Will you be with your family this festive season…?
Welcome to issue #110 of Business Events World from The Iceberg Partners & Ambassadors as we reflect and forecast over the Festive Break from the warmth of our homes, the love of our families, and food aplenty. Spare a thought, then, for our friends in Ukraine, who face desperately uncertain times as the wheels of political fortune lurch left to right in both the United States and Hungary. We certainly wish, also, for peaceful and sustainable conclusions to conflicts elsewhere, including in the Middle East, and especially the reunion of families and communities away from violence, incarceration, or displacement.
But let’s also celebrate the year when, at least, business and professional events bounced back to pre-pandemic levels – resuming their purposeful role in delivering the meeting places and marketplaces required to advance and reconcile our complex world, and sickly planet. Not least, let’s celebrate a first ever mention on the part of COP to eradicating fossil fuels – now wouldn’t that be a legacy for the BE sector, and our children, to look back upon?
In Features, there’s nothing quite like a Movement! The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) celebrated its first GDS-Forum in un-conferencing style alongside its co-located partner, the CityDNA Autumn Conference, in the stunning setting of Valencia, Spain. Check out the formats and building blocks to a sustainable & positive future in both The Iceberg video reports. Echoing the strategic importance of partnership, Carina Weijma partners with the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC) to engineer the ‘Triple Helix’ approach to corporate organisations, educational institutes (academia), and government co-creating or curating events across the country’s priority sectors to engineer a fast-track to its knowledge economy. And Iceberg partner, Boardroom magazine, shares fellow partner AIPC chief Sven Bossu’s belief that strategic [event] partnerships do indeed enable organisations to punch above their weight, citing the local AIPC Academy hosted by Toronto in partnership with the Convention Centres of Canada (CoCC).
In News, and talking about ‘movements’, Project SPARK – the generative AI tool for #eventprofs from PCMA – ignites as trust around data security plays to its member demands while the JMIC-administered NetZeroCarbonEvents Movement publishes its 7 Best Practise Guidance documents authored through volunteer workstreams covering priority areas from Waste Management to Offsetting & Travel.
ICCA posts a blockbuster Congress in Bangkok, GDS takes the industry ‘Pulse’ on Impact and Legacy, UFI launches an Advocacy Portal, VisitBritain heads to Edinburgh for its annual association engagement, and the CEO of the Hong Kong Conference & Exhibition Centre, Monica Lee-Muller, is awarded the JMIC Power & Profile Award from IBTM World in Barcelona.
In Case Studies, Skift shares a double-bill review of the legacies of WindEurope Electric City and the ESPGHAN Congress in MeetDenmark’s latest report, Powering Meeting Legacies: New Insights for Associations & Host Communities, while Iceberg partner GainingEdge’s Jane Vong-Holmes recalls the significance of the UNBROKEN National Rehabilitation Centre legacy of the International Rehabilitation Forum in Lviv. More to follow from The UNBROKEN Emergency Summit through the prism of ASSOCIATION WORLD founder, the talented Kai Troll, who bravely joined the Summit on behalf of his association community and who shares his views on how best to mobilise the non-profit sector to expand capacity for treatment of the wounded in Issue #111 of Business Events World, in January.
In Research, and in partnership with Tourism Economics, Destination Canada unveils its Fall Tourism Outlook Report looking at the opportunity gap that exists and how to mobilize industry & partners to address barriers to growth, GainingEdge reveals Edition #5 of its Competitive Index, the German Convention Bureau (GCB) reveals 2024: Business Events in a Transformative Era, LinkedIn is the social media tops for business reports Barbara Palmer, James Lancaster then reveals our addiction to social media, and M&IT magazine shares the IBTM World Trends Report from Barcelona.
