In recognition of her contributions to the growth of the international meetings industry, both through her global advocacy as ICCA Regional Director Europe and during her meetings industry career in Turkey, Elif Balci Fisunoglu was handed the prestigious “Outstanding Service Award” by leading Turkish exhibition ACE of M.I.C.E. at the 7th ACE of M.I.C.E. Meetings and Events Awards ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey on 4th April.
An annual celebration, the illustrious ceremony honours the achievements of the movers and shakers in the Turkish meetings industry. The “Outstanding Service Award” is awarded every year to shine a spotlight on the achievements of Turkey’s most prominent meetings industry figures.
Major growth in ICCA Europe region
Fisunoglu is a regular presence at the global trade association’s European Chapter events and major regional industry conferences, leading education sessions that address issues vital to the development of ICCA’s diverse European membership.
In particular, she works closely with national governments, local convention bureaux and tourism boards on behalf of ICCA to develop regional association market segments. The focus of these partnerships is to improve national strategic approaches to international bidding, create platforms for networking between local ICCAMembers and associations, and bring in business for local and national destinations.
ICCA currently has an active community of 32 Turkish member-suppliers, which has grown steadily as the meetings industry continues to be regarded with major importance in the country. Turkish Airlines remains a steadfast ICCA supporter and Istanbul Convention Bureau is now an ICCA Association Relations Partner. Antalya was also the host of the recent ICCA Mediterranean Chapter Summit, held from 17-19 February.
I spent my career in the Turkish meeting industry from 2001 to 2018. During this period, I tried my best to actively represent my destination on the international stage, and also aimed to serve the global meetings industry by holding volunteer roles at international organisations such as ICCA, ECM, PCMA and MPI. ICCA has always been very special to me, as feeling part of the ICCA Family is a very unique experience. I was very lucky and glad to be invited to join the ICCA team as the Regional Director Europe at the beginning of 2018.
Thank you to our Turkish colleagues and to ACE of M.I.C.E. for this amazing recognition!”
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