Two delegates outside a UK meeting last week. Photo: Derek Harper.
Having attended two events over the past week in near arctic conditions, it has certainly been a little bit chilly here in the UK. But even such organiser nightmares can create unexpected legacies.
After freezing conditions forced the cancellation of a meeting at Grange City Hotel in central London, agency Mammoth Events worked with the venue to give the surplus food to charity. 220 meals were distributed to City Harvest to help London’s homeless. Bravo!
In this issue of Business Events World and on The Iceberg, Features contains the final video in our series on ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance’s “Incredible Impacts” awards. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis actually won its grant for a World Thrombosis Day campaign. But the video details another legacy project also submitted: the holding of ISTH’s 2011 Congress and Annual SSC Meeting in Kyoto after the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. It’s a masterclass in disaster preparedness and management, and a lesson in how meetings can bring a real legacy of recovery to a destination reeling from nature’s fury.
In News (click right), you’ll find Bournemouth’s £100 million events dividend, AIME 2018 in Melbourne, and the new President of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, Mathias Posch. The National Rifle Association is warned to move its annual convention out of Dallas, ICC Sydney delegates generate AU$785 million for New South Wales in the venue’s first year, and Dubai’s Al Safeer ambassadors are supporting two thirds of successful bids for association conferences.
On The Iceberg itself (click View all News), there’s the launch of EventWell in the UK, and all those meetings cancelled or postponed because of the sub-zero British weather.
News also carries reports on several surveys: Convene’s 27th Annual Meetings Market Survey, The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s latest “PULSE”, and four more you’ll find in full in Research (still clicking right). These are The HBAA Meetings Barometer, The Science Of Healthcare Professional Meetings, The Rise of Midsize Cities in the Meetings Industry, and The Economic Significance of Meetings to the US Economy.
And in Opinions (as ever clicking right), there’s a late video from IT&CMA 2017 on MCI and the Association Market in Asia, SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan weighs up the latest incentive travel research, and Convene asks if science is under threat in the US. There are two great legacy stories from Boardroom: how international events are transforming Bogotá, and how Calgary made child play “meaningful”. Finally, Business Events Sydney’s Lyn Lewis-Smith predicts the road and year ahead for the business event sector.
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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In November the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. During the event, the inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by both…
Montreal has become Canada’s cultural capital: not quite North American, but not entirely European either. Already home to top-notch researchers in fields like genetics, aging, economics and life sciences, Montreal’s scientific community is building on its international reputation. It is doing this both by winning scientific awards and by attracting large-scale international conventions. From Boardroom…
The longest inhabited city on the globe, Jerusalem is not only holy to three major world religions but also an evolving association destination. Thanks to the presence of 17 academic institutions, the Israeli capital is also a modern-day knowledge hub. It boasts the largest number of start-ups and venture capital investments per capita anywhere. From Boardroom…
In November the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. During the event, the inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by both…
In November the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. During the event, the inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by both…
Friends, family, and colleagues of the late Paul Flackett joined in celebration of the IMEX and business events industry icon at a memorial event generously hosted by London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre. Comic, emotional, and musical farewells from all corners of the world were delivered in fond remembrance of “the boy from Birmingham”. These included…
In November the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. During the event, the inaugural winners of the “Incredible Impacts” grants supported by both…
