Above the icebergs: polar vortices are responsible for the current deep freeze.
As I write, a brutal freeze has brought record low temperatures to a third of the United States. “What the hell is going on with Global Warming?” tweeted President Trump. Actually he tweeted “Waming”, but perhaps those little fingers were a little frozen.
“Winter storms don’t prove that global warming isn’t happening” responded the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, posting a link suggesting that warmer climate might actually be making dangerous snowstorms more frequent.
So how ironic is it to find out that Washington DC itself has just passed the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the country? The Clean Energy DC Act requires District utilities to source all electricity from wind and solar by 2032. Destination DC is pitching for more meetings within the sustainability sector off the back of this leadership. Read all about it in Features below.
Among the older Features, this Iceberg reiterates its call for you to join our Global Ambassador Program. You can also visit Call for Ambassadors 2019 & 2020 to find out more.
In News this issue, Cairns Convention Centre delegates added AUS$80m to the Australian city’s economy last year, according a study. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre delivered a record-breaking RM888 million revenue during 2018, an amazing 80 percent increase on 2017. ExCeL London is reducing waste with a “No Plastic” campaign, initially focussing on retailers along its central boulevard. The Bilbao Exhibition Centre has become a full member of Iceberg partner the International Congress and Convention Association.
Other Iceberg partners are also making News. Reed Exhibitions, organiser of partner IBTM Events, is to acquire Mack Brooks Exhibitions. BestCities Global Alliance has unveiled a new brand platform and updated strategic plan. Tomorrow’s Talent from The Meetings Show in the UK has now opened for entries. The competition championing young event planners is being run with Iceberg partner Meetings & Incentive Travel.
In convention bureau / destination News, Dubai Business Events secured 261 bids in 2018, a 24 percent increase over 2017. Canada is hosting an event in Toronto showcasing its life sciences, pharma and medtech sectors, and Kerrin MacPhie, VisitBritain’s Head of Business Events, is seeking to further the organisation’s reach to global markets like America.
The UK conferencing and events market is growing as a whole, despite the conference and meetings segment suffering decline for a third year. So says a study of eleven industry reports. But the Brexit effect is clear in this year’s British Meetings and Events Industry Survey, with the results reflecting the uncertainty of many markets.
In Opinions, there’s a fourth Boardroom and Global Association Hubs Partnership interview addressing association globalisation. This time we hear from the European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology’s CEO Alessandro Cortese and MD of Innovation Sven Bossu.
Also in Opinions, ICC Sydney and AEG Ogden’s Geoff Donaghy, what we can read into the latest figures from Dubai Business Events, Matthias Schultze of the German Convention Bureau on GCB’s research project Future Meeting Space, the cautionary tale of the Fyre Festival, and a livestock genetics conference in Auckland.
Finally, congratulations to my friends in Stellenbosch for launching the Event Academy Africa.
Stay warm, and until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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Washington DC has staked its claim as a leader in sustainability, passing the most aggressive, fastest-acting climate change legislation in the United States. Destination DC, the district’s destination marketing organisation, is pitching for more meetings within the sector off the back of these strengths. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
In conjunction with the South Africa National Convention Bureau and The Iceberg initiative, the Event brings you a case study on the MBA World Summit 2018. Conferences and exhibitions drive industries, propel business and contribute significantly to global GDP. In South Africa, they contribute over R115 billion to national GDP. They are a transformative strategy…
Adelaide claims to have secured the “largest legacy of any Australian business event” after the city was chosen to house the country’s new AU$41 million Space Agency. The 4,500-delegate International Astronautical Congress, held in 2017, remains the largest business event won by the Adelaide Convention Bureau and Team Adelaide. From Association Meetings International…
In December Iceberg partner BestCities Global Alliance participants gathered in Bogotá, Colombia for the annual Global Forum. Held in collaboration with the Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau, the event honed in on the concept of creating change regardless of your surroundings, a perspective made more relevant in a capital recovering from a complicated past. From Boardroom…
Coventry has cemented its role as a centre for excellence of artificial intelligence in pathology, with the University of Warwick securing the European Congress on Digital Pathology in 2019. Some 500 students, trainees, academics, clinicians and industry representatives from around the world will attend the three-day event in April. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
