FORTNIGHTLY ROUNDUP


The 2019 IMEX Policy Forum in Frankfurt.

The IMEX Policy Forum is a fascinating event. It’s the annual opportunity for heavy hitters in business events to meet equally heavy hitters in the business of governing destinations, and together to learn what magic can be achieved when interests are aligned. IMEX Group CEO is the formidable Carina Bauer, and in Features this issue of Business Events World and on The Iceberg, Carina discusses the Policy Forum in the second edition of our new podcast “Below the Waterline”. Her conversation with Iceberg founder James Latham covers a lot of other ground as well, and is absolutely unmissable.

Also in Features is a new Intellectual Capitals microsite. After Liverpool last issue, this time Aberdeen’s all-energy future gets the video supplement treatment. New Zealand is a small nation punching above its weight in terms of leading knowledge hubs attracting events. Lyon’s leadership in oncology will soon be reinforced by two major meetings. Victoria in the Pacific Northwest specialises in ocean science, so is a great spot for conferences in that field.

In News this issue, a study by the Austrian Institute of Economic Research has valued the economic impact of Congress Messe Innsbruck on the region and its people. Operator AEG Ogden has welcomed the Queensland Government’s announcement of the Cairns Convention Centre’s AU$176 million upgrade. The Eurelectric Power Summit in 2020, and the 12th European Pain Federation Congress in 2021, are both heading to The Convention Centre Dublin. The inaugural International Food Safety Culture Conference is set to take place in North East England at the University of Sunderland. The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has just supported the hosting of the International Dragon Award Annual Congress, the largest ever Chinese convention in the country. Associations World Congress 2020 organisers have announced the event will run at the Estoril Congress Centre in Portugal, and Brussels is the leading European destination for association events, and for the eighth year in a row, according to the Union of International Associations’ annual rankings.

Also in News, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela has discussed the 2018-19 submissions for the country’s bidding fund. EventWell will launch a mental health first aid course during the #EventWell19 week in London this September. Ahead of an intellectual and developmental disability congress in Glasgow, First Citizen Eva Bolander posed for artists from Project Ability, which showcases the talents of people living with disability. Event industry professionals across the globe are being asked how the sector can support UN Sustainable Development Goals. Survey responses will be analysed by Iceberg partner Positive Impact.

In Opinions this issue, the Regional Director for Africa of the International Congress and Convention Association, Esmaré Steinhöfel, explains what ICCA’s latest rankings mean for the continent, and where growth opportunities lie. Shaun Vorster, a Vice President for Dubai’s Expo 2020, talks about his role, the event, and the place legacy holds in shaping its programming and venues. The Global Alliance of AIPC (the International Association of Convention Centres), ICCA and UFI (the global association of the exhibition Industry) is discussed further by AIPC President and UFI Board Member Aloysius Arlando.

Also fresh in Opinions, experts in behavioural science explain how its techniques can foster collaboration and improve delegate experiences. I prefer writing “familiarisation trips” in full, but the rest of the sector uses “FAM trips”, usually with capital letters. One of our more particular partners pleads – once again and now on video – for all the shouting to stop! Research is questioning whether handing out cotton tote bags at registration is any kinder to the environment than using plastic. The Professional Convention Management Association has just published its annual “Best in Show” list, with ten examples of great practice in meeting design and experience.

In Research you’ll now find ordering details for UFI’s The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 15th Edition (July 2019).

Finally, and as always, The Iceberg reiterates its call for you to join our Global Ambassador Program. You can see Ambassadors listed on The Iceberg homepage, Ambassadors page, and in Business Events World below. Visit Call for Ambassadors 2019 & 2020 to find out more.

Until policy changes…

Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg

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