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Iceberg Ambassadors Rodney Cox, Melissa Riley, and Kai Hattendorf argue the case for business events as a strategy for accelerated destination development, place leadership, capacity building, and the realisation of broader policy agendas. “Where’s the message,” asks Cox, “to government that if you want to fast-track your city to [becoming] a hub of expertise, there’s…
Where some destinations see only a glamorous sporting event, Singapore leveraged the most recent edition of its Formula 1 race to host and in some cases to originate and organise 25 strategic international business events. Director of Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, Carrie Kwik, explains how Singapore’s advantages as a regional hub for top talent,…
VisitScotland’s Rory Archibald outlines the ambitious thinking behind Scotland’s new business events strategy: deep conversations with association clients to understand what knowledge is being generated and exchanged, long-term data gathering plan, fast and flexible integration of past mistakes, strong alignment with policy goals for Scotland and its aspirations for citizens’ wellbeing.
Gathering Point’s David Adler explains how media-hosted events became the most lucrative — and least examined — marketplace for public advocacy. And what is true for the USA will almost certainly be the case in other arenas of policymaking influence, from the EU to Asia-Pacific.
From Meetings & Conventions Asia: Thanks to government policy, investment in an excellent events ecosystem and soaring ambition, Dubai is emerging as a global healthcare superstar. Its desire to provide a bridge for international knowledge-sharing is proving irresistible to some of the world’s most important medical events.
The German Trade Show industry contributes around €30bn annually to Germany’s economic output and safeguards at least 280,000 jobs, according to a recent report from the economic research institute Prognos, commissioned by the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA). The study is based on surveys of over 33,700 visitors and 17,700 exhibiting companies…
For the fourth year in a row, ESAE (European Society of Association Executives) curated and organised IBTM World’s Association Leadership Forum in Barcelona last November. International and European association leaders explored ways to design their meetings strategy in a less transactional way, and instead to use these events to drive forward the Mission and Vision…
A cooling labor market is compounding a long-simmering problem. Event professionals are being asked to do more with fewer resources, less institutional support, and, often, less pay. Simultaneously, seasoned professionals are exiting the industry at an accelerating pace. In many cases, they are replaced by less experienced workers, or not replaced at all.
Article needs its own title, different from video title, no space for sub-title. Industry leaders gathered in Barcelona during 2025 IBTM World to address key advocacy issues facing the industry, and to identify what collective actions could be taken at high-level and what work needs to be done at the local level where business event…
Globally, association leaders are rethinking what their events and global activities are meant to achieve, with the end goal being to create outcomes that matter – impact. As expectations evolve, destinations are increasingly assessed by the role they play in shaping these outcomes and enabling longer-term and meaningful impact. From Boardroom…
From City Nation Place: When it comes to marketing, we often talk about moving “customers” through the funnel – in place branding terms, what it takes to convert your target audience into visitors, investors, or residents. But what about when it comes to attracting, developing, and nurturing brand ambassadors? Stakeholder engagement and management is crucial…
From Kenes Group: In an era where attention spans are short and information overload is constant, one timeless skill is reshaping the future of medical education: storytelling. At first glance, the idea of using narrative techniques to teach healthcare professionals might sound unconventional. Yet, stories have always been how humans learn…
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VP of the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), Tommy Goodwin, emphasises the importance of effective advocacy in supporting industry recognition, regulation, capacity building, and fiscal support from government. But Goodwin believes that success is best delivered in partnership and collaboration between industry organisations and individuals across the industry and illustrated by ECA’s success securing the…
From Skift Meetings: ICE-related shootings and protests in Minnesota have triggered hotel closures, event cancellations, and attendance declines, forcing planners to weigh safety, attendee sentiment, and economic impact when deciding whether to proceed. The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent on January 24 has intensified unrest in Minneapolis…
IAPCO and PCMA have formalised a strategic collaboration through the signing of an MOU at PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The agreement strengthens cooperation across thought leadership, professional education, research, and emerging leader engagement within the global business events industry, establishing a structured framework for collaboration between the two global organisations.