Last month the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed a record number of delegates to its 56th annual congress. Almost 1,300 members, including more than 40 association executives, travelled to Prague for four days of education, chapter meetings and networking. According to Czech Statistical Office data, Prague welcomed a total of 4,426 conferences in…
With ICC Wales opening in 2019, and with key strengths in the automotive, aerospace, and marine renewable energy sectors – not to mention life sciences, cyber security and compound semiconductors – how does the land of rugby and song marshall and present its knowledge economy to attract prospective international meetings? From Intellectual Capitals…
The question is often asked: what are the benefits of holding conferences? Often the real answers to the question only emerge years after an event has taken place, when the ideas presented or connections made have become breakthroughs that save lives, change society or redefine best practice and policy. Business Events Sydney (BESydney) and the…
The city of Mainz in western Germany has just played host to the Third International Cancer lmmunotherapy Conference 2017. It was selected for the 1,500-delegate event not just as a cost-effective destination, but also as a knowledge hub in the sector and home to one of Europe’s leading cancer immunology research centres. From tw tagungswirtschaft…
Once the meetings industry was viewed only in terms of spend during an event: flying in, commuting by taxi, renting venue space, booking accommodation and eating at restaurants. Those days are over. Daniel Waigl, executive director of the Radiological Society of Europe, explains how healthcare association meetings deliver legacies of improved treatment and awareness. From Boardroom…
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More than 150 doctors, scientists, industry experts and business leaders have been honoured in Dubai for their role in attracting prestigious international meetings to the emirate. The ambassadors, members of convention bureau Dubai Business Events’ Al Safeer Programme, last year supported two thirds (67 percent) of successful bids for association conferences. From Association Meetings International…
Average spend both per meeting and per delegate grew significantly in the UK during 2017, says the HBAA Meetings Barometer. The research, developed with The MeetingsBenchmark, also shows the average daily delegate rate down slightly. 2017 was a good year for UK meeting sales, with 2018 on course to be even better. From Meetpie.com…
The US economy gained momentum in 2017 and the meetings industry followed suit. There may however be speed bumps in 2018, organisers say, especially for those who plan international events. Convene’s 27th Annual Meetings Market Survey finds challenges in obtaining visas to enter the US a growing problem for foreign delegates. From PCMA Convene…
Meeting face to face is still highly valued in the digital age, according to Ashfield Meetings & Events’ 2018 follow up to its 2016 “Future of Meetings” white paper. Healthcare professionals are now saying their “preferred channel” to receive and learn medical content is through attendance at a scientific congress or meeting. From Meetpie.com…
There is strong growth in new shows across the Australasian business event industry. The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s latest “PULSE” survey reveals 40 percent of organisers launched at least one in 2017. Of new shows for 2018, 35 percent are technology-based, with a focus on space, satellite technology, and cybersecurity. From CIM News Magazine…
Medium-sized cities avoid the “second-tier” label by positioning themselves as knowledge or innovation hubs to win international meetings business, according to a new report. “The Rise of Midsize Cities in the Meetings Industry”, commissioned by trade show owner IMEX Group, says smaller destinations are increasingly using size to their advantage. From Association Meetings International…
The US meetings economy continues to grow. The Events Industry Council, the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and Oxford Economics have released a new report that shows the industry remains a critical contributor to the national economy. Meetings generated $325 billion in direct spend and $845 billion in business sales during 2016. From Meetings & Conventions…
Delegates attending events at the International Convention Centre Sydney have generated AU$785 million in direct expenditure for New South Wales over the venue’s first year of operation, according to a Deloitte Access Economics study. Almost AU$560 million of the generated expenditure is derived from international and interstate visitors. From CIM News Magazine…
A former Dallas mayor is calling for the National Rifle Association to move its annual meeting out of the city. The 147th NRA convention is taking place in May at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. It is expected to draw 20,000 attendees and generate $42 million for the city. Photo: Michael Barera. From Meetings & Conventions…