In 2018 three major international medical conferences were hosted in Glasgow: haemophilia, Down’s syndrome and ALS / MND. About 10% of attendees were living with the conditions under discussion. Glasgow Convention Bureau partnered with Glasgow Welcomes and VisitScotland to offer free education sessions to help event stakeholders better understand these delegates’ needs. From Boardroom…
A collaboration between Qatar University and the Qatar Tourism Authority has brought the All Together Better Health conference to Doha in 2020, the first time the biennial meeting has come to the Middle East. The event is expected to gather more than 500 health and social care professionals from around the globe. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Hamburg’s systematic approach to building on its strengths has resulted in its winning a significant medical congress. In 2021, around 2,000 neurosurgery specialists will visit the German city as the annual congress of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies takes place at Congress Center Hamburg. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
The winners of the Global Destination Sustainability Index Awards were announced during the closing ceremony of the 57th ICCA Congress in Dubai. For the third year in a row, Gothenburg Convention Bureau won the Leadership Award, and it remains a pioneer, setting the pace as well as sharing best practice across the industry. From Meetings International…
The Iceberg, presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), is the established industry metaphor for the extended value capture of business and professional events. The Iceberg Global Ambassador Program, announced at IBTM World, will commence in January 2019. The JMIC Iceberg initiative encourages industry stakeholders to secure a role in delivering – and contributing to…
Ottawa, a capital at the crossroads of government, education and advocacy, has an integrated and holistic approach to immigration. So it is no surprise that the International Metropolis Project, a network of researches, policy makers and community groups focussed on improving migration and diversity, chose this capital hub for its 1,500 delegate 2019 conference. From Boardroom…
Organisers of the National Cancer Research Institute Cancer Conference in Glasgow are seeking a long-term legacy with a special event aimed at school students considering a career in science or medicine. Sixth form students from across Scotland considering such a professional future have been invited to hear from researchers at the meeting. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
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Iceberg partner BestCities Global Alliance has unveiled a new brand platform and updated strategic plan as it approaches its twentieth year of operation. The Alliance is made up of twelve leading cities for major conferences and business events. International associations were consulted on the new platform’s principles. From Boardroom…
ExCeL London is reducing waste with a “No Plastic” campaign to outline its commitment to this global issue. The approach will initially focus on the 27 retailers along its central boulevard. “Waste from single-use plastic is a critical issue for our industry,” says Jeremy Rees, CEO of ExCeL London. From Boardroom…
The Bilbao Exhibition Centre has become a full member of Iceberg partner the International Congress and Convention Association. The first event at which BEC will take part as a member will be the General Assembly of the Iberian Chapter (Spain and Portugal), in Oporto in April, along with over sixty delegates. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
The United Kingdom conferencing and events market is growing as a whole, despite the conference and meetings segment suffering decline for a third consecutive year. So says an in-depth study of eleven industry reports by Warwick Conferences. A focus on ROI means the number of events being organised is down. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre delivered a record-breaking RM888 million in revenue during 2018, an 80 percent increase on 2017. The Malaysian venue hosted 1,485 events, and also saw a hike in guests arriving in the city, with a total of 2.18 million, an increase of 49 percent on the previous year. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Kerrin MacPhie, VisitBritain’s Head of Business Events, is seeking to further the organisation’s reach to global markets. MacPhie outlined her plans at the MPI Economic Insights in London. She said VisitBritain was looking to expand around the world and draw buyers from international markets like America. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Convention delegates in Cairns added around AUS$80m to the Australian city’s economy last year, according to a new study. Research into delegate spending and travel habits, commissioned by the Cairns Convention Centre, underlines the financial value of meetings. Events at the venue generated 133,784 room nights. From Association Meetings International…
The Brexit effect is clear in this year’s British Meetings and Events Industry Survey, with the results reflecting the uncertainty being experienced by many markets. When asked whether Brexit would affect the volume or nature of their events, far fewer respondents said they would be unaffected than last year. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
A new initiative from The Meetings Show in the UK to champion young event planners has now opened for entries. Tomorrow’s Talent is being run together with Iceberg partner M&IT to shine a spotlight on young and emerging sector stars and to nurture and support future leaders. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Dubai Business Events, the city’s convention bureau, had a fruitful 2018 securing 261 bids, which are set to attract another 153,640 delegates to Dubai over the coming years. The 24 percent increase since 2017 signifies a shift towards larger-scale events, and further cements the emirate as an attractive global business destination. From Boardroom…
