sector tackled some of our industry’s toughest issues. Their key findings are essential reading for all those who want to understand the ways and unprecedented speed with which our sector is evolving, and the future challenges that are heading in our direction.
Showing Featured Opinions
View all Opinions
Rotterdam & Partners’ Business Development Manager Catherine Kalamidas argues for the unique role only DMOs can play in bringing together business, academia, government, civil society and environmental interests using business events as a focal point for collaboration and intelligent, coordinated development that serves all interests. She argues that if a DMO is defunded, its role…
Destination DC’s Melissa Riley argues for the continued positive interrelationship between leisure tourism and business events, and that bed-nights will continue to be the dominant KPI for destination organisations in the US, funded as they are primarily by bed tax. However, her organisation is increasingly targeting events based on policy priorities of the DC district…
Atti Soenarso argues that behind every breakthrough in physiology or medicine, chemistry or physics, literature and peace, lies not just genius but conversation, debate and collaboration, often in the corridors of meeting venues: Every December, the Nobel Prize award ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway, remind the world that brilliance rarely blooms in solitude…
Gary Grimmer argues that developing a value proposition around event impacts is the most strategic issue facing both destination promoters and events organisers. If we measure and report impacts effectively using multi-dimensional KPIs that communicate the industry’s full economic, social and environmental value, we’re going to be part of a more successful and sustainable industry.
AMI Editor James Lancaster re-ignites the ever-contentious debate about whether there are too many business events industry associations, which he argues has lead to an even greater number of less-than-effective partnerships and joint advocacy initiatives. Are we suffering from too much “talk-the-talk” and not enough “walk-the-walk”!
Soolnua co-founder and events industry commentator Padraic Gilligan sounds a warning note on the optimism pervading many recent industry surveys and reports, especially regarding the underlying health of the US economy: At this stage, most of the usual trend and forecast reports for the business events industry have landed. Reading through them, you can’t help…
Dr Hayley Walker of IÉSEG presents an analytical argument with challenging perspective on the effectiveness of “mega-events”, especially those originally designed as government-to-government negotiation platforms, but which have attracted the involvement of big business and different communities of interest. As an industry, shouldn’t we be advocating more strongly for “impactful & effective meetings” not “bigger…
On this recent Boardroom Association Podcast, Alex Filicevas, Executive Director of the World Bladder Cancer Patient Coalition, and Charley Stoney, CEO of the European Association of Communication Agencies, put forward key steps associations of all sizes can take with relation to both Board best practices and conference diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) implementation.
David Adler critiques the self-promoting, excessive-growth industry that Business Events industry awards have morphed into, praises those who have stood up to say “count me out”, and highlights the attributes and achievements we should be recognising if we wish to promote our sector in a way that resonates with the outside world. From GatheringPoint.news…
Mark O. Schloesser, Senior Venue Consultant, Gaining Edge, calls for a more holistic approach to data management within major event venues. Reliable data across all key disciplines is essential for success, but depends on having a culture of accuracy, transparency and accountability – how many venues can honestly claim to have this throughout their organisations?
Business Events Montreal argues that destinations and the business and professional events they host should unapologetically push back against censorship, DEI “cancellation,” and anti-science climate-change denialism. It says safe platforms for civilised disagreement are vital for progress and believes this stance strengthens Montreal’s appeal for international meetings, aligning business interests with a firm moral position.
David Adler profiles one of the individuals who have done the most to shape the modern entrepreneurial trade show sector, and in doing so defines essential, universal leadership attributes for success, but also advocates for the importance of having societally valuable personal objectives in such a profit-centric ecosystem. From GatheringPoint.news…
Padraic Gilligan considers the implications of the intangibility of key assets that make our industry. When business models rely on events which exist briefly, with no guarantees of future revenue, and on the intellectual and experiential capital of staff who could leave tomorrow, how can accountants and venture capitalists place a value on such businesses?
Showing Featured Education
View all Education
Under the theme “Bridging Minds: A Collaborative Innovation Journey,” EDGE Stockholm 2026 introduces exciting new features designed to make your learning journey even more impactful. Join colleagues from around the world for three days of dynamic education, meaningful connections and authentic Stockholm experiences — and help us launch the next decade of EDGE learning, leadership…
This five-day immersive program will equip industry professionals with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to advance excellence in convention centre operations through expert-led sessions, practical exercises, and meaningful peer exchange; designed to cover all key aspects of venue management — from finance and operations to strategy and leadership.
The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of IAPCO EDGE Seminars from where it all began, Auckland New Zealand. This event is open to IAPCO members and all other meeting professionals in the APAC region. Register your interest to attend now in order to avoid missing the limited spots available.