This summary report of highlights from the recent PCMA Convening Leaders event in Philadelphia, the city where PCMA was first founded in 1956, 70 years ago: Convening Leaders 2026 delivered a powerful celebration of leadership, legacy, and the future of business events—bringing together the global community at a moment of reflection and renewal.
From M&C ASIA: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has entered into an agreement to transfer ownership and operational control of the International Journal of Business, Events and Legacies (IJBEL) to Curtin University Malaysia, a move aimed at deepening academic involvement in the business events sector in Sarawak.
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the unified public policy voice of the U.S. business and professional events industry, today announced its 2026 Elected Officers and Board of Directors. The following Elected Officers were selected by the ECA Board of Directors to serve a one-year term ending on December 31, 2026: Fernando Fischer (Chair), President,…
Supported by collaboration across government, industry, academia, communities, and global partners, the Tribe Legacy Sarawak Campaign has transformed how Sarawak delivers business events, shifting the focus from short-term tourism to long-term economic, social, and environmental impact, leading BESarawak to its strongest performance to date in 2025, as the organisation approaches its 20th anniversary.
The 11th edition of Global Exhibitions Day (GED) will be celebrated on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, under the theme “Exhibitions drive opportunities”. UFI encourages all businesses and professionals across the industry to celebrate GED by showcasing how exhibitions create opportunities for people, planet, and performance. Download resources and tools, and find inspiration here…
From Exempla: Exempla Management & Consulting, based in Brussels, Belgium, and Meet4Impact, based in Montreal, Canada are excited to announce a strategic partnership, creating new consultancy services designed to enhance the impact of mission-driven international associations. This collaboration brings together the complementary strengths of both teams to offer a unique, integrated value proposition.
The Events Industry Council (EIC) today announced the election of officers and directors to its 2026 Board of Directors. The EIC Board brings together senior leaders from across the global business events ecosystem and serves as the governing body of the Council, providing fiscal oversight and strategic direction for all EIC programmes and initiatives.
US withdrawal from over 60 international organisations (with many more still under review) has huge ramifications for American participation in and funding support for numerous international conferences around the world, and is also likely to significantly damage the US’s ability to attract and host any international conferences in related fields. From CNN…
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance, a unified public policy voice of the US business and professional events industry, has announced its 2026 Public Policy Agenda, outlining the organisation’s federal and state policy priorities for the year ahead. “2026 presents a critical moment for our industry in Washington, DC, and beyond,” said Fernando Fischer…
From Meetings International: A major boost for Kenya’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, President William Ruto on 15 December 2025 approved the operationalisation of the National Convention Bureau during a Cabinet meeting at State House – marking its re-establishment after being disbanded three years ago due to funding constraints.
From TSNN: The global exhibitions industry is entering 2026 with a burst of momentum, as leading organizers push into new regions, sectors and formats through a mix of high‑profile launches and strategic acquisitions. From safety and energy to tourism and design, established players are widening their footprints and accelerating growth plans to meet rising demand…
It’s often the case that business event calendars tend to hit a lull towards the end of the year as employees enter the holiday season. However, APAC’s business event suppliers are noticing a growing shift away from this trend, fuelled by rising demand for more meaningful experiences, and strategic drives to navigate uncertainty…
U.S. Travel Association issued a statement following the proposed changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application: “We are deeply concerned by the recent announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that it may seek social media history from Visa Waiver Program travelers to the United States. And without more detail from…
The Government of Canada will invest up to $1.7 billion over 12 years to attract and support more than 1,000 leading international and expatriate researchers, including Francophone researchers. Recruitment will target individuals who are advancing world-leading research in critical fields that will deliver direct economic, societal and health benefits for Canadians.
