CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS: Geopolitical Concerns Play Out
Welcome to Issue #118 of Business Events World from The Iceberg presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council.
In Features, listening to the undertones from IBTM World’s Association Forum (see video #2), notably from ASAE’s Director of International Affairs, Amy Hissrich, both she and her counterpart at ESAE, Ioannis Pallas, saw it coming. Only a month later and Skift’s Andrea Doyle broke news of the first bombshell to hit NIH-funded communications resulting in medical meeting cancellations.
In 30 days we’ll know whether it’s to be an all-out trade war between the US and any of Canada, China, Mexico – and likely Europe.
Also in Features, Doyle assesses the implications of the Trump policies for the sector’s travel and hospitality supply chains, echoed by AMI’s James Lancaster and Holly Patrick as they chew over the implications of tariffs, rising inflation, immigration-controlled labour shortages, and what this means for overall costs – aside from visas – for event planners. Further, how the Destinations International Event Impact Calculator delivered a prestigious Tech conference to Vancouver, Neil Brownlee the new international face of PCMA’s global growth, and Informa CEO, Stephen Carter’s, appetite for Saudi Arabia’s $1.5 trillion war chest in the latest homage by Fortune to the Kingdom’s ambition to attract 150 million tourists a year, including the soft power of business events such as those offered through his organisation.
Everyone has a price.
In News, VISITFLANDERS Impact Framework guides EACD to the Incredible Impacts Award, ICCA Congress wins Race to Zero Food Waste to Landfill Certificate, AC Forum leads Europe’s leading associations towards a sustainable events strategy, the organisation being the latest to sign the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge. Lancaster reports.
ASAE seeks congressional tax breaks for members, Steve Monnington reviews M&A in exhibitions, the events sector rallies to support California in the wake of fires, Skift reports on PCMA’s latest edition of PCMA Convening Leaders, and Boardroom’s Remi Deve is the latest to share BestCities Global Alliance and its member quest for social impact following a stellar Global Forum and ICCA Association Masterclass on the red carpets of Dublin.
Don’t mention the rugby.
In Case Studies, You Never Walk Alone in Liverpool, especially if in search of a cure for Alzheimer’s – the disease that presents the symptoms of dementia – as ACC Liverpool and Alzheimer’s Research UK convene using the VisitBritain BE Impactful Framework devised by #MEET4IMPACT to shape meaningful activities and social impact in a city ranked #2 in England for the incidence of dementia. Caroline Mackenzie, Executive Director at the International Society for Hip Preservation, convenes her community in Cape Town in an effort to ‘Keep Africa on Her Feet’. This cracking Case Study includes links to the full BestCities Report. ICC Sydney shares its annual Legacy Wrap for ‘24, and Business Events Sarawak restocks the Balai Ringin Secondary School library donated by the organising committee of the 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan 2024 Celebration, no less.
Both PCMA and Northstar/Cvent call for answers in Research where the Skift Megatrends 2025 Report and JWC (Joachim Witt Consulting) Global Exhibitions Industry Performance Review can also be found.
In Opinions, Kai Hattendorf leaves UFI on top of the world after defending the industry narrative in Barcelona while CloserStill Media’s Phil Soar shares his take on the rise of business events over ‘mainstream media’. Channelle Pearson GAICD, the Chief of Staff at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce wants Melbourne to extend its reputation as a sporting capital to become the destination of choice for business events. The home to AIME will host the 14th World Chambers Congress in September as “an incredible trade & investment opportunity for ambitious Victorian businesses to access global players,” she says. The State Government’s Economic Growth Statement endorses her sentiment – “business events are critical to Victoria’s success,” it reads.
Destination International’s Don Welsh joins Jeannette Linfoot on breaking down borders on the organisation’s Road to Global Growth beginning in Dublin for this year’s Global Leaders Forum. (Don’t forget the inaugural Destination Professionals Day on Wednesday 19th Feburary.) John Burke, newly anointed Iceberg Ambassador and GM at the Kuala Lumpar Convention Centre maintains that sustainability is a business strategy. The likeable ex-patriot recently collected the M&C Asia Stella Award on behalf of the venue. “Her Influence” by Danielle Dodds in ExhibitCity News shares how mentorship among women is helping the Sisterhood to break through the glass ceilings in many areas of a testosterone-fuelled sector, and Meetings Today shares Elliott Ferguson’s – Destination DC’s Chief Executive – vision for his year-long tenure at the helm of national DMO, Brand USA.
Will he make medical meetings great again? Find out in #119, but for now enjoy the best of the news, views, education, and events the sector has to offer and be sure to join The Iceberg in welcoming its latest Voices – our new ambassadors and partners for 2025-27! Welcome to you all!