Reed Exhibitions, organiser of Iceberg partner IBTM Events, is to acquire business-to-business event organiser Mack Brooks Exhibitions. Mack Brooks was established in 1965 and runs over thirty meetings in fourteen countries, serving nine industry sectors. After regulatory approval, the deal should close during the first half of 2019. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Canada is inviting international executives to a hosted business-to-business event showcasing its life sciences, pharmaceutical and medtech industries. The aim is to increase the country’s share of meetings in the sector. Innovate Canada 2019 will take place in Toronto this May. A previous edition of the event targeted the ICT sector. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
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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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Universal Accessibility in Meetings is a research study conducted by GainingEdge, in collaboration with project partners BestCities Global Alliance and Rehabilitation International. The goal of this research project is to promote awareness among meeting organisers and the supplier community on the need to remove barriers in meetings and conventions for delegates with disabilities. The study…
A new index which ranks cities in terms of their competitive strength for attracting international conventions was launched at the 57th ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Congress 2018. The index scores cities based on their strengths in relation to eleven key drivers that GainingEdge says influence association decision-making during destination selection processes. The first…
Tourism continues to dominate Asia Pacific’s travel industry, but the corporate incentive travel segment, already representing a quarter of the global travel industry, continues to make steady gains. The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) partnered with PCMA Education Foundation to commission a research project to help APAC region meeting planners understand what is driving this expanding…
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announced the results of Women in the Exhibitions Industry at the 85th UFI Global Congress in St. Petersburg, Russia. The research is a joint project between UFI and its media partner m+a providing insights into the perception of women’s and men’s skills in the workplace, the potential…
The Events Industry Council commissioned a study on the global economic significance of business events, conducted by Oxford Economics. This is unprecedented research that could only be accomplished through the collaborative efforts of the public and private sectors to qualify the value, influence and impact that business events produce throughout the world. It further enables…
Looking into 2019, meeting professionals have an optimistic view of the meetings market. This global survey shows planners in many regions are planning more meetings, for more attendees, and of longer duration. The industry is mature, stable, and achieving incremental growth. Download the American Express Meetings & Events 2019 Global Meetings and Events Forecast to find…
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), Incentive Research Foundation (IRF), and Financial and Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) are proud to announce the release of the first joint study of the global incentive travel industry. Incentive Travel Industry Index powered by SITE Index, IRF Outlook and FICP is a landmark for the industry, providing unprecedented,…
Events that create a long-lasting legacy share a common element: putting change first. This research report is our effort to encourage all event planners (where possible) to ask different questions and to seek different results. Planning an event is often a matter of priorities. What results do we want? What is the purpose of the event…
The International Congress and Convention Association’s newest industry report “A Modern History of International Association Meetings – Update: 1963-2017”, released to celebrate ICCA’s 55th anniversary, reveals the results of an extensive study of 55 years of growth in the industry. The report marks an important milestone in ICCA’s history and recognises the continued influence of…
Drawing on official data from 14 national trade fair bodies who guarantee the quality of the statistics they provide, UFI’s latest report compiles statistics on 2,709 exhibitions covering a total of 27.6 million square metres of registered rented space in 2017. The report shows a notable increase of 5% in terms of the total number…
There has never been a more exciting time for meetings and events. The growth in sophisticated venues across the globe and innovation in tech is making boundless creativity a reality. And smarter ways of using data to fine-tune the value around meetings programs are in full effect. The digital revolution and use of social media…
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…
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Last year the Aotea Centre (above) in Auckland hosted over 1,400 leading scientists and researchers for the 11th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production. Auckland Advocate Alliance member and Massey University Professor of Animal Science Hugh Blair was the local committee chair, and integral to winning the conference. From Boardroom…