ICCA proudly announces a landmark sustainability partnership with EarthCheck, unveiled during the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in ICCA’s mission to embed sustainability and measurable climate action across the global business events industry. Under a new two-year agreement, EarthCheck becomes ICCA’s sustainability partner, reinforcing ICCA’s commitment to reducing…
A new U.S. Travel–Ipsos poll shows Americans fear the United States is falling behind other countries in delivering a modern, efficient travel experience. Congress can make immediate progress by returning billions of dollars from the the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee — a charge added to every airline ticket that is supposed to fund TSA operations…
Under an MoU signed in Hamburg, organisers will collaborate with Singapore Tourism Board to bring three conferences to Asia Pacific as the renewable energy industry becomes crucial to the environment. Another example of destinations using business event strategy to turbo-charge the development of key economic sectors. From MIX Business Events Magazine…
ICCA has signed a landmark partnership agreement with Beijing Capital Group Exhibitions & Events to co-develop a three-level professional education certification programme designed specifically for China’s fast-growing business events sector. The Certified International Business Events Professional (CIBEP) programme will introduce international standards, foundational industry knowledge, and practical skills to emerging and mid-level talent across China.
From Skift Meetings: A flurry of late-year dealmaking shows growing confidence in the events sector, even as geopolitical and economic uncertainty lingers. Investors see a fragmented industry ripe for consolidation. The events industry rarely sees a day like this. Five major deals were announced in a 24-hour window – activity that signals renewed confidence across…
Dubai will shortly have a new resource and additional motivation to attract international events specialising in environmental and circular economy fields, as such events will include potential investors, start-ups, and individuals who are potential employees of companies that base themselves in this new zone. From Meetings & Conventions Asia…
Recent deals and debuts show how specialization and regional diversification are fuelling the next wave of events trade shows and other commercial business events. Global organizers are accelerating growth through bold new launches and strategic acquisitions, reshaping the trade show landscape across multiple sectors. From TSNN…
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Destination Canada’s three-year Legacy & Impact Study highlights the long-term economic, social and environmental benefits of major events hosted in Canada. This case study examines the legacy of the One Young World (OYW) Summit, held in Montréal/Tiohtià:ke from September 18 to 21, 2024. Connecting emerging leaders from around the globe, the Summit catalyzed youth-led action…
It’s been a year since Destination North East England launched the first-of-its-kind Regenerative Visitor Economy Framework, developed in partnership with the Global Destination Sustainability Movement. Check out progress and the toolkit used to achieve a wide range of positive outcomes, relating to both business events and general tourism. Stories from North East England: Travel that…
In the case of events, the nation brand comes to life as a collective experience open to all. From community festivals to international forums, every event using the essential COSTA RICA logo becomes a space where national values are lived and shared. Between January and September 2025, more than 135 events across the country were…
When dentist Alain Perceval launched the first CIDAE congress in 2009, he wasn’t trying to build a legacy. He simply wanted to fill a gap – a space for clinicians passionate about adhesive and aesthetic dentistry to learn from the very best, in an atmosphere that valued science as much as human connection. Yet sixteen…
From Boardroom: The decision to bring the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters (5WCWS) to Sydney in 2025 was never simply about logistics. For Karen Bentley, CEO of WESNET, Australia’s national peak body for domestic and family violence services, it was a chance to deliver real, lasting change for women and communities across Australia and…
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Event matchmaking platform Conferli has produced this guide for associations to help them maximise the financial and in-kind support they can obtain from host destinations, with advice built on the results of a collaborative research project with #Meet4Impact and the GDS-Movement into the worldwide subvention environment.
2025 marked a major shift for the events industry, and Freeman’s End-of-Year Trends Recap examines what was most impactful. One of the significant opportunities, and challenges, coming in 2026 is how the industry must prioritise stronger retention strategies. Attendee retirement is outpacing attendee retention, creating a significant workforce challenge over the next three years.
