Hurricane Florence as seen from the International Space Station on September 12th.
Once again the US hurricane season is upon us. President Trump is busy denying Hurricane Maria’s death toll in Puerto Rico last year. His son is falsely tweeting a ten-year-old CNN report as fake Hurricane Florence news. Comedian Bill Maher is labelling all storm reporters “fools in the rain”. And as I write, the Florence death toll in four states has reached forty.
The human cost is always the grimmest. Please help our partner PCMA support event industry professionals impacted by the devastation.
In this issue of Business Events World and on The Iceberg, News (click the right arrow or swipe to spin the carousel) tells of events cancelled in Florence’s path. There’s even a water quality leadership conference that went virtual at the last minute to keep delegates safe.
Also in News… twelve entries have been shortlisted for “Incredible Impacts” grants from the International Congress and Convention Association and BestCities Global Alliance. A vote has cleared the way for expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center. London venues have told MPs they need more support from government. The QEII Centre’s net economic contribution to Great Britain was £145 million, while the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre brought AU$372 million into its region.
IBTM Americas 2018 has been hailed a success in Mexico City. 32,800 specialists attended the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich. Dubai is to welcome international association leaders for an immersive getaway this December. Delivering tailored experiences is top priority for planners in Latin America, says one report. Companies are more and more tying event investment and activity to revenues and profits, says another.
Both those reports are in Research this issue, plus Eight Common Misconceptions About Face-to-Face Events from partner Maritz Global Events. And because it has just slipped off the back of the carousel for newer content, let me promote again the timely Lost in the Storm, which details academic collaborations that never happened after a 2012 conference was cancelled as Hurricane Isaac approached.
There’s still more on The Iceberg itself (click View all News). In the UK, Jeremy Rees formally appointed CEO of ExCeL London, the second Event Wellbeing Week, and the Immigration Advice Service contemplating the industry impact of a no-deal Brexit. In Australasia, New South Wales’ Flagship Event Fund is being offered in two rounds, and social impact legacy was the focus of a Tourism New Zealand workshop in Auckland. A major people-environment studies conference is heading to Quebec in Canada.
In Opinions you’ll find legacy, the events brain, gender equality, charitable giving on familiarisation trips, a diversity and inclusion roundtable, UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf, Aaron Etra of the Institute for Life Sciences Collaboration, a reusable conference coffee cup scheme, a piece on the earlier eight misconceptions research… and a planner’s guide to cybersecurity.
In Features read how physical therapy was advanced in Singapore by WCPT 2015, why Cape Town will be hosting the 2024 International Astronomical Union General Assembly, how Maastricht is emerging as a meetings bio-hub, and about the two-year legacy of action after a food waste conference was held in Massachusetts.
Finally, remember that Iceberg partner Positive Impact is marking World Peace Day on September 21st with a campaign. Details here.
Until the storm has passed…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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In 2016 the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic, together with the US Environmental Protection Agency and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, hosted the largest-ever meeting solely focused on stopping 40 percent of US food going to waste. A two-year legacy of action followed, leading up to a second event. From PCMA Convene…
Maastricht has emerged as a new bio-hub, with the Netherlands city hosting three major conferences for the sector. MECC Maastricht recently welcomed the annual European Conference on Biomaterials. The European Congress on Biotechnology follows in 2020, then the Congress of the European Society of Biomechanics in 2021. Photo: Jorge Franganillo. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
At the recent General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union in Vienna, it was announced that Cape Town in South Africa will host the 2024 event. With huge projects including the MeerKAT, Square Kilometre Array, and Southern African Large Telescopes, the continent is now a knowledge hub for cutting-edge multi-wavelength astronomy. From the Event…
Over four days in 2015, more than 4,100 participants from 114 nations attended the 17th Congress of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy. Hosted by the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre and the SPA (Singapore Physiotherapy Association), the event left a significant legacy for the profession both in Singapore and across the world. From Boardroom…
Scotland’s financial services sector is now growing as fast as London’s. So the country is focusing on its fintech future with a major series of business events. Fintech Scotland Fortnight 2018 comprises eighteen conferences and meetings across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling. It aims to reinforce Scotland’s position in the sector. Photo: Carlos Delgado. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Last year Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the Vancouver Convention Centre will be hosting the next Women Deliver Conference in June 2019. Held every three years, the last event was in Copenhagen in 2016, attracting 6,000 delegates. This time Women Deliver also wanted a host city matching its dedication to gender equality. From PCMA Convene…
