Business events add more than $1 trillion to the global economy, says report.
In issue 46 of Business Events World and on The Iceberg, another amazing statistic draws focus.
It comes from Iceberg partner the Events Industry Council’s first Global Economic Significance of Business Events study. Our sector adds more than $1 trillion to the global economy, preliminary results show. In 2017 meetings brought together more than 1.4 billion participants in over 180 countries. The report itself publishes on November 9th, so will appear here next issue.
When I came to select the image above to illustrate the story, Photoshop for the first time warned me it “does not support the editing of banknote images”. How apt it is that my software is concerned I may be trying to print money! That’s the very thing our sector is now confirmed as doing.
In fact some friends in Spain did once inadvertently rent out their property to a forgery gang. But that’s another story.
In Features you can read all about the study’s statistic. Plus (click the right arrow or swipe to spin the carousels)… growing agriculture through business events in Sarawak, the meetings and knowledge hub attractions of Nice and Marseille, and the 22nd Human Genome Meeting in Yokohama.
News includes the $1 trillion story, plus how industry event IMEX America has just taken place and is contributing $19 million to Las Vegas’ economy. A decade after global recession the meetings industry has settled into steady and stable growth, according to American Express Meetings & Events’ 2019 Global Meetings and Events Forecast.
Sibos has been held in Sydney, showcasing local fintech. Australia’s convention bureaux are attracting more large business events and boosting opportunities for small businesses. New Zealand’s tourism minister has thanked 31 experts who secured international conferences for the country.
Also in News this issue… Dubai and Houston will be collaborating between this year’s ICCA Congress and 2019’s. Washington DC is marketing three new knowledge hubs. Paris has won the 72nd International Astronautical Congress for 2021. England’s North East is targeting big events with a new conference precinct. A Riyadh investment conference faced a global boycott following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
There’s still more on The Iceberg itself (click View all News). Bali has just hosted the IMF World Bank Group Annual Meetings. Brussels has staged EANS2018, and Leeds put on digitech18. Korea has won ISUOG’s World Congress in 2021, and Brisbane has bagged IFHNOS’ in 2026. Associations World Congress is being revamped.
In Opinions you’ll find IMEX America’s final day and key themes, the sustainability aspirations of Grimaldi Forum Monaco and the Minneapolis Convention Center, The Hague & Partners’ awards programme, and the event for women entrepreneurs where you can “bring your own baby”. Plus… Exhibition Director Middle East of IBTM Arabia Danielle Curtis, SITE’s research into incentives, and the future of the association model.
Until the next time (unless I do get Photoshop to print me some money)…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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Business events add more than $1 trillion to the global economy, preliminary results of the Events Industry Council’s first Global Economic Significance of Business Events study show. In 2017, according to the Iceberg partner’s report, business events brought together more than 1.4 billion participants in over 180 countries. From PCMA…
The 22nd Human Genome Meeting took place at PACIFICO Yokohama this March. Japanese scientists are at the forefront of genome research, including large-scale population sequencing, and much of that innovation and the institutions behind it cluster around the seaport of Yokohama, second-biggest city in Japan. From Boardroom…
Thanks to a whole-city approach in promoting key sectors, the number of conferences staged in Marseille has been steadily growing. The recent World Conservation Congress win says a lot about the city’s presence on the international meetings scene. But six clusters of expertise are also shaping which association conferences Marseille attracts. From Boardroom…
Nice is the fifth largest city in France, and was sixth most popular European destination for planners in the 2015 American Express Global Meetings Forecast. Venues like the Nice Acropolis Congress & Exhibition Center have attracted events like Cardiostim or the European Congress of Psychiatry. Six of ten regional clusters are represented. From Boardroom…
Sarawak in Malaysia is leveraging business events to help it become a smart agriculture hub for the Asia Pacific region. The BESarawak Alliance has been formed to encourage growth in key sectors, and one of BESA’s first initiatives is an agriculture-based familiarisation trip taking place in conjunction with the first Sarawak AgroFest. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
The monetary value of information presented at this year’s European Congress of Radiology in Vienna, amounted to €813m, according to a groundbreaking report. The total was arrived at by adding up the professional time spent compiling, and the research funding associated with, the content of the 3,331 papers presented. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Nancy, the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine in northeast France, is now synonymous with creativity and brainpower. The presence of large national research institutions, together with four high-yield industries and three internationally recognised competitive clusters, have been drawing conferences and meetings of all sizes and formats. From Boardroom…
The Convention Centre Dublin will host the 7th European Congress of Immunology in 2024. The event is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates from 80 countries, and bring just shy of €5 million into the local economy. It was the Irish Society for Immunology’s third attempt at bidding for the meeting. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Building on a strong backbone of 17 academic institutions, Jerusalem has emerged as a hub for life science and biomedical companies. The holy city is today making groundbreaking achievements which attract the attention of associations around the globe, not least of which is playing a leading role across global research into cannabis. From Boardroom…