The new President of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers, Mathias Posch, wants the organisation to “keep thinking big”. He also wants to increase IAPCO’s footprint in Asia and Latin America. Mr. Posch was recently elected President at IAPCO’s largest-ever annual general assembly in Tokyo. From Association Meetings International…
The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo 2018 has drawn event professionals and exhibitors from over twenty countries to connect, learn and be inspired in Melbourne. The event kicked off with a press conference from John Eren, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, and a quirky welcome party showcasing Victoria’s festival culture. From CIM News Magazine…
New events in Bournemouth are to deliver a £100m boost to the local economy over the coming three years. The meetings, held at both Bournemouth International Centre and Bournemouth Pavilion, will attract thousands of visitors, industry professionals and delegates to the south coast. They will also support more than 4,500 local jobs. From Meetpie.com…
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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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“2017 was a good year for UK meetings industry sales growth” reports Louise Goalen, Chair of HBAA, as the HBAA Meetings Barometer results for 2017 are revealed. The average spend per meeting and average spend per delegate in the UK both grew significantly year on year in 2017, despite a slight decline in the average…
Ashfield Meetings & Events is pleased to announce a 2018 follow-up study to the 2016 “Future Of Meetings” white paper. “The Science Of Healthcare Professional Meetings” compares and contrasts the perceptions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) across a wide variety of speciality areas, and dives deeper into the ongoing evolution of the medical meetings landscape. By looking…
A new research report examining “The Rise of Midsize Cities in the Meetings Industry” in North America and Europe, commissioned by the IMEX Group and developed by Skift, has been published. The free 40+ page report carefully examines why and how some midsize cities (historically known as second-tier cities, a label they’ve now shaken off) have managed…
This Economic Significance Study (ESS), conducted by Oxford Economics, quantifies a vital industry that contributes billions of dollars to the US economy, while creating millions of jobs in almost every community in the country. The data in this study provides a clear and credible statistical base on which to gain recognition for this vast and…
The IRF 2018 Trends Study highlights ten key trends that will affect organizations, their products and services, and the workforce in 2018. From market optimism to concerns about risk and safety, the study identifies key areas of change and their implications for workforce engagement, incentive travel and recognition. IRF 2018 Trends Study (IRF website version)
This study is based on a global survey, concluded in January 2018. It represents up to date information on the development and the outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 17 specific countries and geographic zones. Global Exhibition Barometer 20th Edition (January 2018)
The United Kingdom is a preferred host for international meetings, conferences and events because of its economic, academic and industry sector strengths. That applies equally to the major gateway cities and the many regional cities spread across every corner of the UK, each with extensive clusters of expertise in advanced and creative industries. This sector…
Positive Impact has marked the end of its campaign during the UN Year of Sustainable Tourism with the launch of a report at IBTM World “Telling the Story of the Power of Events”. The report which has had input from five academics and had a three month period of accepting contributions from across the global…
UFI’s World Map of Exhibition Venues (November 2017) reveals that the total venue space available for exhibitions has grown 7.4 percent in the last six years, from 32,500,000 to 34,900,000 square metres (gross indoor exhibition space, venues over 5,000 square metres). The fastest growth is in venues offering more than 100,000 square metres, a rise of…
This report gives an overview of the experience and intentions of exhibitors at trade shows across the world. It aims to give event organisers a deeper understanding of the patterns and trends that drive positive and negative exhibitor experiences and the objectives and behaviours that underlie them. This report has been created in two stages….