South Korea’s strength in the field means Daegu is now hosting 2,000 experts from 100 countries for the 14th International Congress of Parasitology. The World Federation for Parasitologists chose Korea as host due to sector engagement in prior meetings. There’s an active organising committee for the event made up of local researchers. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Healthcare is changing rapidly, but its conferences have mostly stayed the same. The former General Mills Chief Marketing Officer, now 2023 Partners Chief Executive, Mark Addicks is working to change that. He’s about to stage MANOVA, a four-day health and technology summit in Minneapolis, part of Minnesota’s “Medical Alley”. From PCMA…
Edinburgh’s position as a leading hub for medical and healthcare expertise has been reinforced by the city winning hosting rights for the 6th World One Health Congress in 2020. More than 2,000 global medical or veterinary professionals, opinion leaders and policy makers will attend the four-day event at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. From Intellectual Capitals…
Stellenbosch 360 has just hosted its second Business Tourism Indaba, at which The Iceberg was invited to attend and speak. As well as gathering meetings industry players from across South Africa and wider, the Indaba shone a spotlight on both the university town’s own sector offering as host, and the approach it takes to fostering…
The Greater Cape Town area has been named the most productive technology sector in Africa by a new report from Endeavor Insight. So its challenge as Africa’s tech capital is attracting and investing in talent. Cape Town International Convention Centre also hosts the world’s largest Africa-focused technology, media and telecoms event, AfricaCom. From Intellectual Capitals…
In the last of three insights on the value of business and professional events, GainingEdge CEO Gary Grimmer and Gregg Talley, President and CEO of the Talley Management Group, delve deeper into the role associations play as gateways to professional and sector development. They specifically tackle the opportunities that exist for associations within Africa’s transition…
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IBTM Americas 2018, which took place in Mexico City following the merger of IBTM’s Latin and North American events, has been cited a success by organisers. Over 12,500 pre-planned meetings were held during the two-day event, with more than 400 exhibitors at the show, a 50 percent increase on last year. From CIM News Magazine…
As Hurricane Florence barrelled down on the Carolinas, the Water Quality Association converted its face-to-face Mid-Year Leadership Conference, planned to take place in Hilton Head, South Carolina, into a virtual event. Water quality sector professionals were able to watch presentations and take part in board, committee, task force and section meetings on their laptops. From PCMA…
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre has recorded its best economic performance for a sixth consecutive year. In 2017/18 it brought AU$372 million into the region, an increase of 14 percent on 2016/17. 154 events attracted over 722,000 guests to the centre, which is also discussing expansion with the Queensland state government. From CIM News Magazine…
Several events were cancelled at convention centres expected to be impacted by Hurricane Florence as the storm approached landfall. The National Rifle Association called off the second NRA Carry Guard Expo scheduled at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Other venues that cancelled events include the Raleigh Convention Center in North Carolina. From TSNN…
A vote has cleared the way for expansion to start on the Las Vegas Convention Center, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Board of Directors voted in favor of the guaranteed maximum price of $758 million, the last step needed to start construction, according to the LVCVA press release. From KSNV NBC Las Vegas…
London venues have told MPs they need more support from the UK government to grow the events industry. Jeremy Rees, CEO of ExCeL London, said that the capital’s venues were competing with their hands tied behind their backs, while QEII Centre board member Simon Hughes said the sector needs its own representative in government. From Meetpie.com…
Companies increasingly are tying event investment and activity to actual revenues or profits. So says the new study by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services and event-marketing software provider Splash. But the report, which surveyed over 700 executives, also found less than a quarter able to calculate return on investment for events. From Meetings & Conventions…
The QEII Centre’s net economic contribution to the UK was £145 million, a growth of 45 percent in just two years. That’s according to a new Grant Thornton study. The gross value it added to London alone was £111 million. The analysis shows the centre amounted for £312m of gross UK expenditure in 2017/18. From Meetpie.com…
Dubai is to welcome international association chiefs for an immersive getaway this December. The new meeting follows the first Dubai Association Conference held late last year, and is designed to offer a unique platform for networking, trials and discussions, set within immersive experiences and scenic settings around the city. From tmf dialogue marketing…
32,800 heart specialists from 150 countries have attended the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2018. The world’s largest and most important cardiology event was being held in Munich for the fourth time, having visited the city in 2004, 2008 and 2012. Over 4,500 abstracts were presented, and 200 exhibitors showcased their products. From Association Meetings International…
Delivering tailored meetings experiences is the top priority for planners in Latin America. That’s according to new research from IACC (formerly the International Association of Conference Centres). The organisation released the first Latin America edition of its “Meeting Room of the Future” white paper in collaboration with IBTM Americas. From Meetings & Conventions…
Associations that have showcased beneficial legacies of their meetings are in line for a substantial cash award. A shortlist of twelve entries for the 2018 “Incredible Impacts” scheme has been announced by BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Association). The final judging is now underway. From Association Meetings International…