New York has continued its commitment to becoming “the capital city of a responsible world” by hosting the 10th annual Climate Week NYC. More than 140 climate-focused meetings were part of the event, run by international non-profit The Climate Group, with some 10,000 people expected to attend from over 40 countries. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
The recent ITU Telecom World 2018 in Durban has bolstered South Africa’s initiatives in information and communications technology and tech-driven small and medium-sized enterprise development. The event, hosted by the Department of Telecommunications and Post of the Republic of South Africa, took place at Durban International Convention Centre. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
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…
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More than 6,500 members of the global space community will gather in the French capital in 2021 for the 72nd International Astronautical Congress. The Paris Convention Centre will host the IAC’s scientists, academics, engineers and sector leaders for the event. Since its recent opening, the venue has already hosted eight world conferences. From Association Meetings International…
A Riyadh investment conference, dubbed the “Davos in the desert”, kicked off amid huge controversy surrounding the killing of Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. Dozens of business leaders and politicians pulled out of the Future Investment Initiative following the mounting speculation over the Saudi Arabian government’s role in the journalist’s consulate murder. From Meetpie.com…
England’s North East is to target major events with an ambitious conference precinct receiving funding from the UK Department for International Trade. The £250 million, 3.84 hectare Gateshead Quays project will increase the region’s ability to attract and host major conferences and exhibitions, as well as music and cultural events. From Association Meetings International…
Sibos has been held in Sydney, bringing with it 7,000 business leaders and decision makers from around the world. One of the world’s largest financial events, Sibos was secured over four years ago by Business Events Sydney. As at Sibos 2016 in Geneva (see JMIC Case Studies), local fintech start-ups are exhibiting. From CIM News Magazine…
A new study has valued the global business events industry at more than $1 trillion. Preliminary results were announced by Iceberg partner The Events Industry Council at IMEX America. The full report is available from November 9th. The Global Economic Significance of Business Events is the first research of its kind. From Association Meetings International…
Washington DC is to focus on three new knowledge hubs for its 2019 marketing in an effort to remain number one congress destination in the USA. Transport, government advocacy and sustainability are the three new attractions to tempt international associations, as well as existing hubs of biotech / pharma, education and technology. From Association Meetings International…
The economic impact of IMEX America 2018 on Las Vegas has been estimated at $19 million. So claims Cathy Tull, Chief Marketing Officer of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitor Authority. The figure was only one eye-watering number presented by UK event organisers Regent Exhibitions at the final press conference of the show. From Meetpie.com…
New Zealand’s tourism minister has thanked 31 experts who have secured international conferences for their efforts in growing the country’s business, research and technology hubs. The 25 events that were secured are expected to bring over 18,000 international experts into New Zealand, and an estimated NZ$37 million into the local economy. From Association Meetings International…
Australia’s convention bureaux are attracting eight percent more large international business events to the country, and boosting opportunities for small businesses beyond those traditionally seen in tourism. This sector analysis is contained in the new International Business Events Forward Calendar, produced by the AACB (Association of Australian Convention Bureaux). From CIM News Magazine…
IMEX America 2018 has been held in Las Vegas, with industry decision makers meeting with suppliers from every sector and taking in a range of education sessions. Legacy is the talking point and also white paper subject for this year’s show, with the ability of experiential design to engage audiences a focus as well. From Meetpie.com…
A decade after the 2008 global economic recession, the meetings industry has bounced back and settled into a new normal of steady and stable growth, according to American Express Meetings & Events. The 2019 Global Meetings and Events Forecast also shows that planners are feeling pressure from both consolidation and disruptive suppliers. From CIM News Magazine…
Dubai and Houston will both be collaborating to keep momentum going between this year’s ICCA Congress and the next running in 2019. Dubai will soon host the 2018 International Congress and Convention Association event. Next year’s will take pace in Houston late October. Both destinations belong to Iceberg partner BestCities Global Alliance. From CIM News Magazine…
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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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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…
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)
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IMEX America has taken place in Las Vegas. A key focus for this year was corporate social responsibility and sustainability, including another Legacy Wall (pictured), and MPI’s call for planners to be “legacy creators”. Also topical: wellness and support for attendees, and sector collaboration, like IAEE, MPI and SITE’s Global MICE Collaborative. From BizBash…
In 2011 the Minneapolis Convention Center’s leaders talked to their staff about what mattered most to them. Sustainability turned out to be the top priority. The intervening years have seen recycling performance measurement, goal setting and signage improvements, resulting in the current 60 percent recycling rate. The venue is also reducing water usage. From PCMA…