In Opinions, AIB’s Lisbeth Switten shares the role of her organisation in assuring Ukraine of the origins of its energy sources, UFI’s Kai Hattendorf issues 5 Trends to Watch in 2024, PCMA’s Convene digital media manager Magdelina Atanassova catches Ben Goedegebuure at Convene EMEA in Copenhagen before his stellar on-stage performances in Bangkok, and PCMA’s Sherrif Karamat is careful with his words on the resignation of former Web Summit CEO, Paddy Cosgrave. Meetings International’s Roger Kellerman reveals his gritty retake of the Beatles favourite: “All You Need is Love!”, and Iceberg ambassador and trusted advisor, Martin Sirk, advocates for the ‘Wisdom of Crowds’ in Boardroom’s ‘The Joy of a Promiscuous Partnership’. All you need is grit.
These and an Iceberg hamper full of news, views, and articles as a potential source of inspiration for a bountiful 2024 which we, at the curated home of the legacies of business & professional events, wish you all. But remember this and remember to be inspired at Convening Leaders in San Diego, at Confex in London, and AIME in Melbourne as the business & professional event sector launches into 2024.
Festive best wishes one and all!
The Curator
Many of The Iceberg Partners & Ambassadors have asked us to join them in sparing a thought for the family and friends of the IMEX institution, John Starr, who sadly passed away last week. RIP, John.
John Starr
1948-2023
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In an eventful week, Valencia in Spain hosted the inaugural GDS-Forum organised by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) which preceded the CityDNA Autumn Conference. The Forum departed from the meeting norms of pre-pandemic times to unveil the ‘unconference’ which Founder and CEO, Guy Bigwood, described as ‘a workshop on steroids’. It was undoubtedly different…
Europe’s leading destination management and development leaders from cities across Europe and beyond convened to explore the positive impacts derived from tourism (and events) exploring 4 key pillars, or building blocks, including Climate Action, Social Responsibility, the Circular Economy, and Societal Impact. The event echoed the mission of the European knowledge sharing alliance for cities…
From Boardroom: As we strive towards a more sustainable future, the integration of AI into association operations can be a game-changer. It not only enhances the efficiency of organizations but also contributes significantly to building a more sustainable world. This article, part of our Building Back Better series, explores the ways in which AI benefits…
From Boardroom: Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC, the international association of convention centres, contends that strategic partnerships enable organizations, even if they’re small, to ‘punch above their weight’: We just had our first ever local AIPC Academy at the MTCC in Toronto, organized in close collaboration with the Convention Centers of Canada (CCoC). It is…
From Meetings International: In 2019, the Netherlands delivered a new vision for meetings and conventions put together by many people in and outside the industry. Conclusion: The triple helix approach of business events for the nation’s key sectors is essential. By sharing expertise and collaboration on specific topics, the Netherlands can achieve an impact beyond…
From Conference & Meetings World: One of Canada’s greatest offerings remains undiscovered by many. When people think of Canada, their minds may conjure images of pristine mountainous landscapes, some most famously friendly people in the world or perhaps simply a bottle of maple syrup. And while, yes, Canada is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty and…
From PCMA: Progressive and innovative, Sydney is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. In addition to an environment that is ripe for new and expansive ideas, the capital of New South Wales and one of Australia’s largest cities is equipped with an advanced infrastructure, from modern meeting facilities to a seamless…
From PCMA: It’s no secret that Canada attracts flocks of business events with its robust connectivity, top-of-the-line venues, and natural beauty. These days, the destination is promoting — and making readily available — an equally valuable asset: the country’s intellectual capital. Launched in April 2023, the Canadian Visionaries Network (CVN) is a one-stop shop for…
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Bruce MacMillan, chief operating officer at PCMA, joined The Iceberg at the Abu Dhabi Business Events Forum to reflect on the progress of Project SPARK, the organisation’s generative AI tool developed alongside Singapore technology partner, Gevme. The post-pandemic eventscape reveals a productivity gap addressed by SPARK and it’s unsurprising to see the organisation introduce an…
James Rees, President of JMIC: “These documents, vital to the development of an industry-wide standard pathway towards net zero carbon events.” The global industry leading Net Zero Carbon Events initiative has published seven best practice guidance and methodology documents that provide highly valuable actionable insights and strategies for the industry as organisations worldwide develop and…
This week, GDS-Movement and #MEET4IMPACT hosted webinars to celebrate and showcase their recent Impact Award shortlisted finalists. The guest speakers shared what they have learnt, some of the challenges they have faced, and the impacts they are creating, to inspire and inform future impact and legacy practitioners. A recording of the webinar is available to…
