Travel is back, but is a storm brewing for the events sector?
Welcome to Issue #102 of Business Events World from The Iceberg & Partners. A cacophony of features, news, research, and opinions await, plus a damning report from Nature.com attributing over 10% of Global Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHGs) to the global events sector – more than the entirety of the United States.
The war of misinformation against the sector has indeed begun [see Research].
Use any arrow buttons to the right of a section, or click on the ‘View all’ option at the top right of each section. This way, you can unearth February’s full bounty of the continued impacts and legacies of business and professional events including some cracking editions from Boardroom, Mash Media, and PCMA’s CONVENE Magazine.
Enjoy, maybe even suffer, but be sure to share!
The Curator
curator@the-iceberg.org
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From the Cambridge Union debating chamber Michael Dominguez, President & CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), charts the leisure-led recovery of the travel sector but warns that commitment and consistency are key to successful government relations, advocacy, and support. The source code to the recent $1.7 trillion 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Act including the appointment…
At ‘The Great Industry Debate’ hosted in January by the Cambridge Union, UKinbound CEO and former Visit Britain chief, Joss Croft, echoes fellow speaker Michael Dominguez regarding the importance of consistency and relevance to government in communicating a new narrative. Croft confirms the need to elevate the ‘Gross Value-Add’ (GVA) in order to appeal to…
The BestCities Global Forum delegates in Vancouver were exposed to the social procurement and environmental activities developed within and by the city of Vancouver which can be applied to association meetings. The example of Ocean Wise, a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower communities and individuals to take action to protect and restore our…
The 12 BestCities Global Alliance partnership convened in Vancouver in December to once again drive legacy and sustainability standards for association meetings. In a sequel to the Capilano Impact Study Report, the attending associations react to the Vancouver experience. The next edition, in January 2024 will be in the medical city of Melbourne. The…
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The Exhibitions and Events Association of Australia (EEAA) and the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) have voted to merge their assets to form a new ‘peak body’ to support growth and industry development. Members of the Australian Convention Centre Group (ACCG) have also voted to unite the industry. From Association Meetings International…
“When I am asked why international conferences are important for the academic community I often reflect on my own experience. When a discovery is made in one location you can’t truly feel the context until you’ve spoken to an international audience” – Professor Barry Marshall. From Association Meetings International…
RX (Reed Exhibitions) joined fellow members of the UFI Net Zero Carbon Events initiative at Cop 27 in Sharm El Sheik, Egypt on November 11 to officially launch the event industry’s Roadmap to a more sustainable future. RX reveal how it is informing their journey to net zero. From RXGlobal.com…
Aircraft manufacturing giant Airbus has joined a consortium of companies including Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport with the goal of pioneering the commercial deployment of green hydrogen-powered aircraft. The six businesses in the Hydrogen Consortium include Airbus, Air New Zealand, Fortescue Future Industries, Taranaki’s Hiringa Energy, Fabrum and Christchurch Airport. From stuff.co.nz…
More than 400 hosted meeting and incentive buyers and an estimated 2,000 trade visitors attended the first day of Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to meet some 350 exhibitors from destination marketing organisations, hotels, conference centres, and other meeting industry suppliers. From Meetings & Conventions Asia…
Events industry charity Meeting Needs has made a donation of £2,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee on behalf of the the UK events industry following the series of devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The charity has also launched a match fund campaign to raise funds to support the rescue and recovery efforts. From M&IT…
Bangkok, Thailand has been selected to host the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2023 in October. The meeting will gather 155 member associations from 19 countries to discuss the elevation of the business events industry, emphasising Thailand as an international MICE leader. From BEAM…
SocialOffset.org, a nonprofit platform with a model similar to carbon-offset programs, helps organizations and their meeting attendees counter the effect of laws in a host destination that they oppose without resorting to boycotts. Attendees have an opportunity to offset the travel-specific and general sales taxes paid in a host destination during a meeting… From MEETINGSNET…
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Liver disease is killing over 300,000 Europeans every year. It is one of the silent killers of mass destruction. And it’s about to get significantly worse… In a case study video double-bill The Iceberg shares the ‘Legacy and Impact Trilogy’ developed for the International Liver Congress (ILC) in London by the European Association for the…
In December, the BestCities Global Alliance convened once more for its annual Forum, this time in Vancouver. The event always breaks new ground, particularly regards the evolution of impacts and legacies sought by professional associations and societies, and the host, to advance social and economic transformation. This was no exception. After the development of the…
Using the BESLegacy Initiative Guideline, the strategic pursuit of measuring the legacy impacts of the first International Conference on Education in the Digital Ecosystem (ICEdDE) 2019 were mapped. The authors found strong agreement on the immediate impacts that the conventions had on the delegates across eight domains: Knowledge Expansion & Education Networking & Relationship Collaboration…