You, too, should join the Many Voices One Message movement by The Iceberg.
The Curator
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From Skift Meetings: The National Institutes of Health, a linchpin of global biomedical research, has abruptly canceled its meetings, raising alarm across the medical meetings industry. As the new administration exerts its influence, planners grapple with uncertainty. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S.’s largest research agency, has canceled dozens of meetings under new…
A Reflection on the role of IBTM World in the supporting cast of Business Events: IBTM World has always been a crucial indicator of success within the Business Events Sector. The 2024 edition validated post-pandemic barometer with a notable 15% year-on-year increase in visitor numbers. The Significance of IBTM World Presenting a flagship global event…
The Meeting Room Podcast, by Northstar: What’s next for DEI now Trump is back in the White House? Will 2025 be the year AI comes of age? Who’s getting a budget increase and who’s missing out? Join Holly Patrick and James Lancaster as they discuss what 2025 has in store for event professionals.
From Destinations International: Destination Vancouver is a non-profit, member-based destination marketing and management organization that promotes the spectacular city of Vancouver, British Columbia, as a premier travel destination. We support Vancouver’s tourism industry through marketing initiatives, event support, and partnerships with local businesses and institutions to attract visitors from around the world with a mission…
From PCMA: Neil Brownlee, head of business events at VisitScotland and chair of the 2025 PCMA Board of Directors and Trustees, talks about how he thinks his perspective as the board’s first non-North American chair will help set the association up for future growth. Neil Brownlee attended his first Convening Leaders in 2011 in Las…
From Exhibition News: For the hottest buzzword in the industry, very little is understood about data. At the recent IBTM World show in Barcelona, there was scarcely a session that didn’t mention its importance. Vice-president of European sales at Cvent Jamie Vaughan went so far as to say: “An event planner without data is just…
From Fortune: Stephen Carter, CEO of Informa PLC, says he violated a key tenet of his industry by speaking at a recent conference held in Saudi Arabia. Informa, based in the U.K., produces exhibitions and live events, and it works best when it’s in the background. “Our job, as someone said to me many years…
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One of the final acts of impact aficionado at VISITFLANDERS, Gemmeke de Jongh, saw the unveiling of the organisation’s Impact Framework & Methodology in Bruges, Belgium, applied to the 36th edition of the European Academy of Childhood Disability Annual Meeting last year. The President of the meeting, Elegast Monbalin, joined IMPACT DAY – a gathering…
From Skift Meetings: President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on nearly all goods from Canada has been put on hold for 30 days, but business event leaders are still nervous. When the tariff was announced, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau matched the 25% tariffs on American goods in response. In addition, 10% tariffs on all…
From Boardroom: The 63rd ICCA Congress, held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi from October 20-23, 2024, has made history as the first-ever global event to receive The PLEDGE on Food Waste’s Zero Food Waste to Landfill Event Certification. “Sustainability is no longer a choice – it is a responsibility,” said ICCA CEO Senthil…
From Boardroom: Despite the challenges posed by modern travel in a climate-changing world (Hello Éowyn!), the BestCities Global Forum 2025, hosted by Dublin Convention Bureau, stood as a testament to resilience and innovation in the global events industry. Association executives from across the world gathered to explore themes of legacy, inclusivity, and technological transformation, proving…
From Skift: President Donald Trump’s flurry of executive orders signals a potentially turbulent era for the travel industry. From tightened border controls to environmental rollbacks, these early moves could reshape U.S. tourism. President Donald Trump wasted no time after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, signing a series of executive…
From AMI: AC Forum, the association for association executives, has become the latest signatory of Net Zero Carbon Events, the meeting industry’s attempt to eliminate its emissions by 2050. The Brussels-based organisation, which has almost 50 members – most belonging to the field of medicine – signed the NCZE pledge at the start of its…
From Skift Meetings: At this year’s PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston, the spotlight was on helping event planners navigate and meet the needs of increasingly international audiences. The evolving globalization of business is reshaping the events industry, where attendees bring diverse expectations shaped by their cultural backgrounds. Event planners need to think globally, was the…
From Boardroom: Sarawak has officially launched LEGACY360 – Business Events for a Sustainable Future, the first forum in Southeast Asia focused on advancing business event legacies. The initiative aims to position Sarawak as a leader in creating long-term economic, social, and environmental impacts through business events. Unveiled during an exclusive preview, LEGACY360 underscores BESarawak’s ambition…
From ASAE: Anticipating significant tax legislation in 2025, ASAE announced today the launch of the Community Impact Coalition — a unified initiative dedicated to educating the 119th Congress about the social and economic benefits of associations, charities, and other tax-exempt organizations. With Republicans assuming control of the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives, GOP…
From Exhibition News, Steve Monnington of Mayfield Merger Strategies reviews the M&A transactions of the past 12 months: In a recent article, Colin Morrison asks whether 2025 will be the year that media M&A rebounds. He references US investment bankers who are predicting a big year in M&A since stock markets are near all-time highs…
