Tourism Western Australia and Business Events Perth launch a joint framework targeting high-value national and international events, with hundreds secured in 2025–26 expected to generate more than $394.9 million in direct delegate expenditure.

Western Australia has launched a new five-year strategy to strengthen its position in the national and international business events market, placing greater emphasis on attracting high-value events, extending delegate stays and spreading visitor expenditure across the State.

The Western Australian Business Events Strategy 2026–2030, developed jointly by Tourism Western Australia and Business Events Perth, establishes a coordinated framework for growing the sector and maximising its contribution to tourism and the wider economy. Its vision is to establish Western Australia as a world-class destination for vibrant and distinctive business events that inspire delegates to explore more of the State.

The strategy is built around two overarching goals: Attract and Win and Maximise Visitation. These will be pursued through five strategic pillars: WA Awareness, Event Prioritisation, Optimise Venues, Enhance Events and Industry Capability. Together, they are intended to raise Western Australia’s international profile, target events that align with its strengths, improve its venue offering, develop industry expertise and create experiences that encourage delegates to extend their visits.

The launch follows another strong year for Business Events Perth, which directly secured hundreds of national and international business events during the 2025–26 financial year. Scheduled to take place in Western Australia through to 2030, these events are expected to generate more than $394.9 million in Direct Delegate Expenditure and deliver over 320,000 hotel room nights.

The results underline the sector’s existing economic significance. According to Tourism Research Australia, total business events expenditure in Western Australia exceeded $1.71 billion in 2025, providing a substantial foundation for the State’s next phase of growth.
 

Aligning business events with economic priorities

The new strategy positions business events as more than a source of visitor expenditure, emphasising their potential to connect Western Australian industries with international markets, showcase local expertise and attract investment.

Premier and Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment Roger Cook said the State’s industrial strengths and visitor experiences provided a basis for competing more effectively for high-value events.

“Western Australia has the industries, expertise and experiences to be a strong competitor for high-value business events. The Business Events Strategy will attract the right events, growing visitation and showcasing WA to national and international audiences, as well as attracting the decision makers driving increased trade and investment for our State, advancing my government’s economic diversification agenda, creating more local jobs for Western Australians.

“Business Events Perth’s 2025–26 results show the strength of opportunity that lies within our business events sector, with hundreds of events secured through to 2030 expected to generate nearly $400 million in Direct Delegate Expenditure for the State.”

This economic dimension is reflected in the strategy’s planned areas of activity. Western Australia intends to pursue flagship events that align with its priority industry sectors, strengthen international relationships and marketing, and support aviation connectivity. The framework also identifies the activation of major events, greater regional dispersal and stronger partnerships across government, industry and academia as priorities.

These measures are designed to connect destination marketing and event acquisition with broader economic development objectives, while encouraging delegates to experience more of Western Australia beyond the principal event location.
 

A coordinated approach to competitiveness

For Business Events Perth, the strategy provides a framework for aligning public-sector priorities with the work of the business events industry, particularly as destinations compete internationally for conferences, conventions and other high-value gatherings.

Business Events Perth Chair Bradley Woods AM said the approach would help maximise both the immediate and wider benefits of hosting such events. “This Strategy provides a clear framework for government and industry to strengthen Western Australia’s position in the global business events market and maximise the value these events deliver for the State.

“Business events generate significant visitor expenditure, while also connecting our industries with national and global networks, showcasing WA’s capability and investment opportunity while encouraging delegates to explore more of the State.”

The strategy also aligns with the Western Australia Visitor Economy Strategy (WAVES) 2033, placing business events within the State’s longer-term tourism development framework. Tourism Western Australia, Business Events Perth and industry stakeholders will use the new plan to coordinate their efforts and reinforce Western Australia’s competitiveness in the domestic and international markets.

With hundreds of events already secured for delivery over the coming years, the challenge now is to translate that pipeline into sustained visitation, stronger regional economic benefits and lasting connections between Western Australia’s industries and the global business community.
 

Find out more about the strategy here
 

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Labour Party Conference 2026 at Liverpool Experience Campus © Jono Symonds Photo & Video

Liverpool Experience Campus will host UKREiiF from 2028 and the Labour Party Annual Conference for a sixth consecutive year in 2027, reinforcing its role as a major venue for investment, political debate and events with significant economic impact.

Liverpool Experience Campus has secured the UK’s leading real estate, investment and infrastructure forum, UKREiiF, from 2028, while extending its run as host of the Labour Party Annual Conference into a sixth consecutive year in 2027. The two announcements underline the venue’s role in attracting major national gatherings and connecting the city region with investors, policymakers and business leaders.