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The EuroHeartCare conference is one of the most important platforms for driving research publications, exchanging ideas, and forming and deepening collaborations within the field of cardiovascular nursing in Europe. It aims to support healthcare professionals in delivering the best care possible to patients with cardiovascular disease. The 2017 edition was hosted by Jönköping University in…
The study explores the benefits and barriers for individual researchers and universities when hosting research conferences. The study has been commissioned by the Danish Council for Research and Innovation Policy – an advisory body to the Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science. Thereby the study situates the hosting of research conferences as a potential…
London Tech Week is a festival of live events taking place once a year across the United Kingdom capital. Having been held now for four years, it has become a key gathering for the ICT industry in London. It connects the entire tech ecosystem both within the city and beyond, shapes the future of the…
Many international convention centres use sophisticated methods to measure the economic impact of business events in their host cities. Others recognise the importance of food in customer experience and promote programs like paddock to plate or food miles. ICC Sydney marries these two concepts together and takes them to a new level by measuring the…
Growing its business events sector is part of Malaysia’s strategy to achieve status as a developed nation by 2020. This case study presents the contribution made by the 55th ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Congress towards developing the business events sector in the country. ICCA’s event engaged political leaders and the local community to raise awareness of the needs…
The Geneva Convention Bureau has adopted a policy of promoting Geneva not only as a destination but also as a center of economic, knowledge and innovation excellence. It does this by marketing meetings and events in relation to local key clusters of industry. As a result, a dynamic and virtuous feedback loop is established between Geneva’s economic or knowledge…
This research by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) demonstrates that business events offer delegates unrestricted exposure to innovative ideas and opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills. Part of the Beyond Tourism Benefits series, the new study by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Conferences: Catalysts for Thriving Economies – provides further evidence showing that…
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Are you dealing with dwindling travel and event budgets? Are you looking at the improvements in technology and its lower cost of entry price points and wondering if face-to-face events still provide a good return on investment? Now, more than ever, the value of face-to-face events seems to be in question. This white paper highlights…
New technology shows companies exactly how their events are translating into real revenue and profit growth – all the while making event management easier and delivering a better customer experience. For many corporations, hosting or sponsoring events – from small customer meetings to large conferences or industry trade shows – is an important component of…
In 2016, the IACC Meeting Room of the Future™ report began providing a pulse on global meeting industry trends. Five research and trends reports later, the initiative has been instrumental in identifying new trends and taking a deeper dive into select changes occurring in the meetings industry. This report takes the research one step further…
A random sampling of B2B exhibition organizers from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Census was pulled to generate an attendee sample for this project. A total of 21 exhibition organisers in the United States and Canada agreed to participate, with a minimum of one event per sector, with the exception of Sporting Goods, Travel…
Sponsored by the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and Destination Cleveland, “Making a Healthy Case: Six Ways Medical Meetings Are Proving Their Value to Exhibitors” is a new white paper that tackles one of medical associations’ chief challenges head on: the increased pressure to show a positive return on their exhibitors’ investment. Making a Healthy Case: Six…
The latest UFI / Business Strategies Group report on the trade fair industry in Asia has now been published complete with updated statistical information from 2017. Leaflet here… The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 14th Edition (July 2018) – Leaflet Order form here… The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 14th Edition (July 2018) –…
The 2018 IMEX Policy Forum (formerly Politicians Forum) featured significant changes in format in an ongoing bid to optimise interactions between government representatives and industry leaders and to make outcomes clearer and more actionable. The 2018 Policy Forum programme included four key parts: An advance discussion group of national level government representatives addressing policy issues…
This study is based on a global survey, concluded in July 2018. It represents up to date information on the development and the outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 18 specific ccountries and zones. Global Exhibition Barometer 21st Edition (July 2018)
Not too long ago, even people in the hotel industry referred to the meeting rooms in their hotels as boxes. But all of that has changed, and in a big hurry too. Today the expectations of meetings and the venues that host them are much higher. Planners are finding that venues which engage the senses…
It is impossible to develop successful, sustainable long-term strategy without understanding the future in which your members will live and work. Whether through strategic planning or value proposition design, Association Laboratory’s research confirms that associations must develop strategy based on the anticipated future of their industry or profession if they want to be successful. Now in its…