From Skift Meetings: The California fires have caused unprecedented destruction. While emergency services battle the blazes, event planners are stepping in to help. The California fires have caused unprecedented destruction. While emergency services battle the blazes, event planners are stepping in to help. Grassroots initiatives and industry networks are doing their part to help those…
From Destination DC (DDC): “From large conventions to small, impactful meetings, Washington, DC uniquely provides access to policymakers, networking and educational opportunities,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, Destination DC. “Combined with the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and abundant attractions and experiences, DC creates memorable events that keep attendees returning. Through our Only One…
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A Gathering of Minds to Combat Dementia: Today, over 944,000 individuals in the UK suffer from dementia. By 2040, this number is projected to exceed 1.4 million, according to Dr. Sheona Scales, Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research UK, the foremost charity in the UK dedicated to revolutionising the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of Alzheimer’s…
The 15th ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting was the Society’s first meeting on the African continent, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC 1), South Africa, from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 October 2023. At this meeting, world experts in hip preservation came together to share latest experiences and research with one another,…
From ICC Sydney: Following a bumper year of business events, the ICC Sydney team is proud to share our 2024 case studies, featuring diverse conferences, exhibitions, banquets, and entertainment events. It’s been a pleasure working with our clients to make a difference, by delivering extraordinary experiences that have entertained, educated and helped to drive change…
The library of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Balai Ringin (Balai Ringin Secondary School) was given a new lease of life with a donation of 2,000 books by BESarawak and the organising committee of the 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan 2024 Celebration. Two years ago, an explosion destroyed the school’s library, leaving students without access to essential…
From BestCities: Discover how the International Society for Hip Preservation (ISHA) used its 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting in Cape Town to tackle regional healthcare challenges. From groundbreaking collaborations to transformative initiatives, this event set a new standard for legacy-driven impact. Why Cape Town Was the Perfect Host The International Society for Hip Preservation (ISHA)…
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From PCMA: The survey takes approximately 5 minutes to complete, we appreciate your time and insights to better meet your needs. Please do forward the survey to your colleagues and peers as only together we can make a difference. Contribute to have the chance of winning a Convening EMEA 2025 registration or PCMA EMEA or…
From Northstar: The Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey captures changes in meeting planner sentiment and expectations. With your participation, the PULSE Survey has become an important predictive tool, tracking changes in your business expectations and sharing your collective needs with industry stakeholders worldwide. The data generated by this survey will be compared with data generated…
From Skift Meetings: From AI-driven personalization to a laser focus on authenticity, sustainability, and mental well-being, this report reveals how the industry is transforming. The way we connect, collaborate, and create experiences is evolving — this guide will help you lead the charge. Discover how to: Leverage cutting-edge technologies without losing the human touch; Design…
From Exhibition World: The Global Industry Performance Review (GIPR) by jwc continues to be a cornerstone of knowledge for professionals and stakeholders in the exhibition industry. The 2024 edition, refined and expanded, will officially be available from 24 January 2025, building on the success of previous editions to deliver valuable insights and comprehensive analysis of…
From TTW: FCM Travel, the trusted business travel division of Flight Centre Travel Group, has unveiled its top cities for business travel in 2024. These rankings aren’t just about numbers—they tell a story of where professionals are heading to connect, innovate, and grow. This list was carefully crafted using flight booking data from across the…
From Destinations International: The gold standard tool for connecting DMO website traffic to influenced visits and economic impact, the Website Impact Calculator delivery will begin in January 2025 for destinations that sign up before 31st December 2024. The Website Impact Calculator attributes website traffic to physical visits and takes impact a step further by analyzing…
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Hattendorf signs off – for now: From the IBTM Forum for Advocacy in Barcelona to his final edition as chief executive of the UFI Annual Congress held in Cologne, Kai Hattendorf shares his reflections on ten years at the global exhibitions industry association helm, seven of which featured as a board member of the Joint…
From Exhibition News – CloserStill Media and Nineteen Group chairman Phil Soar ponders the significance for recent mainstream media interest in exhibitions and events: Something very strange has occurred. In the past month we have seen two positive articles in the Financial Times praising trade show companies and talking about billion-pound deals, DMG declaring that…
From Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Melbourne is serving up aces with our Summer of Tennis in full swing. The Australian Open has evolved beyond being a major, global sporting event to become a very Melbourne festival that appeals to all generations, budgets and passions. Whether it’s corporate hospitality, live sites brimming with tourists…