In December 2024, Skift Meetings published its annual Skift Meetings Megatrends 2025 report, outlining the forces expected to shape business events in the year ahead. One year later, the results are mixed. Several trends materialized decisively. Others showed early promise but stalled amid operational, financial, or regulatory realities. Here’s how each prediction played out…
UK Events Report 2025 reveals that the UK events industry is now worth an estimated £68.7 billion, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the UK economy and a driver of innovation, trade, and tourism. The report highlights the UK’s growing reputation as a safe, stable destination for international events amid global geopolitical uncertainty.
Skift’s latest report highlights persistent uncertainty, talent gaps, condensed timeframes and rising costs, along with the impact of AI, political polarisation and the increasing prevalence of “micro events”. Lots of strategic issues are covered in this thought-provoking report, with clear insights on how to deal with the forces defining the year ahead.
The German Convention Bureau is looking to recruit 40 “research fellows” to participate in the first study in a series of research projects exploring the future evolution of business events, and is especially interested to hear from international meeting owners and organisers. Deadline for sign up is 28 February 2026. More details here…
The latest survey results show that unanticipated government actions are the biggest threat to meetings. Planner sentiment is trending downward again: Forty-four percent of planners are less optimistic than they were six months ago. Compression has eased and RFP responses have improved, though planner concerns over costs and contract terms have increased.
ICCA and Destination Canada have unveiled The State of Sustainability in Associations Report, revealing that while global associations increasingly value sustainability, many still struggle to turn commitment into measurable action. According to the study, 66% of international associations rate sustainability as very or extremely important, up from 60% in 2023, but consistent implementation remains elusive.
Victorian Convention and Event Trust, operators of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, released its Annual Report and Impact Report for the 2024-25 financial year. MCEC hosted 714 events, attracting 3.2 million visitors, reflecting its direct economic impact, and the social and environmental contribution of these events.
The Trends Report examines key forces shaping the global business events industry, drawing on data from 140+ sources. It reveals a high level of industry confidence, fuelled by factors such as events’ role as a powerful counterbalance to the digital world, deeper integration of analytics and ROI, and a focus on strategic thinking and innovation.
Trade show marketing contributes near $2 trillion to the worldwide economy. Trade Shows from One Country to the Next delves into the international differences when exhibiting products and services outside of your country of origin. The book focuses on the needed adjustments that must be made to achieve greater success communicating at a trade show.
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Prof Greg Clark summarises the key points from his keynote presentation to the 2025 ICCA Congress. We are living through a “century of cities”, as we head towards peak projected global population in the year 2080, with over 1600 cities currently having a population of over 1 million, a six-fold increase in 50 years. In…
IAPCO President Sissi Lignou calls for International healthcare conferences to be designed with the experiences of the end-beneficiaries of the conference theme as the central messaging. The PCO plays a critical role in bringing together all voices – destination representatives, event owners, delegates, speakers – to promote these key messages about impact and value created.
Anna Abdelnoor, CEO and Founder of isla, observes that too many travel and event sector association leaders are underplaying the turmoil in geopolitics and international business systems that we are currently experiencing and don’t understand that their members would welcome clear-eyed leadership statements on the changed reality of the environment they’re operating in. From AMI…
Meeting design guru Mike van der Vijver calls for the adoption of organisational and evaluation frameworks that highlight the good that meetings deliver (for delegates, event owners, host destinations and society at large), rather than those designed to simply minimise the negative carbon impact of holding the event. From AMI…
From AMI, by James Lancaster: The US military’s blitzkrieg against the Venezuelan government and the arrest of its leader, the dictator Nicolás Maduro, was the most dramatic moment so far in Trump the Sequel – but, despite the action likely contravening international law, it is unlikely to have much effect on whether or not international…
The events industry rarely lacks opinions. There are countless conversations, articles, and posts, about the purpose, priorities, and mechanics of successful business events. There are prophets and preachers, pundits and partners – all promoting what they claim (or seek to sell) as the truth or the best way forward. Yet there are just as many…
Dr Ahmed El Shan, Chairman and founder of ICOM, argues that the choice is stark for association leaders: become architects of the future or be rendered obsolete by it. The challenge is no longer to adapt, but to lead with purpose, harnessing innovation not just for survival, but to build resilient, relevant, and impactful communities.