If there’s one canon that can be considered unassailable in the meetings and events industry it is this: No two meetings are alike. There is no one size that can fit all, even two, engagements. Every project requires its own plans and those plans, budget in hand, often start with choosing the location. Destinations and…
When city convention bureau leaders at ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter set up the first Scandinavian Destination Sustainability Index – the precursor to the Global Destination Sustainability Index – they had two primary objectives: to drive sustainability across the region through competition, collaboration and raised consciousness, and to differentiate the Nordic region to non-European markets as the most sustainable…
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Cybersecurity is among the top threats facing businesses and governments in 2018. What you might not realize, though, is that it can impact consumers not only at voting booths and cash registers, but also at meetings and events. Cybersecurity expert Rebecca Herold explains how to protect yourself from the threat. From Successful Meetings…
More than ever the value of face-to-face seems in question, with virtual events now the new “shiny object”. But face-to-face meetings aren’t dull or rusty. As the attendee experience evolves, also now with actionable data, the easiest way to renergise an event is to give the delegates more of what they want. From Maritz Global Events…
Eunomia is running a conference coffee cup scheme at the Recycling & Waste Management Conference in Birmingham’s NEC. All F&B outlets are offering a discount for using a reusable cup, which also can be loaned for a deposit. But does this tackle the symptom rather than the problem? From editor’s blog at Association Meetings International…
Aaron Etra co-founded the Institute for Life Sciences Collaboration, which organises the ICMAN and ICNODAT conferences. He is also Chair of the Executive Committee of the Council of Organizations of the United Nations Association of the USA. Here he shares insights on youth empowerment with Iceberg parter BestCities Global Alliance. From Boardroom…
The exhibition industry is currently firing on all cylinders. That was a clear takeaway from the recent UFI Global Barometer (see Research). For the first time in ten years, all four global regions together reported positive turnover development. But the outlook for 2018 is globally lower. UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf explains. From UFI…
Few issues have dominated public debate over the past few years as much as those related to diversity and inclusion. Charged discourse is impacting every part of our culture, including the meetings industry. Last month five thought leaders gathered on a conference call to discuss the topic. From Successful Meetings…
The Iceberg has fond memories of a stay at the historic Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds forty years ago. Now the owners of Eventprofslive have just organised a familiarisation trip to the refurbished venue, asking attendees to donate money to industry charity Meeting Needs. The idea met with great success. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
INBOUND is one of the world’s most popular business events. Each year it attracts well over 20,000 attendees from more than a hundred countries to Boston. The audience is about 65 percent female, but unlike many other meetings the event’s speaker lineup is also diverse. So how did INBOUND make it happen? From Forbes…
We think we make decisions based on logic, but unconscious influences affect our behaviour and judgment. So says Maritz Chief Behavioural Officer Charlotte Blank. Maritz Global Events is a partner of The Iceberg. Understanding behaviour presents a “whole new world of opportunity” for event design. From PCMA Convene…
The term “legacy” is now becoming almost ubiquitous. Legacies are the broad set of outcomes ranging from advances in science and healthcare to creating new trade opportunities and empowering young people that far outweigh the financial impact of association meetings. The Iceberg also has a role to play in that. From Biz Events Asia…
In an age when some are once more trying to build walls, the remains of the one that divided Berlin stand testament to the historical impact of its demolition. Falling Walls, the International Conference on Future Breakthroughs in Science and Society, was founded to build on that moment and metaphor. From PCMA Convene…
As the exhibition industry continues to grow, more US destinations are upgrading or expanding convention centres. Some projects are at the planning stage, like the Los Angeles Convention Center. Some are underway, like at the new Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Some are complete, like the Kentucky International Convention Center. Here’s a roundup. From TSNN…
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For years, meeting professionals have used event signs for directional and informational purposes, helping participants navigate event spaces and the experiences therein. Increasingly, however, they’re leveraging these signs to transform meeting spaces into brand experiences, to create a sense of place and to achieve education or networking objectives. Review best practices in sign design and…
Join us for Destinations International’s Advocacy Summit, as we bring together destination organization professionals for the exchange of ideas and best practices. Learn from experts and insiders about the latest trends and threats to our industry, discover tools and research available to you and enhance your leadership skills with advocacy training. Whether fighting for your…
If the word ‘negotiate’ makes your stomach clench, mark your calendar because that’s about to change. Spend an hour learning about the psychology of negotiating and how to find middle ground. Explore feelings generated by negotiating, understand them and point that energy in a positive, productive, strategic direction.
This informative course will review key facilitation principles and how to apply them to your face-to-face meetings. Some of these concepts can also enhance your virtual meetings. Association professionals who conduct meetings for staff colleagues, boards or committees, or volunteer groups will find this program especially helpful.
