AC Forum is the only association established exclusively for and by self-managed associations. Our mission is to be the pre-eminent platform for international associations, supporting a dynamic community and inspiring innovation and excellence in leadership and impact. We envision associations as driving forces of societal progress, envisioning and crafting a progressive future. Our objectives are:…
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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.
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…
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.
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?
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…
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.
An association’s Articles are their internal law. These fundamental rules can only be changed by sufficient members voting by 75% majority – so they need to be suitable. Join this practical interactive webinar to: Have the governance relationship between members and Board confirmed; Understand why purpose, membership and Board clauses are crucial; Know what not…
As associations are “owned” by members, understanding the governance relationships between members, the Board of Trustees and management is vital. Content: The importance of legislation and being incorporated; Why structure and scope of an association matters; Responsibilities and authority of the Board of Trustees; Key documents, especially Articles of Association; Best practice in running Boards.
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…
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 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
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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