A targeted, cost effective form of training and development, providing the means to establish industry networks that facilitate future professional growth. Using a diverse international faculty and range of guest presenters, it offers a full curriculum and a comprehensive industry overview with ongoing updates of all key areas of centre management, operations, finances and marketing.
The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…
At IMEX, the free professional education program includes 150+ in-depth seminars, hands-on workshops and specialist forums at each show, covering a wide range of industry insights, trends, and best practices. Spark your imagination at groundbreaking keynotes, soak up fresh ideas from experts and innovators, keep up with the latest event tech, polish your professional skills.
The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…
Participants gain insights into current issues, industry trends, and key customer perspectives, setting the stage for intense competition on the IMEX show floor. The Summit creates a global forum to assess key market challenges and develop innovative strategies, bringing together over 50 senior-level convention centre executives, client representatives, and marketing specialists.
The Summer School 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 tourism industry’s most lucrative sector. It is perfect for those just starting…
The event 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 dealing with tourism. Participants are invited to register for both days or can choose…
This event is open to senior meeting professionals and previous EDGE Seminar attendees. It is open to both IAPCO members and non-members. The event website will go live soon but we encourage you to register your interest to attend now in order to avoid missing the limited spots available.
Showing Featured Events
View all Events
For 70 years, PCMA has been more than an association. We have been a conduit for change, a catalyst for innovation, and a community that drives the business events community forward. As we gather in Philadelphia, a city built on bold ideas and collective action, our focus is clear: to look back to push forward,…
The CVB Expert Meeting (open to all CVBs) is a compact 1.5-day format combining focused discussions, informal networking and shared moments around the table. Whether you are leading a bureau, managing operations or driving strategy, this meeting is built to offer both practical value and meaningful connections in a relaxed and open environment.
IPEC, for independent planners, offers a unique chance to explore new venues and destinations; engage in peer-to-peer learning in a collaborative, non-competitive environment; and gain education tailored to you as a business owner and entrepreneur. All qualified buyers will be fully hosted by Northstar Meetings Group for two productive days of prescheduled meetings with key…
Discover the perfect blend of innovation and heritage at the BestCities Global Forum 2026 in vibrant Guadalajara, Mexico. Under the theme “Innovating with Tradition, for a Sustainable Future,” this transformative event will explore how tradition can inspire modern solutions for a brighter, greener future. Join global thought leaders, association executives, and city representatives for an…
AIME is Asia Pacific’s largest and longest running business events exhibition and learning platform. It connects a global community of business event professionals with industry suppliers. AIME 2026 will play host to 20,000 meetings between exhibitors and buyers. We pride ourselves on the quality of these meetings, we use a seamless blend of human expertise…
Join peer CEOs to discuss and strategize about the future of your organisation, share best practices in innovation, change management. From budget constraints and political changes, digital transformation in the visitor experience, sustainability and shifting visitor behaviours, we will explore key challenges faced by our DMOs’ leadership and explore key paths for success and transformation.
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 best practices between associations and meeting suppliers. The workshop will bring together up to 15 Destination Marketing members from across the world with their International association…
The summit is the preeminent gathering place of marketing, communications and public relations professionals dedicated to helping destination organizations thrive. Benefit from the interaction, information and insights offered by this unrivalled opportunity for personal and professional development tailored specifically to seasoned marketing and communications professionals at destination organizations.
Proudly hosted by four IAPCO PCO members — AFEA, CONVIN, ERA, and ERASMUS — together with IAPCO destination partner This is Athens–Convention & Visitors Bureau, this landmark gathering will bring the IAPCO community together in the birthplace of the first symposia, united in purpose to keep #UnlockingExcellence.
Northstar Meetings Group’s Luxury & Wellness Meetings event connects North American planners seeking luxury or wellness-focused venues for their meetings or incentives. Those 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 elite buyers
UFI Asia-Pacific Conference Heads to Bangkok in 2026! This annual gathering is a key regional event for exhibition industry professionals, offering high-level insights, networking opportunities, and the latest updates shaping the industry in Asia and beyond. With its dynamic events landscape and rich cultural heritage, Bangkok promises to be an exceptional host city.