The rise of the ‘individual’, modern consumerism, social media, open-source publishing: all have been cited as reasons why the traditional association model is doomed. It’s a viewpoint which does assume that associations are incapable of self-reform. And yet industry research keeps showing the number of international association meetings going up and up. From Association Meetings International…
It’s the job of a convention bureau to promote destination assets. In 2017 The Hague & Partners created an awards programme to highlight innovative local organisations and professionals. This year the scheme was expanded further to showcase sustainability initiatives leveraging The Hague’s location as the only Netherlands city on the sea. From PCMA Convene…
Company spending on incentive programmes is growing with the evidence that they’re effective at driving productivity. But research from the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence, an Iceberg partner, has found that while budgets have increased, average spending per attendee has remained the same for most. More employees are being invited on trips. From Skift…
Designed for an industry that never sleeps, IMEX America 2018 was brimming with opportunity and learning right down to its last moments. From hearing hosted buyer experiences and exhibitor perspectives, to education content like C2’s session on connecting with audiences and The Events Industry Council’s on cybersecurity, it was a packed final day. From the Event…
In June The Iceberg covered the news that Grimaldi Forum Monaco is installing a rooftop photovoltaic power station, the largest in the principality. Now a familiarisation trip has showcased not just the venue’s spaces and architecture, but also its environmental policy and aspirations to run solely on solar. From editor’s blog at Meetpie.com…
Along with bookings panels and not manels, gender inclusivity should also extend to working mothers attending business meetings and conferences. At In Good Company, an event for women entrepreneurs at Fort Mason in San Francisco, the sessions were emphatically BYOB: not “bring your own bottle” but “bring your own baby”. From Forbes…
Like many new markets, the Middle East and North Africa has its own dynamics with events, meetings, and conferences. The culture is all about personal relationships, so face-to-face is always important for business. Exhibition Director Middle East of IBTM Arabia, Danielle Curtis, shares insights on future trends and technology. From the Event…
The Duke of York may have had ten thousand men, but recently when the University of York announced an all-male panel of seven for a history (sic) conference, a well-known female alumna tweeted academic displeasure. The conference sponsor immediately took the message on board and postponed the event, winning himself a GenderAvengers award. From PCMA Convene…
Some things just work better when you’re hearing from two locations at the same time. The industry has been talking for a while about virtual and hybrid meetings, both on the rise. But what about multi-hub events (partially virtual meetings where groups in different places share the same programme at the same time)? From PCMA…
If a company sponsors a bar tab or breakfast at an event, the return on that investment may quickly wear off. But at the inaugural MANOVA in Minneapolis, one of the healthcare event’s biggest sponsors chose to offer something rather more lasting. Walmart installed something most unusual for a conference: a flu-shot station. From PCMA…
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Data doesn’t have to be a four-letter word! Learn how you can start to better quantify events and evolve your data capabilities to drive better decision making. In this session we will review basics for success and practical applications that can be employed today. Better understand basic data terminology and the foundational elements for success;…
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:…
More details to be available closer to the time.
Association leaders have multiple responsibilities and face limitless distractions, competing demands, and a consistent pressure to perform, so it’s no wonder that the practice of mindfulness is increasing in the business world, including in associations. In this five-session online seminar series, learn firsthand from other executives who share techniques they use successfully to thrive and…
The half-day Finance for the Non-Financial Manager workshop will include a comprehensive overview of finance essentials, enabling you to use financial acumen to add value when your association makes growth and strategic allocation decisions. You’ll learn to become a better user of financial information so you’re a more strategic contributor to your association.
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,…
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 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…
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…
EMEC19 is tailor-made BY MPI’s European meeting and event community FOR meeting and event professionals to learn, network and forge and sustain business partnerships.
This dynamic one-day event offers Destination International members the opportunity to connect with the nation’s top planners in one location. Destination Showcase is designed to maximize opportunities for meaningful connections between planners and destination organizations and highlight how CVBs can drive more successful meetings.
CONVENE is an annual Baltic Sea Regions premiere boutique exhibition for the meetings, events and incentives industry. The two-day business to business event is an international show case for the regional meetings industry which accelerates the interest in, and demand for, holding meetings, incentives and conferences in the region. CONVENE also serves as an exciting platform…
CONVENE is an annual business to business two-day event for the meetings industry for the countries of the Baltic. It is an international show case for the regional meetings industry which accelerates the interest in, and demand for, holding meetings, incentives and conferences in the region.
Get the inside edge on BONDay to help your business soar! Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) is dedicated to helping exhibitors bond and learn through networking, education and shared thinking.
In recent years, the global meetings industry has begun to recognise Africa as a sought after destination. Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent.
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…
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