ICCA and BestCities Launch Incredible Impacts Awards 2021

Incredible Impacts Programme provides a powerful storytelling platform to showcase the positive societal impact of international association meetings.

This month, ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance open applications for the fifth year of the Incredible Impacts Programme - a global initiative that shines a light on associations delivering lasting societal change through congress.

This year’s programme also responds to the industry challenges faced as a result of the pandemic by welcoming applications from associations that have successfully delivered legacy programmes through virtual or hybrid event formats.  

A group of independent, impartial judges will select three association meetings that have delivered a proven impact as winners, each receiving a grand of 7,500 USD to further their important work.  These winners will also be invited to share their learnings and experiences at the ICCA Congress 24-27 October 2021.

Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO, comments, “Never has there been a more important time in the global meetings industry to showcase the “beyond tourism” impact of face-to-face meetings and applaud the inspiring work from international associations.  

“Legacy can take shape in many ways whether it be social, economic, political or environmental and ICCA and the BestCities Global Alliance are calling associations and members alike to look at those extraordinary examples in the meetings industry.”

Lesley Williams, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance, says, “We are delighted to be partnering with ICCA for a fifth year to launch this year’s Incredible Impacts Programme.  The past twelve months have been the most turbulent in living memory for our industry, so this year more than ever, it’s important to recognise the value of face-to-face meetings and also the amazing things which can be achieved through collaboration virtually.  

“The resilience and innovation of associations has been inspiring to see, often delivering life changing impacts as a result.  To date, the programme has uncovered success stories from across the globe with associations advancing science in healthcare, shaping new technologies, raising awareness and shaping best practice around important issues such as sustainability, diversity and accessibility.  We can’t wait to share these success stories with the industry and inspire others to follow suit.” 

To find out more about the programme, submit an application or nominate an association visit www.iccaworld.org/incredibleimpacts. The deadline for the first round of submissions is 1 June 2021. 

Hear from one of the past winners and judges why it is important for associations to deliver incredible impacts through their meetings. Click here to watch the video.