With the majority of all U.S. businesses (84%) now using non-cash awards and the majority of top performing businesses (those with the highest revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and employee satisfaction) saying their executives support their non-cash recognition and reward programs as a competitive advantage, the eminent need to understand how to create effective programs becomes…
Attendees are consumers: discerning travelers who may choose to attend conventions & exhibitions… or not. That’s why the mutual goal of both meeting / exhibition professionals and CVBs is generating positive word-of-mouth from attendees, resulting in repeat bookings and increased attendance. This report provides insight from the second Decision to Attend survey conducted in 2017, with…
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Two years ago the Chinese administration began the process of decoupling associations or scientific societies from government sponsorship and control. An astonishing 700,000 associations will now need to establish sustainable business models in order to survive. Oscar Cerezales, Chief Operating Officer of MCI Asia-Pacific, reflects on the differences between this Chinese association market and the…
With the Events Industry Council’s “Economic Significance of Meetings to the US Economy” now out, and after incentive sector specific research from both the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence and the Incentive Research Foundation, how far do such reports correctly quantify the real impact and worth of incentive travel? From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
In October three presentations by US Environmental Protection Agency scientists were pulled from a workshop in Rhode Island. The presenters had contributed to a report citing climate change as a threat. As fewer government scientists attend conferences and with uncertainty over international travel to the US, three experts weigh in. From PCMA Convene…
Bogotá, capital of Colombia, is one of the most dynamic cities in Latin America with 7.6 million inhabitants. Now at a crossroads as the nation leaves behind more than 50 years of internal conflict, attracting international events that have an impact is part of an overall strategy of change. From Boardroom, with the Bogotá Convention Bureau…
The International Play Association supports “every child’s right to play and to promote healthy, high-quality play opportunities and environments”. When the manager of recreation for the north and east region of the City of Calgary was approached to host its world conference, her boss said “I want to do something that’s meaningful”. From Boardroom…
The business events industry is changing faster than perhaps ever before. Each year we see new and exciting developments brought about by rapid evolution of technology, growing understanding of how business events can create value, and changing priorities and expectations of host organisations and their delegates. So what’s next? From Lyn Lewis-Smith via LinkedIn…
What makes a good conference? Pádraic Gilligan picks again over the recent SITE + MPI Global Forum in Rome. But he reaches the Eternal City via a Harvard Business Review article about US women’s networking events, and research revealing that those attending were twice as likely to be promoted within a year than the no-shows. From SoolNua’s Pádraic Gilligan at Padraicino…
The imminent sledgehammer of the EU’s General Data Protection Requirement (GDPR) has been in the air for some time now. But does the extent to which companies have been ignoring their soon-to-be regulatory responsibilities mean that we should in fact be calling it GDDPR: the General Denial of Data Protection Requirement? From Meetings & Conventions…
Sometimes meeting and destination are truly a perfect fit. In 2023 the World Council for Psychotherapy’s World Congress returns to its inaugural venue, the Sigmund Freud Private University in Vienna. With the city being the birthplace of Freud himself, the Vienna Convention Bureau suggested the “crazy idea” of a “Freudian walk”. Photo: Gugerell. From PCMA Convene…
By involving local communities in your meetings you can create a concrete legacy for the host destination. Strategic results can be achieved for everyone. A good example of legacy creation is the SIAARTI Academy 2017, an innovative training event for members of the Italian Society for Anaesthesia, Analgesia, Resuscitation and Intensive Care. From Boardroom…
As reported in News, Dubai’s meetings dominance continued in 2017. The emirate won 212 bids and proposals. Expo 2020 is also nearing. Dubai has always hosted spectacular familiarisation trips, and an Iceberg partner has just enjoyed one, during which the brand new Dubai Frame (pictured) was on the itinerary. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
The Iceberg has previously reported how the World Parkinson Congress’ involvement of patients won it one of ICCA and BestCities Global Alliances “Incredible Impacts” awards. Here Elizabeth “Eli” Pollard, Executive Director of the World Parkinson Coalition, describes in further detail her organisation’s approach to creating a patient legacy in its host cities. From Boardroom…
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The Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) program provides healthcare meeting compliance stakeholders with the knowledge and experience they need to successfully navigate the increasingly complex pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device regulatory environment. A broad range of healthcare topics including cross-border healthcare compliance, industry trends, global regulations, and compliance, codes, laws and mandates will be covered. Participants of…
In the meeting and event planning world, ineffective communications can obstruct information, hinder collaboration and negatively impact the overall success of an event. In this highly interactive, high-energy presentation, Jan Spence will use her vast knowledge helping companies and individuals take their teamwork, listening, and communication skills to the next level by sharing tips on…
An IAPCO EDGE embraces all sectors of the Meetings Industry. The target audience is PCOs/Meeting Planners; National/International Organisations/Associations; Convention Bureaux/Tourism Bodies; Congress Centres/Conference Hotels; Exhibition Managers; Pharma and Medical Device Companies; DMCs; AMCs; Travel Agencies.