From Skift Meetings: The German exhibition industry faces a potential upheaval. Some consider long overdue reforms, while others view them as a threat to a well-established system. This conflict arises from the growing scrutiny over how “Messes”—the German term for trade fairs—operate and are regulated in Germany. A recent article in the German business and…
From Conference & Meetings World: National tourism agency VisitBritain has announced that its first ever Association Conference will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in Scotland, 5-7 February 2024. The VisitBritain Association Conference 2024 will see invited association meeting planners connect in person with professional suppliers and decision-makers from the British nations…
From ICCA: Across four magical days in Bangkok, the 62nd ICCA Congress (12 – 15 Nov 2023) emerged as a beacon of industry leadership, innovation, and advocacy for the international meetings and events industry. In a record-breaking ICCA Congress for the APAC region – and the third largest congress in ICCA history – 1,123 participants…
From Conference & Meetings World: Established international MICE industry trade show IBTM World organiser RX Global has announced it is to enter the APAC MICE show market, with the launch of IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 in Hong Kong in either March or April (firm date yet to be confirmed). The news was released at IBTM…
City Destinations Alliance has announced its Call for Speakers for its next International Conference, in Bologna on 24-27 April 2024, is now open. Industry professionals will be invited to perform a ‘collaborative reality check on urban tourism’ and the organisation is keen to hear from anyone who feels they have a valuable contribution to make.
From UFI: UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has launched a dedicated advocacy portal on the UFI website. The portal bundles information and materials on key industry initiatives, highlights relevant industry issues, and profiles partner institutions to drive and advance advocacy for the exhibition industry globally. In a constantly evolving landscape, UFI recognises…
From China National Convention Center II: As the world-renowned capital of China since ancient times, Beijing has now developed into a modern international city. It is home to seven world heritage sites and the first capital city in the world to have a UNESCO Global Geopark. China National Convention Center phase II (“CNCC II”), the…
From JMIC: Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), has been honoured with the prestigious JMIC Profile + Power Award for 2023. The members of Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) acknowledge Monica’s outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the events industry, recognising her exceptional achievements, global influence, and commitment…
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Every Convention can leave long-term positive changes for its host destination if thought is put into its planning, implementation and follow-up. Traditionally, destinations have sought only economic impacts regarding delegate numbers, hotel room nights, food and beverage spending by delgates, pre or post-touring heads and expenditure. In short, a convention is valued in dollars and…
From Skift Meetings: The industry is full of event legacy success stories, but rarely do we have a chance to understand the inner workings of the start-to-finish planning process. MeetDenmark’s latest report Powering Meeting Legacies: New Insights for Associations & Host Communities shares precisely this level of insight. As Skift Meetings recently reported, the white…
On the shoulders of the many The 28th UIA World Congress of Architects took place in Copenhagen from July 2-6, 2023. Its rallying call: “Sustainable Futures – Leave No One Behind” attracted more than 6,000 delegates from all corners of the built environment and from 135 countries. Convening in the Danish capital, the world’s leading…
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From AMI: The latest First Look Research survey from Northstar Meetings Group suggests one in four event planners are not in control of the amount of time they spend on social media, while almost 20 per cent say it is having a negative effect on their mental health. At the same time, the majority of…
From Destination Canada: Canada’s tourism sector has made significant strides since our previous outlook in Fall 2022 and we are now moving past recovery to a much welcome rebound, with tourism spend set to return to pre-COVID levels in 2023, earlier than previously forecasted. As we move from surviving to thriving, the Canadian tourism sector,…
This groundbreaking report, now in its fifth year, provides a comprehensive analysis of meeting destinations worldwide, offering insights into their competitiveness, strengths, and areas for improvement. This year’s edition shifts its focus to three major global regions: Top 30 EMEA destinations (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Top 15 APAC destinations (Asia-Pacific and Oceania), and Top 15…
From GCB: Megatrends such as New Work, demographic change, and Artificial Intelligence are on their way to becoming firmly established in our daily lives. In the context of business events, these and other trends have already driven enormous developments in certain fields. With its 2024 research focus, the innovation network Future Meeting Space addresses the…
From PCMA: LinkedIn, you may have noticed, is booming. Long considered the duller, nerdier counterpart to platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the 20-year-old business-oriented social-media channel was ranked as one of the top 10 fastest-growing brands in the world in 2022. The platform, which has reported that it adds a new user every three seconds,…