From Brave, Bold, Brilliant Podcast: Jeannette is joined by Don Welsh, the CEO and President of Destinations International. They explore the evolution of the travel and tourism industry, discussing how Destinations International has expanded from a U.S.-centric organisation to serving over 760 destination organisations in 31 countries. Don shares insights into the challenges of cultural…
From M&IT, GM John Burke on making sustainability a core business strategy at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre: As sustainability becomes a critical focus for the global MICE industry, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has emerged as a trailblazer. Recently awarded Best Sustainability Initiative (Convention Centre) at M&C Asia Stella Awards 2024, the convention centre’s efforts…
From Exhibit City News, by Danelle Dodds: There’s electricity in air. A palpable hum is buzzing through every corner of experiential exhibits and events. The energy is charged and crackling across boardrooms, ballrooms, and exhibit floors. It’s not just a felling; it’s a force, and it’s coming from women. More women than every are sitting…
From Meetings Today: Having a board chair who is a meetings industry veteran that knows the ways of Washington, D.C., is a definite advantage for Brand USA, which recently welcomed Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, to a one-year term helping steer the organization that markets the U.S. to international leisure and MICE…
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The Enhancing Events with AI certificate course is a tailor-made program for all event organizers who want to bring the power (and magic) of artificial intelligence (AI) into their work. This course goes beyond helping you understand AI. We’ll take you behind the scenes, revealing how to use the most practical AI platforms. These new…
Learn how to manage destinations through regenerative business models, destination stewardship approaches, and stakeholder engagement methodologies. We are all under pressure: visitor economies, their host communities, the earth, and the vulnerable. We need a new approach to recover, flourish, and thrive. Join us on a journey to a new mindset as we: Discover regenerative business…
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…
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…
The Business of Events (BOE) 2025 converges the dual pillars of leadership within an intergenerational workforce: mastery and intellectual prowess. Building on BOE 2024’s exploration of the duality between Unlearning and Relearning, BOE 2025 unites experienced and emerging leaders for real-time discussions. Participants will delve into crucial dualities — Skill and Strategy, IQ and EQ,…
The UFI Food & Beverage Experience aims to equip exhibition professionals with the food and beverage trends and innovative catering solutions for delivering exceptional client experiences. As the industry faces increasing pressure to meet evolving client expectations, this will serve as a vital source of inspiration and practical insights. By fostering connections between catering partners,…
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 is exactly where you need to be. Discover 200 free education sessions at IMEX Frankfurt. More information coming soon in 2025.
The third edition of ETOA and City Destinations Alliance’s B2B workshop, Destinations Exchange Europe, will take place in London on June 2-3, 2025. This B2B event offers a dynamic blend of commercially driven meetings, insightful knowledge sessions, and valuable opportunities to discuss product development and operational challenges. 28 pre-scheduled B2B business meeting slots to meet…
Our lineup is all about igniting ideas, creating breakthroughs, and shaping the future of the meetings, events and incentives world, so come and share your game-changing ideas and insights with our global audience of corporate, agency and association planners. With C-suite executives through to those just beginning their event professional journey, and your expertise will…
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…
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…
UCP is a self-paced, self-select educational offering, allowing participants to create a tailored experience unique to them. It’s available to both UFI members and non-members. Participants will have the opportunity to receive an UFI endorsement for their professional education received through UFI offerings. The UCP programme includes existing UFI educational programmes as well as modules…
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Destinations International is launching this initiative to gain recognition for the important contributions of the sector and those who work in it by promoting the annual celebration of February 19 as “Destination Professionals Day.” The first observance will be February 19, 2025. The objective of an annual recognition day is to raise awareness and appreciation…
Step into the exciting world of sports with TEAMS Europe! Presented by SportsTravel, the event is part of the renowned TEAMS brand, which has been shaping and defining the sports-event industry for over 20 years. With its track record of bringing together the sports industry’s elite, TEAMS is where connections are made, collaborations are formed,…
Join your industry colleagues at CEO Summit and learn how to navigate and overcome the complexities of your role. You will hear from thought leaders about the areas that stand out in our industry as topics to discuss in-depth in order to come up with strategies and solutions. Enjoy and learn from inspirational conversations with…
City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) is a knowledge sharing alliance for cities and urban areas. With a holistic approach, our vision is for all cities in Europe to flourish. We are open and visionary, and want to inspire. We believe in sharing, and see our alliance as a community, a family, where we all work together….