The FYP brings together 35 young industry professionals from a diverse array of backgrounds. Over 3 days, the selected applicants are given networking opportunities, educational sessions, social activities and guidance worth their weights in gold from some of the most influential meetings industry figures. Participants will complete the FYP with a wealth of knowledge, a…
This is the one event anyone with a role or a stake in this critical area of centre management can’t miss out on. It is a rare opportunity for centre staff responsible for key operations functions to share issues and solutions on a global basis while also looking at how essential interactions amongst centre managers…
The world of meeting professionals is moving ahead rapidly. Are you staying up to speed with these changes? Designing better meetings and events is more relevant than ever and growing in importance. And while technology advances influence many aspects of the planning process, our knowledge, and skills as planners and meeting designers, must also evolve to keep up with the constant developments in the…
This year, CMI is partnering with Destinations International to bring together leading industry professionals to share learnings about the LGBTQ market; these are the people behind the success stories. Designed for marketing and sales executives of tourism boards, CVBs and DMOs (we also welcome accommodations, tour operators, travel suppliers, events, agencies, and meeting and wedding professionals!). Topics include:…
Access our free library of industry-leading templates and checklists to guide you through every stage of your international conference planning. Read the latest industry trends, opinion pieces and best-practice guides to shaping international events, straight from some of the world’s foremost experts. Read the latest industry trends, opinion pieces and best-practice guides to shaping international events,…
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Discover Colombia the land of sabrosura, at the 3rd annual Global Incentive Summit – the event for incentive buyers in North and Latin America, featuring pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments, unique experiential networking events, and a fully hosted, three-night stay in Hotel Las Americas Cartagena de Indias. Invaluable business connections, motivating educational sessions, and unforgettable experiences—all within the heritage and…
UFI’s Annual Global Congress is known as the exhibition industry’s largest global meeting of the year, combining international networking with unique content. It is an ideal opportunity for members to gain insight into topics of strategic interest, on the current industry trends and challenges that the exhibition industry is currently facing. Open to UFI members only,…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across Arizona in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, two-night stay at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in Tucson, AZ, from November 4-6, 2018.
PCMA ICESAP will be hosting the 2018 Annual Conference at Bangkok, Thailand. Affectionately known as the “city of angels” famed for its hospitality, explore the city’s tradition and modernity of as one moves through the Bangkok’s futuristic skyscrapers as well as its alleyways filled with rich cultural heritage.
Cutting-edge, true to its rich heritage yet looking towards the future, Dubai is on the move and we’re bringing you along for the ride! Merging a world-class, custom-designed education programme, knowledge and business exchange, networking opportunities with senior meetings industry professionals and association executives from across the globe and all industry sectors, and the sights…
Conclave is the industry’s only exclusive meeting of CMPs. The Conclave is a unique event for CMPs who wish to contribute to their profession, while advancing their own knowledge and skills, and expanding their professional network. Join your fellow CMPs to gain insight on unique perspectives and experiences throughout the industry to gather CE and network.
The leading global event for the meetings, events and incentives industry, ibtm world delivers three inspirational days of business, networking and education to a community of international suppliers and buyers, helping drive their business into the future. Join over 15,500 industry professionals and enter a world of business opportunities.
Spain Convention Bureau and the Spanish Tourist Office are bringing key destinations of Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Ibiza, to a ‘Taste of Spain’ networking lunch for UK Event Planners at the unique Amantia Restaurant, Birmingham, to give you the opportunity to discuss all the options open to you for future events in Spain. Attendees on the…
Building on the huge success and 100% satisfaction rates of the Global Forum in Dubai & Tokyo, BestCities is delighted to announce Bogotá as the host partner for this year’s event from 9-12 December 2018. Open to senior international association executives (or AMC on behalf of the associations), the Global Forum is the ideal opportunity for decision-makers considering hosting…
Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the Lone Star state in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, two-night stay at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel in Dallas, TX, from December 10-12, 2018.
PCMA will host 2019 Convening Leaders in Pittsburgh, PA, known as” City of Bridges,” located at confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and recognized for its 400+ bridges and breath-taking vistas. The destination once known as “The Steel City” has transformed into a technology lightening rod with companies such as Google, Apple, Bosch, Facebook, Uber, Nokia,…
SITE’s signature annual event returns, with an agenda full of educational sessions, keynotes and speakers, certification opportunities, evening events and celebrations, award ceremonies, tours and more. Gather with SITE members and incentive travel professionals from around the world to explore our theme of Incentivising Diversity & Innovation. Ranked as one of the top tourist destinations, magnificent Bangkok, Thailand…
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