From M&IT Magazine: 2024 is set to be a balancing act for event professionals as the sector engages with some of the “biggest conversations of our time” according to the IBTM World Trends Report 2024. The annual report addresses some of the biggest macro-economic, political, ecological, and next-generation technological issues affecting the meetings and events…
From Conference & Meetings World: The Business of Events (TBOE), the independent advocacy group for the UK’s events sector, has launched the next edition of its Global Destination Report. Commenting on the report, Martin Fullard, associate director, The Business of Events, told Conference & Meeting’s World’s sister publication, Conference News, “This year’s Global Destination Report…
From Exhibition World: A new UFI/BSG report on the trade fair industry in Asia compares regional markets in 2022, when Covid was still affecting many Asian markets, with 2019 and finds that space sold dropped by 87% to approximately 3.2m. sqm over the period. The massive drop is attributed to China’s restrictive Covid-zero policy. The…
From AMI: A new white paper has revealed concerns over artificial technology (AI) being used in event planning. The white paper, authored by The Hague & Partners Convention Bureau and Ottawa Tourism, has identified that 63 per cent of global association buyers are either ‘very concerned’ or ‘slightly concerned’ about the ethical implications of using…
From PCMA: The last time we conducted the Meetings Market Survey — the results of which had been published every year, without fail, in Convene for 29 years — it was November 2019, and in the public mind, the pandemic referred to early-20th-century influenza, not the global health crisis we were on the brink of…
From Exhibition News: The UK exhibitions industry generates £9.4bn in trade, attracts 6.1 million global visitors and provides 99,000 jobs, according to the latest Economic Impact Study from the Events Industry Alliance (EIA). This report, the fourth of its kind, was first compiled in 2005 by KPMG and updated by Oxford Economics using the same…
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On the second day of IBTM World 2023, Gorazd Cad and Jan Orsic were joined by Christine Renaud, the CEO and co-founder of e180, a B-Corporation founded in Montreal in 2011, whose mission is to reinvent how humans learn around the world. Her brainchild – Braindate – has over a million users and has been…
From Association Meetings International: Liesbeth Switten was a lawyer before she became secretary general of the Association for Issuing Bodies (AIB). Now she thrives on bringing people and policy together. Interview by James Lancaster…
From The Japan Times: There is a common lament echoing through the halls of Expo City Dubai, the 400-hectare conference venue where the COP28 climate conference is being held: The event feels more like a slick trade show than an environmental summit. About 100,000 attendees — nearly three times those who attended COP26 in Glasgow,…
From UFI: It took our face-to-face industry only two years to essentially recover from the most serious pandemic in more than a century. In addition, the industry has managed to deal with global inflationary pressures not seen in a generation. On top of that, we have faced new wars and growing geopolitical tensions. Despite all…
From Meetings International, by Sherrif Karamat: The wrong choice of words, no matter how well-intentioned, can have a powerful and unintended effect. We have a striking example of that in the business events industry with the recent resignation of Paddy Cosgrave, former CEO of the Web Summit, Europe’s largest tech conference. Cosgrave stepped down from…
From Meetings International: “The bourgeois era, with its false and misleading concept of humanity, is over. A hard century has dawned. No one can master it with meekness but only with manliness and strength. The world is divided into lovers and haters. Only he who stands on solid ground knows exactly when to love and…
From Meetings International, by Roger Kellerman: Grit is a character trait that combines perserverance, inner drive and the ability not to give up in the face of adversity. It is a crucial factor in achieving success both at school and in professional lift. Grit can also be developed and reinforced by ourselves and through support…
Global Association Hubs’ International Advisor Martin Sirk argues that associations would benefit from a more uninhibited and broadminded approach to their strategic relationships: Of all the conference formats I’ve facilitated, none is more eye-opening and intellectually humbling than a “wisdom of crowds” workshop. The collective knowledge of a group of competent professionals… From Boardroom…
From The Conversation, by Ross Bennett-Cook: The summer of 2023 has been very significant for the travel industry. By the end of July, international tourist arrivals globally reached 84% of pre-pandemic levels. In some European countries, such as France, Denmark and Ireland, tourism demand even surpassed its pre-pandemic level. This may be great news economically,…
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Discover the valuable insights, trends and best practices that will help our industry drive a more sustainable future, and bring positive change to the communities and business we work with. This could make a profound and genuine difference to the way we all do business. Registration is required, so please secure your place today.