TMS APAC is the ultimate business platform for MICE professionals, featuring global destinations, venues, hotels, and other key MICE suppliers. Powered by an exclusive Hosted Buyer Programme, the event brings senior decision-makers in meetings, conventions, events, and incentives to a dynamic tradeshow floor. With a seamless pre-scheduled meetings platform, attendees can connect directly with top…
Destination West enables attendees to experience firsthand the most desirable destinations, hotels and activities for successful meetings, while making invaluable business connections. This unique event is hosted by Northstar Meetings Group’s leading brands—Successful Meetings, Meetings & Conventions, and Incentive magazine. Learn from, and be inspired by, our guest speakers who will provide targeted education specific…
Registration is OPEN for the 2025 UFI MEA Conference! Join us for the most important gathering of exhibition industry leaders in the MEA region, hosted by the EECA Authority at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center. Egypt offers substantial business opportunities in the exhibition industry, positioning itself as a regional hub for trade and…
Immerse yourself in an inspiring environment surrounded by passionate professionals who share your same challenges and goals; boosting economic development and knowledge transfer. Build connections in emerging and non-emerging sectors, expand your network of contacts in a multi-sector way. Go beyond traditional connections and immerse yourself in a universe of business relationships.
At the occasion of IMEX Frankfurt 2025, the CityDNA Meetings Industry Knowledge Group would like to invite you and your colleagues from the Convention Bureau to attend a session specifically curated to exchange and discuss current challenges amongst peers. This CVB Café will take place on Monday, May 19. More info in the beginning of…
IMEX is where every part of the global events industry comes for a high-value, high-return boost of real business, real relationships and insights, all designed to make working life easier and more profitable. Keep up with the latest events industry trends, polish your professional skills and stay ahead. By attending as many of our 150…
Small & Boutique Meetings — Northstar’s premiere hosted-buyer event designed specifically for small and boutique-sized meetings — bringing together highly-qualified meeting buyers with destinations, hotels, DMCs and other suppliers ready to welcome smaller events. Attendees participate in one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain industry insights from our guest speakers and network with this exclusive group.
The UFI European Events Week is where around 300 exhibition industry leaders from Europe and beyond meet, network and learn together for 5 days every summer. We have evolved the UFI European Conference and associated events to become the UFI European Events Week, including the main European Conference, and additional topical content and networking opportunities.
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Matt is the CEO and co-founder of Talk2 Media & Events. Talk2 ME owns and runs a variety of trade and consumer exhibitions throughout Australia. Every year Talk2 ME works with some of Australia’s best brands as partners on exhibitions that attract almost 200,000 highly engaged visitors through their doors. Talk2 Media & Events was…
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Natalie O’Brien AM is Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), where she is responsible for the strategic direction of the business. She also has oversight of planning and future operation of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, opening in 2026. Natalie is a former CEO of Food + Wine Victoria, producers…
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Born in Toronto, Canada, Greg has divided his life between living in Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa. More than 25 years in the hospitality industry, Greg has spent time in Management of a high-end independent mountain resort property (The Rimrock Resort), Hyatt Hotels and the Intercontinental group before moving over to convention centres. Greg had the…
Jennifer Jensen is a passionate advocate for sustainable events, with over 20 years of experience in the events and tourism industry. Based in her hometown of Liverpool, she brings a wealth of expertise gained from working in both London and Liverpool, with extensive experience across venues, convention bureaus, and event management. Her diverse background provides…
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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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Stephanie Lynch is a results-driven event professional with a proven track record of creating impactful experiences and driving measurable success. With over eight years at Explore Edmonton, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated her expertise in event strategy, economic impact maximization, and stakeholder collaboration. Currently serving her second term as Chair of the International Congress and Convention…
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Sherrif Karamat, CAE, is President and CEO of PCMA and CEMA, the world’s largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Karamat leads the vision, mission and promise for PCMA’s global family of brands. He is a prominent business architect, enabling communities to become…
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As Head of Advocacy & Industry Relations, Natasha oversees all industry partnerships, sponsorships, pan-industry initiatives and strategic alliances for the IMEX Group. Natasha plays a key part in business events industry advocacy efforts on behalf of the IMEX Group including the prestigious IMEX Policy Forum. In this capacity she is responsible for bringing together national…
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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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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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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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With more than 20 years’ experience in the meetings industry, Bettina has extensive knowledge on working with association congresses and in creating close collaboration between associations, academia, organisations, companies and government. AMCs in attracting international association congresses, meetings and exhibitions to Copenhagen. In her last 7 years as Deputy in the Convention department and Head…