An association for cataract surgeons ensures its events have a more positive social, environmental, and economic impact through measurement and strategy. What does it take to ensure an event has increasingly positive sustainability impacts? For the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), vision, collaboration, and action are key. It has taken the medical…
The International Academy of Pathology (IAP) is the largest worldwide professional body of Pathologists. Dedicated to the advancement of Pathology through educational exchanges worldwide, IAP has numerous divisions in countries and regions including Asia Pacific, Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Bridge to a Cure, the 34th World Congress, hosted in Sydney was one of…
What happens when associations prioritise long-term positive impact in the early planning stages of their event? And what kind of activities and outcomes can it lead to? To cast light on this, Copenhagen Legacy Lab is launching a series of legacy case studies. Throughout 2022, Copenhagen Legacy Lab has been rolled out at several congresses…
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Trend towards virtual and hybrid conferences may be an effective climate change mitigation strategy. Since 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has urged event holders to shift conferences online. Virtual and hybrid conferences are greener alternatives to in-person conferences, yet their environmental sustainability has not been fully assessed. From Nature.com…
What event organizers have learned about what their audiences want now: Here’s how a handful of organizations are incorporating lessons learned from the ways the pandemic affected their audiences, stakeholders, and members into their go-forward strategies – and how they continue to transform (or at least tweak) themselves and their events. From PCMA CONVENE…
As the new year began, meeting planner optimism continued to soar, as 61 percent of the 457 respondents to our first PULSE Survey of 2023 said they were more optimistic about the industry and only 12 percent said they were less optimistic. Download a free copy of the PULSE Survey report. From Northstar Meetings Group…
This study is based on a global survey, concluded in January 2023. It represents up-to-date information on the development and outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 21 markets and regions. The results highlight the quickening pace of the industry’s recovery in 2022 and a positive outlook for 2023. From UFI…
The GDS-Index is a destination-level programme that measures, benchmarks and improves the sustainability strategy and performance of tourism and events destinations. The GDS-ICCA-CityDNA 4-month course for Regenerative Destination Management starts on 2nd March 2023 The 2022 GDS-Index showcases brave, bold and pioneering destinations that recognise the urgent need to work together to regenerate cities…
Why do people attend face-to-face events in the future? In the new ecosystem of business events, which is characterized by digital and hybrid formats as much as by the longing for authentic locations, emotional experiences and sustainable concepts, people’s motivations are also shifting when they decide for or against physical participation in events. From GCB…
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International Advisor to Global Association Hubs Martin Sirk believes that people have a greater impact on outcomes than processes, regardless of the governance model. However, the potential harm caused by a single “bad governor” with significant influence over the association’s decision-making is often neglected in discussions of this topic… From Boardroom Global…
Zhanna Kovalchuk, Executive Director of the European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy, talks to AMI about the importance of knowing how, dealing with ‘confident’ men, and what the future holds for associations. Interview by James Lancaster, from Association Meetings International…
Events have the power to build inclusive communities and better places to live, highlighting the extent to which meetings and conferences can contribute to a destination’s societal impact. This was one theme explored in a webinar hosted by GDS-Index, a sustainability benchmarking and improvement programme for destinations around the world. From Meetings & Conventions Asia…
Equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) and belonging, all terms that have become part of our everyday lives as association executives. We know we need to do more. We know we have responsibilities. But how do we frame our actions unless we reflect on our privileges, biases and assumptions, as individuals and as associations? From Boardroom Global…
Despite evidence that attendees today have different priorities, business events have largely returned to the same formats as before the Covid pandemic. As organizers look to adapt to a new reality, industry leaders share their thoughts on the trade shows of the future. From Skift Meetings…
International Advisor to Global Association Hubs Martin Sirk argues that people rather than processes have by far the greatest impact on outcomes. Books, articles, case studies and panel discussions on this topic almost never examine the destructive potential of a single “bad governor” with influence over the association’s levers of power. From Boardroom Global…
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Global industry thought leaders will share their insights and knowledge with the participants in a campus-like environment and will be available throughout the duration of the programme to provide coaching and guidance when it comes to the team challenges, which aim to shape the future of convention centre management. Next to learning and shaping, connecting…
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 and best practices between associations and meeting suppliers. ICCA Business workshop offer an informal and small platform for associations and meeting suppliers to interact, and thus attendance is capped at 30 persons (15 ICCA…
Work alongside industry peers and grow your global network; continue to stay on top of market trends and developments in the exhibition industry. The programme will cover a wide range of relevant industry topics; set to two hours per topic, the online UFI-EMS will allow you to take part in the training in addition to…
EduCon’s energetic, immersive and provocative program attracts thought leaders, event marketers, experience designers and business events strategists from around the world. EduCon is known industrywide for its innovative approach to education — and the small-group learning that builds lasting relationships.