The branded plane that flew the foolhardy to the Fyre Festival in 2017 was just one footnote in the event disaster to end them all. After Fyre’s calamitous collapse, and the organiser’s imprisonment for fraud and $26 million fine, two new TV documentaries dissect every event planner’s worst nightmare. Photo: John Klos. From editor’s blog at Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Matthias Schultze, MD of the German Convention Bureau, has been discussing the future of meetings on the back of GCB’s research project, Future Meeting Space, recently launched at PCMA Convening Leaders in Pittsburgh. Diversity, disruption, format innovation, knowledge transfer, networking, and accommodating the shy and less tech-savvy are all covered. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
The latest figures from Dubai Business Events show 261 meeting bids won in 2018, up 24 percent on 2017. This success also marks a whopping 62 percent increase over the previous year in the number of delegates set to visit the emirate, and a shift towards larger-scale events. From editor’s blog at Association Meetings International…
The place of corporate social responsibility, the importance of incorporating legacy, plus the recent hosting of Sibos, are all among the subjects discussed by ICC Sydney CEO and AEG Ogden Director Convention Centres Geoff Donaghy, as his venue prepares for its busiest year ever after a successful run of events in 2018. From Boardroom…
The Iceberg is publishing a series of interviews about the globalisation of large associations. These are jointly produced by partners Boardroom and the Global Association Hubs Partnership. This time we hear from ESTRO’s (the European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology’s) CEO, Alessandro Cortese (pictured), and its new MD of Innovation, Sven Bossu. From Global Association Hubs Partnership…
Five Convene editors have been examining meeting trends for 2019. Big data now needs data ethics. We will pay more attention to attention itself and our use of technology in groups. New kinds of benchmarks are emerging to measure diversity and inclusivity. Sleep is now very much part of any focus on wellbeing. From PCMA Convene…
As 2018 leaves its footprints on the sands of time, here’s to the past extraordinary year. The last twelve months brought great change to the meetings industry, from the #MeToo movement, to the war on plastic, and to fears about climate change. That’s before even the dreaded “B” word. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
After conducting research for the recent “Gender Diversity & Inclusion in Events” report, reviewing over 60,000 speakers at business events in 23 countries between 2013 and 2018, event software company Bizzabo found that on average more than two thirds (69 percent) of speakers were male, with less than one third female. From PCMA…
The Iceberg is publishing a series of interviews which all address the globalisation of large associations. These are being jointly produced by partners Boardroom and the Global Association Hubs Partnership. Thomas Reiser, Executive Director of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis, describes forming the European Thrombosis and Haemostasis Alliance. From Global Association Hubs Partnership…
More than 90 percent of US eaten seafood is imported, and about 40 percent of 25,000 attendees at Seafood Expo North America also attend from abroad. Since tariffs imposed on goods imported from China and other countries have taken effect, some regular exhibitors have cut back on space they’re purchasing for March 2019. From PCMA…
Heather Seasholtz CMP, Director of Meetings and Events at Iceberg partner Talley Management Group, is a true difference-maker within the meetings industry. Here she shares her thoughts on conquering burnout, navigating change and appreciating career mentors, alongside emerging industry trends like hybrid meetings and changes in approaches to sponsorship. From PCMA…
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Sie stellen Ihre Akquise auf eine stabile Basis und richten sie Anhand Ihrer Zielgruppen treffsicher aus; Sie lernen unterschiedliche Vertriebs Tools kennen und beurteilen und wählen die für Ihren Vertrieb sinnvolle Strategie aus; Sie setzten gelerntes zeitnah in die Praxis um dadurch gewinnen Sie neue Kunden.
Lernen Sie kennen welche Chancen und Risken beim Einsatz von Fremdfirmen bestehen. Wann dürfen Sie Fremdfirmenmitarbeiter anweisen? In welchen Bereichen ist es unzulässig? Kennen Sie die Grenze zur unerlaubten Arbeitnehmerüberlassung? Wann entsteht „Scheinselbständigkeit“? Was müssen Sie für einen rechtssicheren Einsatz von Fremdfirmen unbedingt beachten! In diesem Seminar werden Sie alle aktuellen Anforderungen und „Rechtsfallen“ kennenlernen und…
Wenn Sie Ihre Kunden lösungsorientiert ansprechen, schaffen Sie Vertrauen in Ihre Dienstleistung. Mit spannenden Geschichten holen Sie Ihre Kunden auch emotional ab und geben Ihnen das gute Gefühl, verstanden und gut aufgehoben zu sein, selbst wenn Sie in Social Media kommunizieren. Sie kommunizieren kundenorientiert und überzeugend; Sie erweitern Ihr Verkaufsrepertoire und lernen Zusatznutzen zu generieren; Sie nutzen Storytelling…
Each Focus Meeting is dedicated to a specific topic in relation to an exhibition industry issue. Open to all industry professionals, these meetings are composed of speakers’ presentations, as well as round-table discussions and debates between the participants and the lecturers.