Kai Hattendorf observes that much has been written and discussed in trends, outlooks, and on stages around the breakdown of the traditional business flow: For decades, the rhythm of the exhibition industry was rigid: Venues booked five years out, marketing campaigns launched twelve months out. That era is over, so how do we adapt?
Gathering Point’s David Adler argues that the more artificial the world becomes, the more essential real gatherings are to our collective survival. What we once called “events” has grown into something much bigger: the Gathering Economy: You can sense this maturity most clearly in the way audiences behave. The dependable six-month registration curve is gone…
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Loren Christie, MD, BestCities Global Alliance will join City Nation Place for this webinar to explore why legacy planning is so vital to event hosting, how you can effectively measure impact, and what it takes to get stakeholders on side – and to keep them there. Plus, you’ll also learn about BestCities Incredible Impacts Programme…
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…
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.
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…
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.
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…
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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…
Produced by Northstar Meetings Group and its flagship SportsTravel media brand, TEAMS Europe brings together the leaders who are shaping the future of sports tourism: Hosted event organisers from international sports federations, professional and semi-professional leagues, mass participation events, youth sports, and esports. Destinations, venues, hoteliers, and industry suppliers eager to grow their share of…
This event format presents a rare opportunity to have exclusive access to association executives and many touch points during the event that allow forming strong relationships not only on a professional but also on a personal level – so important in today’s world. Not knowing each other at the beginning but being almost friends after…
This year’s Summit brought together over 260 Association professionals for a day of learning, sharing, and community-building. The energy was unforgettable. Now, we have a challenge and a responsibility: to build on that momentum and make EAS26 even more impactful. Mark your calendars: #EAS26 will return with fresh sessions, new voices, and the highly anticipated…
Enjoy and learn from inspirational conversations with your peers. Share your experiences and concerns in a setting of openness and trust. You will be provoked, prodded and challenged to explore the most pressing leadership and industry issues through remarkable keynotes, hot topic presentations, break-out sessions, and panel discussions.
Co-located with the inaugural Business Travel Show Asia Pacific, the Meetings Show Asia Pacific returns to Singapore on 14-15 April 2026, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands Singapore. Together, the two powerhouse events will create the largest gather of group travel professionals ever seen in the Asia Pacific region, drawing unprecedented…
ICCA will be present at IMEX in Frankfurt, the largest tradeshow in Europe for the meetings and event industry. With the Global Advocacy Alliance, ICCA aims to equip attendees with practical knowledge and tools to effectively advocate for the event sector’s interests, ultimately contributing to its growth and recognition.
CityDNA International Conference is the premier platform for destination marketing and management professionals to push beyond traditional boundaries and embrace a future built on sustainability, digital transformation, and cross-sector collaboration. With a diverse range of expert-led sessions, this conference offers the opportunity to learn from the best and network with like-minded professionals.
The Convention Sales & Services Summit is a cross-functional gathering of sales and services professionals dedicated to helping clients plan and execute successful meetings and events. Gain strategic insights and leadership skills to drive your teams to success, sharpen your selling techniques and learn from the best in the field, explore cutting-edge trends and innovations…
The IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange is more than a conference. It’s an immersive three-day experience that unites the IACC community of venue operators, meeting professionals, and industry partners for bold thinking, practical learning, and powerful networking. Learn from forward-thinking speakers and thought leaders shaping the meetings and events industry. Connect with a global network of…
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.
IMEX Frankfurt is where the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry comes together annually for the largest trade show of its kind in Europe. Where 4,500-plus global meeting planners connect with 3,100 suppliers from across the world, building powerful working relationships—to create better events, meetings and experiences.
This one-and-a-half-day event provides attendees with a unique opportunity to meet and network with European colleagues managing city cards schemes, to share knowledge and insights to stay ahead of the latest market trends & anticipate customers’ needs, helping participants to grow their business in a sustainable way as well as strengthening their professional expertise.
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