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 18th TourMIS Users’ Workshop & International Seminar will be hosted in Vienna, September 7-8, 2023. It is organised jointly by City Destinations Alliance, the European Travel Commission & Modul University Vienna and is aimed at city, regional, national, and international tourism organizations, as well as universities and companies from the hospitality and tourism industry. It is directed toward managers,…
Every Wednesday, Iceberg Ambassador Anna Look hosts a FREE Q&A session to motivate & inspire business event professionals. Boost your week, ready to slay your 2023 sales targets with Anna’s industry trends insights and advice on tackling your specific prospecting worries. Let Anna help you get unstuck with tips, tricks and motivation.
GDS-Movement and Meet4impact changemakers, Jessica Vandy and Alexis Kereluk, and Simpleview’s Future Tourism Group lead, David Peacock, discuss how to how to build momentum and action to develop lasting positive value through sustainability efforts that continuously support more regenerative tourism on the Future of Tourism podcast. “We need to take a very careful look at…
Discover how Singapore, as a premiere business event destination, can help you organize impactful conferences. In this special Knowledge Capital Boardroom MiniCourse, Carrie Kwik, Executive Director Europe, Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau, explains what makes Singapore so special when it comes to organizing high-quality association events that will have long-lasting legacies both for your organization…
On-demand education from experienced industry professionals: This series of lessons can be reviewed at your own pace, on-demand, saving your progress as you go. At the end, you will take a quiz on what you’ve learned to receive a certificate of completion for CMP credits.
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.
CCASkills delivers the only globally recognised certification for suppliers in every sector of the meetings industry. From juniors to executives, ICCASkills benefits meetings services professionals at any stage of their career. The two different certification tracks offer tailored learning paths and advanced course content. All instructors are industry experts with proven teaching abilities and international…
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City Destinations Alliance is proud to announce that the next CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly will take place on April 19-22, 2023 in Sofia! We are so excited to work with Sofia Tourism Administration to welcome you in this wonderful city and can’t wait to discover its many wonders together. Pencil the date in…
Emerging Leaders is dedicated to connecting the next generation of meeting and incentive planners and sellers. Buyers will be qualified based on their involvement in current meeting/incentive programs for their organizations as well as nominations from their senior management teams. Emerging Leaders will build authentic relationships between buyers and suppliers through collaborative content sessions, marketplace…
We are pleased to announce that ICCA France Benelux and Central European Chapters will organise their annual meeting in a joint format. And what better city to bring together the members of our two communities than Strasbourg, a Unesco World Heritage Sites City? Did you know that the city hosting our event was batted back and…
leaders of the trade show and events industry in the Americas will gather to discuss common strategies for the different realities of the region and the world. The Conference will offer delegates two specialized matchmaking sessions, academic sessions led by 15 international speakers, insights into industry trends, sports and wellness activities, a city tour of…
Save the date for the 2023 UFI MEA Conference in Doha from 10-11 May 2023! Open to both UFI members and non-members, the UFI MEA Conference is the leading international exhibition industry event in the region. We look forward to seeing you there! More information to come soon.