The AES covers all aspects of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of meetings and at the same time is a unique opportunity for suppliers to understand client objectives and business cultures, and for association executives to understand how to negotiate with and understand the objectives of suppliers, enabling both sides to establish stronger and more…
Driven by a powerful 12 year history of growing influence this event is recognized as a critical forum for international sales and marketing executives and the clients, suppliers and industry observers who each year help define key challenges and solutions in a collaborative environment. A “must do” preparation for the rigors and opportunities of IMEX.
Expect expert speakers, brand-new ideas and plentiful inspiration at 250-plus educational and networking events – and an exhilarating exhibition. Whether you want to keep up with fast-changing event trends, explore event tech, polish your professional skills or connect with your peers, our groundbreaking free programme has it covered.
Exhibitions are competitive. Only exhibition of the highest quality will successfully attract international exhibitors and visitors. UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, working with the University of Cooperative Education in Ravensburg, Germany, has created the “Exhibition Management Degree (EMD)” to train exhibition industry professionals to meet tomorrow’s event management demands.
Maritz Global Events’ resource library gives industry professionals the latest insights about solving their greatest challenges; experts share their insights on the value of face-to-face meetings and events, the journey to take your event global, and the power of experience design thinking.
Capturing valuable insights and conversations: Be immersed in engaging live or virtual technologies with MCI proven expertise to be aware of the latest trends. Explore the key topics that affect your business environment through the unique insights of MCI’s industry experts.
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The event industry’s biggest and most prestigious recognition programme; the only independently audited events industry awards programme. Organised by Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, the awards event brings together all sectors of the business to reward excellence of service and product and to enjoy fantastic cuisine, fine wines, excellent live entertainment and raise funds for charity.
We look forward to three interactive, informative and inspiring days with new knowledge, network and examples of best practice. Once you travel back home from the chapter meeting, our aim is that you will have concrete ideas and tools to implement in your daily work. The invited speakers will give inspiration, as well as present how…
The most important gathering of Asian exhibition industry leaders, this fast-paced, two day event is geared towards providing industry updates and insights from across the region, combined with quality networking and unique cultural experiences.
ICCA France Benelux Chapter is providing a great opportunity for members in the region to share experiences and best practices amongst each other. The Next Annual Chapter Summit will take place in Rennes, France, from 18-19 March 2018. The event is open to all ICCA members and for non-members by invitation only.
IBTM Arabia is the leading event for the meetings and events industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We bring together meetings and events planners from across the globe to meet MICE suppliers based in the MENA region. This includes 3 days of pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, invaluable networking opportunities, Discovery Day and carefully selected educational sessions delivered by…
The purpose of these seminars is to make UFI known to the exhibition industry of a given region and to transmit the know-how of experienced UFI members in the scope of international exhibition business cooperation. These seminars are also open to non-members.
The ICCA Iberian Chapter was created in the early 90s after years participating amongst other colleagues in the Mediterranean Chapter. Attracting new congresses and events to Spain and Portugal has been the aim of the Chapter since then. Moreover the need to create win-win situations and the great offer both countries present, makes the Iberian Peninsula…
The conference is the most international gathering of 200+ European exhibition industry leaders, and it is also attended by colleagues from Asia and the Americas. This two day event is geared towards providing industry updates and insights from across the region, combined with quality networking and unique cultural experiences.
The worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events. Expect expert speakers, brand-new ideas and plentiful inspiration at 250-plus educational and networking events – and an exhilarating exhibition. Whether you want to keep up with fast-changing event trends, explore event tech, polish your professional skills or connect with your peers, our groundbreaking free programme has…
Where the meetings world and public policy makers connect: Our Policy Forum takes the success of its previous incarnation, the Politicians Forum, to the next level, bringing policy makers together with influential industry leaders to engage national and local governments in the advancement of our industry. Part of our strategy to create a positive legacy….
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