The Knowledge Program is the launchpad for the global events industry to come together, immerse in learning, growth and inspire events for next year and beyond. The theme for 2024, ‘The 4Ps of Glocalisation’, draws inspiration from the AIME global community’s wish of harmonising the relationship between global insights and local nuances.
Certified International Convention Executive (CICE) Course | Enhance your skills and accelerate your growth. This course is designed for higher-level executives, with 3+ years of management experience or CICS graduates, to learn about new strategies and business models to elevate the level of the industry for meeting suppliers. 7 modules with 35 Chapters for the…
ICCASkills Certified International Convention Specialist (CICS) Course | This course is designed for early and mid-level professionals, or young graduates wanting to gain hands-on knowledge about the industry and become a specialist in the field. No minimum experience required. Two two-hour online sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursday weekly for 8 weeks. We recommend…
Certified International Convention Executive (CICE) Course | This course is designed for higher-level executives to learn about new strategies and business models to elevate the level of the industry for meeting suppliers. Two two-hour online sessions take place on Mondays and Wednesdays weekly for 10 weeks. We recommend learners studying 1 hour per chapter prior…
The industry education programme for exhibition organisers. The curriculum was developed jointly with the UFI community, making it a programme designed by exhibition organisers for exhibition organisers. The UFI-EMS is part of the UFI Certified Professional designation and awards 20 foundation credits.
The AIPC Academy is the only comprehensive professional development program specifically serving the needs of international convention centre managers! Designed to address the critical need for centres to maintain fully qualified staff in a highly competitive industry, the AIPC Academy provides a targeted, cost effective form of training and development along with the means to…
At IMEX you can enjoy expert education, explore the latest event trends and experience your most productive days of the year. Whether you’re an events newbie or a pro (or anything in between), IMEX 2024 is exactly where you need to be. And as an added bonus – attendance is completely free.
The Intellectual Capital (IC) certificate program caters to destination sales and services professionals at all career stages. This program provides participants with vital knowledge and practical skills to effectively utilize the community’s infrastructure and economic resources, human and social connections, as well as cultural and creative assets. These capabilities directly contribute to the success of…
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…
In this dynamic and fun Masterclass we will explore traditional communication strategies and how they can be applied to communicating sustainability and enhance its purpose. You will be introduced to remarkable examples of storytelling by destinations and brands that inspire and elevate sustainability and make it accessible to broader audiences. We will explore behaviour change…
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.
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Discover why thousands of business events professionals and community leaders from around the world come to Convening Leaders every year to explore, through leading-edge education, research, and networking, how business events generate economic and social legacies for businesses and communities.
The BestCities Global Alliance is gathering industry thought-leaders, international associations and partner destinations under one roof. Global Forum Melbourne will explore how in-person meetings are critical to cultivating meaningful connections and purpose for meeting planners, associations and delegates. You can look forward to workshops, presentations and hands-on experiences that demonstrate the importance of in-person learning…
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world.
Mark your calendars for the ICCA Meetings Africa Association Day on Monday, 26 February 2024, preceding Meetings Africa, taking place on Tuesday, 27 February and Wednesday, 28 February. Stay tuned for more details to come!