Destination West is the premier hosted-buyer event for qualified meetings and incentive professionals sourcing programs in the West. Formerly Discover Colorado, Destination West will also include other destinations and hotels in the Western U.S. Destination West enables attendees to experience firsthand the most desirable destinations, hotels and activities for successful meetings, while making invaluable business…
Incentive Live offers a compelling agenda that makes this event a must-attend for industry professionals. In addition to one-on-one appointments with top incentive destinations, hotels/resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs, brand name merchandise, gift cards and tourism offices, Incentive Live presents leading industry experts providing the latest perspective on industry trends and best practices that will…
For each of the past 16 years, the AIPC Sales and Marketing Summit has proven to be the perfect kick-off for member participation in IMEX and all the client and industry interactions it entails. Summit participants have the opportunity to compare notes on current issues, consider the latest industry trends and hear from representatives of…
The worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. Expect expert speakers, brand-new ideas and plentiful inspiration at 250-plus educational and networking events – and an exhilarating exhibition. Whether you want to keep up with fast-changing event trends, explore event tech, polish your professional skills or connect with your peers, our groundbreaking programme has it…
(This event is open to CityDNA members only, specifically to tourism professionals working on city cards schemes.) Our broad approach will include presentations and discussions on latest product developments, successful partnerships, innovating marketing strategies and much more. Meet and network with European colleagues managing city cards schemes, share knowledge and insights to stay ahead of…
ICCA is proud to announce the second in-person ICCA and AC Forum Event – The Future of Healthcare Meetings. This event is part of an exciting and collaborative initiative between ICCA and AC Forum, Europe’s only networking platform established exclusively for and by associations. The collaboration includes a series of signature events taking place over…
Destinations Exchange Europe is ETOA and CityDNA’s new event focussing on the commercial, operational and people-driven development of the tourism industry. A two-day programme of pre-scheduled B2B business meetings is paired with a series of knowledge sessions dedicated to product development and optimisation, overcoming operational hurdles and effective public/private destination management, with a focus on…
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Melissa Riley serves as the Senior Vice President, Convention Sales and Services at Destination DC (DDC), the official convention and tourism organization for the nation’s capital. A 26-year veteran of the travel and hospitality industry, Riley leads a team of more than 30 who work in concert to generate a positive economic impact for the…
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Geoff Donaghy is CEO of Australia’s premier convention, exhibition and entertainment venue, ICC Sydney, which since its opening has been successfully attracting local, national and international visitors with its focus on high quality events, local produce and commitment to service excellence. He is also the Group Director of Convention Centres for leading venue management specialists,…
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Amelia is a pioneer of BESarawak with over 21 years of branding, marketing and PR experience whose career in the sector began as a sales coordinator. Within 12 years, she helms the organisation as a CEO. Coming from the indigenous Bidayuh tribe of Sarawak, she is passionate about developing her homeland and providing opportunities for…
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As Chief Advocacy Officer, Jack Johnson manages the overall public policy operations at Destinations International including member advocacy education and training, development of destination tools and best practices, coalition work with peer organizations, industry research and related public affairs activities. He also oversees the board governance, the Destination Management Accreditation Program (DMAP) and the DestinationNEXT…
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Lesley joined BestCities in 2017 as Market Development Director, and was Managing Director from January 2020 to July 2023, following the decision of BestCities to award extending the management contract to GainingEdge. Lesley is a strong supporter and advocate of the beyond tourism impacts of meetings. In 2017 BestCities formed a collaboration with ICCA to…
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Senthil Gopinath has over 20 years’ experience in the meetings, association and leisure industry. He has held a wide range of positions, including CEO of Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, and Vice President of Kuoni. In 2006 Senthil moved to Dubai to work for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) arm of Emirates Group….
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Geneviève is a Canadian industry professional based in Montreal. She has 26 years of experience in congress management and consultancy services for national and international associations and has managed international events in over 20 countries. Geneviève has been active at elevating the industry’s capacity in sustainability and value creation since 2006, when she was an…
Working out of both USA and Netherlands; projects in Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America, with a mix of clients including IMEX, UFI, SITE and other international associations and meetings companies. Expert Advisor to tech start-up Kubify, Strategic Relations Advisor to IASP, the International Association for the Study of Pain, and International Advisor to…
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