In this ever-changing challenging world for CEOs of destination organizations, you need to be equipped with the tools necessary to not only survive industry threats but create an environment for tourism to thrive. Join destination organization CEOs to learn from global leaders addressing high-level topics such as OVER-TOURISM; DESTINATION GUARDIANSHIP; CRISIS RESPONSE; OFFICE CULTURE OF THE FUTURE; WEAPONIZATION OF TRAVEL and…
Held in conjunction with the Conference of the Association of Latin American Convention Centres, this full day event brings together a range of sessions and participants to ensure the broadest possible perspective on industry conditions and facilitate strategic development in this rapidly developing region within a global context.
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 10 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.
This training is full of demonstrations of the latest technological tools to get the most out this day of intensive learning. The technologies addressed are: Digital Content Management; Mobile Apps; The basics of hybrid meetings and the latest innovation; Co-creation; Participant involvement: how to make it really work. Discover practical techniques, formats, processes and tools that you can…
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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Connect with the top hotels, CVBs, DMCs, and venues from across the state of California in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments and unique experiential networking events, while enjoying a fully hosted, three-night stay at The Loews Coronado Bay Resort in Coronado, California, from April 15-18, 2018.
ICCA venues each invite a client to the Workshop to discuss their specific meeting requirements. No other event offers the same opportunity for client and supplier to meet face-to-face and discuss future co-operation in a tailor-made Workshop environment. Participating clients get the opportunity to meet people from other venues. They make initial contact with the sales team…
ibtm africa is where meetings, events and incentives industry decision makers meet for business adventures across Africa. If you do business in Africa, join us in Cape Town on the 19th – 20th April 2018 at the CTICC (Cape Town International Convention Centre) where elite meeting planners and buyers will join exhibitors for an exclusive opportunity access quality education and networking events….
Our industry’s landscape is shifting – traditional trade shows have become exhibitions, and in recent years have added conference and digital elements to serve their customers’ expanding and changing needs. In parallel, and driven by a need from digital communities to meet in person face to face, hybrid formats have evolved – part festival, past conference,…
In its second year, the PCMA Education Foundation Visionary Awards delivered on its promise to inspire all who attended the sold out event. More than 1,000 leaders in the business events were in attendance at the premier industry recognition event. From the red carpet to the awards program and the swinging after-party, the evening will be…
Invaluable business connections, motivating educational sessions, and unforgettable experiences! The event will launch at sea with Norwegian Cruise Line out of New York. This is an exclusive conference for executive-level women in the meetings and incentives industry-by women, for women. Only women will be in attendance, and all participating suppliers and event sponsors must appoint female representatives to participate.
AIPC Members, who are exhibiting at IMEX Frankfurt are invited, to attend the IMEX Association Evening on May 14. This event is organised by IMEX in collaboration with AIPC. To register contact secretariat@aipc.org prior to April 10.
Discover 3,500 worldwide exhibitors, the latest trends and hundreds of meeting professionals under one roof. With the largest global array of exhibitors from every sector in the meetings industry, come to IMEX prepared to do a year’s worth of business in just three days. Choose from 150 seminars, including seminars, workshops, campfires and bite-sized show-floor education. Over 200…
The 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. Our advocacy partners are AIPC, ECM, ICCA, JMIC, The…
The INCON Digital Infrastructure Award rewards venues that invest in their infrastructure to ensure a flawless digital experience for meeting and conference guests. This year, INCON has opened the award to two categories – Convention Centres and Hotel Convention Venues. Winners will be announced at IMEX Frankfurt in May 2018.
The World Education Congress is MPI’s signature event through which it delivers premier education, business and networking opportunities for meeting and event planners. Every programming decision MPI is making for #WEC18 is toward the goal of revitalizing you and the events you plan. From the keynotes to concurrent sessions; from the networking functions to the…
Global Exhibitions Day is a chance to celebrate the exhibition industry and highlight its positive impact on jobs, business, innovation and local investment. Online, and through an array of national and local events, people on every continent are expected to join the GED18 campaign, from venues and organisers to students, local partners and public authorities.