Are you ready for the 2024 UFI Asia-Pacific Conference? Over the years, UFI’s Asia-Pacific Conference has become one of the exhibition industry’s most important gatherings for learning and networking in the region. After successfully restarting this year, we are headed to Macau. The conference will be held on 7-8 March 2024. Pre register here…
Destinations Exchange Europe is ETOA and CityDNA’s B2B event. It will take place over two days providing a great mix of commercially focused meetings, knowledge sessions, and opportunities to discuss product development and operational issues. In today’s rapidly evolving travel landscape, it is more important than ever for industry professionals to come together to share…
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. Topics include the impacts of a shifting workforce, technological disruption, the new role of the sales and services team, overcoming destination concerns of safety, political climates and human rights,…
Business Events Industry Week is a curated, multi-day experience focused on advancing the role of the global business events community in solving the economic and social transformational challenges of our audiences. The current environment has given us permission to experiment even more, as our members, customers and audiences are looking for new solutions to complex…
Held annually, the UFI MEA Conference is the most important annual gathering of exhibition industry leaders in the region. It is attended by senior representatives from government entities, convention bureaus, tourism boards, venues, and event organisers, in addition to economists, media and industry experts, from across the world. The conference will feature panel sessions and…
The Business of Events is where you will meet and join a like-minded community of relentless innovators and trailblazers who thrive on creating meaningful human connections and leverage events masterfully to drive business growth and social change. We will explore new thinking and research on changing consumer behaviours; delve into the art and science of…
The Meetings Show unveils a new and exciting event, taking place in a destination known for its corporate hospitality, Singapore, showcasing the best of Asia Pacific. With multiple award-winning innovative event spaces, Singapore is one of the leading destinations for MICE globally, and winners of Best MICE Destination (Asia) at the M&C Asia Stella Awards…
We are so excited to work with Bologna to welcome you in this wonderful Italian city and can’t wait to discover its many wonders together. Its favorable location, affordability, the quality of its accommodation and conference facilities and the variety and flair of its social life are just some of the reasons why Bologna is…
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A specialized journalist in the association management field, Remi has been active in the meetings industry for more than 15 years. Together with Cecile Koch, he launched Boardroom in 2017, a niche publication specialized in association management and events. Boardroom covers a wide spectrum of issues of interest to associations based globally and is specifically targeting association…
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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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Kai Hattendorf is Managing Director / CEO of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry. As such, he is responsible for UFI activities and events globally, as well as the operation of its offices and presences in Paris, Brussels, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai, and Bogota. From 2019 to 2021, Kai served as Honorary President…
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Heike Mahmoud has been Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CCH – Congress Center Hamburg since March 1st, 2018. As COO and a fully authorized officer, the business administration professional is also a member of the Executive Board of Hamburg Messe und Congress. The new CCH was officially opened by the First Mayor of the Free…
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For the last 15 years, Guy has been delivering award-winning consulting services focused on helping cities, governments, corporations and associations step up, scale up and speed up their sustainability programmes and regenerative practices. Guy’s pioneering work has been recognised with 22 sustainability awards including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow…
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Lyn Lewis-Smith is CEO of BESydney and leads a global team of professionals spanning Europe, North America and Asia who are charged with securing global meetings of strategic, economic and social benefit to Sydney, Australia. The organisation works across sectors which include infrastructure, technology, professional services, advanced manufacturing, education and health. Lyn has led transformation…
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Loren Christie brings more than 25 years of experience in Tourism & Hospitality to his role as Managing Director of the BestCities Global Alliance. He held various leadership positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts during his 17 year career with them including Director of Sales for International Congress, Business Transient and Leisure Sales at the…
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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…
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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A bona fide veteran of the MICE industry with over 25 years of experience building and managing some of the world’s biggest event, conference, and tourism organizations, Sumaira’s reputation precedes her. She has worked both as a destination practitioner (DMC, PCO) as well as an advisor consultant to Tourist Boards, Associations and Local Governments in…
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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…
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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…
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