The elite event for North American meeting and incentive travel buyers who are focused on placing programs around the world. Attendees will learn from industry experts, make invaluable business connections, and experience unforgettable activities at New York City’s iconic landmarks. This unique event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands – Successful Meetings, Meetings…
Showing Featured Ambassadors
View all Ambassadors
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
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
Natalie O’Brien AM is Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), where she is responsible for the strategic direction of the business. She also has oversight of planning and future operation of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, opening in 2026. Natalie is a former CEO of Food + Wine Victoria, producers…
Ben works in the international not-for-profit sector with an emphasis on professional medical associations. Since 2019 Ben is Executive Director of EASL, European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL has over 5,000 members, an annual meeting with over 7,000 participants, a portfolio of hybrid educational meetings, an online education platform and mobile solutions…
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
Tommy Goodwin is Vice President for the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), a newly-formed association dedicated to the recovery and advancement of the business events industry. In this role, he leads ECA’s advocacy and member engagement work on behalf the interconnected ecosystem of exhibitors, show and event organizers, suppliers, venues, and destinations that comprise the…
Website: View website
Anna is a business event and tourism professional with European and Canadian expertise. She studied for her career at the University of Brighton in the UK and subsequently worked for international tour operators Thomas Cook and Cosmosair group before emigrating to Canada in 2005. British Columbia was her home for the first eight years, honing…
Website: View website
Born in Toronto, Canada, Greg has divided his life between living in Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa. More than 25 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 centres. Greg had the…
Website: View website
Managing Director and owner of SFA Connect (trading name for Sarah Fleming Associates Ltd), Sarah has over 25 years’ experience in the Meetings Industry. She was a board director of a leading UK PCO for ten years where she handled numerous large, high-profile events all over the world. Through this work she gained an in-depth…
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
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
Alex Alles joined JMIC Joint Meetings Industry Council in August 2022. There he is responsible for the overall operations of the association as well as the project office of the Net Zero Carbon Events. NZCE is an industry-wide initiative aiming to help stakeholders of the meetings and events sectors to decarbonise. Before joining JMIC, Alex…
Showing Featured Publications
View all Publications
Showing Featured Recommended Reading
View all Recommended Reading
Stay informed with the latest association insights and trends by subscribing to regular updates from Boardroom, the global reference point both for the world of associations and within the meetings industry, with articles written by the sector’s most-experienced professionals and a magazine endorsed and supported by the members of its Association Advisory Board.
Everything you wanted to know about how US policymaking influences business events, and how to participate in campaigns designed to nudge policy in the right direction. Every other Friday, the ECA Advocacy Update email newsletter shares the latest advocacy news from Washington, DC and beyond on the public policy issues that matter to the industry.
Receive monthly updates from GDS-Movement, a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world, empowering tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in.
A monthly update of reports, news, events and insights into the exhibition and trade show sector from UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry – this is where the global community stays connected and informed.
Northstar Meeting Group’s flagship business events newsletter, with the option to sign up to lots of specialist feeds, including region-specific news, and the latest news of interest to association meeting professionals. Providing meeting planners and suppliers with comprehensive information and original content in the form of articles, magazines, podcasts, and videos.
For an academic perspective on the events sector (as opposed to the usual industry-led approach), make sure you follow the Centre for Events and Festivals. Many of CEF’s professors are attempting to evaluate events with a much more scientific rigour than is the norm. CEF Insights are short, accessible articles written by industry experts.
For perspectives from around the world on destination competitiveness in the business and professional events space, check out the regular thought-pieces from the GainingEdge experts, exploring trends, developments and insights in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and destination-marketing industries, and strategic topics for DMOs, CVBs associations, exhibition & conference venues, and their advisors.
No-one covers every area of event tech from AI to Zoom like Julius Solaris! Company updates & product reviews; trends & mega-trends; hard-hitting commentary & informative opinions based on hands-on experience. Join the 35,000+ event professionals who receive the free Boldpush Newsletter every Wednesday – popular with Event Marketers, Event Planners, Agencies, and Suppliers.
David Adler is consistently one of the most eloquent and far-sighted commentators on how the business and professional events sector is changing, and the mega-trends most likely to shape that evolution. He’s also never afraid of a good controversy! GatheringPoint.news is the insider’s guide to the most powerful industry you don’t hear enough about…
The mission of Our World in Data is to make data and research on the world’s largest problems understandable and accessible. Sign up to receive a biweekly Digest with highlights of their latest and past work every other Friday, to keep abreast of research, insights, and product announcements.
Showing Partners
View all Partners
AIPC represents a global network of more than 200 leading centers in 60+ countries with the active involvement of more than 1000 management-level professionals. It is committed to encouraging, supporting, and recognizing excellence in convention center management, based on the diverse experience and expertise of its international membership. AIPC maintains a full range of educational,…
IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) is a not-for-profit membership association and the only international organisation for accredited professional conference organisers. IAPCO Members are Professional Congress Organisers (companies, not individuals) who have qualified for Membership under the detailed application process by demonstrating that they consistently deliver PCO services to their clients and partners at…
Showing Featured Newsletters
View all Newsletters