UKREiiF, which launched in 2022 and now attracts more than 17,000 delegates annually, will move to Liverpool following its final edition in Leeds in May 2027. The event brings together investors, developers, local authorities, government representatives, occupiers and built environment professionals to discuss regeneration and investment opportunities across the UK. Since its launch, it has helped facilitate more than £4 billion in investment discussions and regeneration opportunities.

The move follows a joint bid involving Liverpool Experience Campus, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool BID Company. The partnership reflects a shared ambition to use the forum to showcase development opportunities across the city region and attract further investment.

Liverpool’s waterfront campus combines convention and exhibition facilities, an auditorium and an arena with extensive outdoor event space. Its interconnected layout offers organisers the flexibility to bring large audiences together while accommodating different event formats across a single site.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said: “This is a massive win for the Liverpool City Region and a real vote of confidence in everything we’ve been building together. UKREiiF is the UK’s premier real estate, investment and infrastructure event – and from 2028, it’ll call Liverpool home. That means thousands of investors, developers and decision-makers coming here and seeing first-hand the ambition, talent and opportunities right across our city region.

“I want to put on record my genuine thanks to Leeds and West Yorkshire. They’ve done a brilliant job hosting UKREiiF and building it into the major event it is today. Taking the baton from them is a privilege – and we’ll work hard to build on the foundations they’ve laid and take it to the next level.

“We’ve seen with Labour Party Conference how Liverpool can take a major national event and make it part of the fabric of the city – growing together and creating something that feels bigger than the conference itself. That’s the ambition for UKREiiF too. We want to make the whole city region part of the experience: opening doors, showcasing opportunities and giving people a proper feel for what is happening here. If we get that right, UKREiiF won’t just be hosted in Liverpool – it will become part of Liverpool.”

Helen Roberts, Member of Accommodation BID and Chair of Liverpool Hospitality, said: “We’re delighted to welcome UKREiiF to Liverpool from 2028 and to have the opportunity to showcase our city to thousands of delegates. Liverpool has a strong story to tell when it comes to regeneration, investment, development and our visitor economy, and this event will provide a fantastic platform to put that story in front of an audience that can help shape our future."

Hosting UKREiiF is expected to generate visitor spending and support businesses across the city region, while giving developers and policymakers direct exposure to Liverpool’s development pipeline and investment prospects. The event’s arrival also adds to the city’s portfolio of major business gatherings, with the campus providing the infrastructure to accommodate its anticipated growth.
 

From L-R Cllr Liam Robinson, Helen Roberts, Nathan Spencer, Faye Dyer and Mayor Steve Rotheram at Liverpool Experience Campus - Credit Jono Symonds Photo & Film

Faye Dyer, Chief Executive of Liverpool Experience Campus, said: "UKREiiF's move to Liverpool is a reflection of the event's remarkable success and ambition. Having been expertly developed and grown into the UK's leading real estate, investment and infrastructure forum, the event now requires scale, flexibility and capacity to support its next chapter.

Liverpool Experience Campus provides the experienced team and infrastructure to realise that ambition - a combination of conference, exhibition and arena facilities, alongside extensive outdoor waterfront event space, all seamlessly connected across a single campus. This enables organisers to bring together thousands of delegates in one location, while retaining the flexibility to expand and evolve year after year.

We are delighted to provide the platform for UKREiiF's continued growth, while showcasing the innovation, investment opportunities and ambition that define Liverpool City Region. We recognise the outstanding work undertaken in Leeds to build UKREiiF into the success it is today and are proud to take the baton from our northern industry colleagues."

Nathan Spencer, Co-Founding Director and Managing Director of UKREiiF, said: “UKREiiF has grown enormously since we held our first event in 2022, and the support of people and businesses in Leeds and West Yorkshire has been a massive part of that success – and I truly thank them for all they’ve done for us.

UKREiiF is now moving into its next chapter, with both domestic growth and international expansion. After reviewing our strategic direction, we believe Liverpool gives us a site and a city region that can support our continued growth. It offers a warm welcome for delegates and the space and flexibility to help the event continue to grow. Crucially, it also allows us to retain the things that make UKREiiF special, while pushing the event beyond the walls of a traditional conference."
 

Labour Party Conference returns in 2027

The announcement of UKREiiF’s future home comes as Liverpool Experience Campus prepares to welcome the Labour Party Annual Conference for a sixth consecutive year in 2027. The event has become a fixture on the city’s calendar, drawing politicians, party members, exhibitors, media and visitors to the waterfront.

The conference has been held in Liverpool on eight occasions: in 2011, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, as well as this year’s gathering, the first hosted under the Liverpool Experience Campus identity. The 2027 edition will extend that relationship, reinforcing the venue’s capacity to accommodate a major political event across multiple connected spaces.

This year’s conference attracted more than 20,000 visitors and occupied the entire campus, including the convention centre, exhibition centre, auditorium and M&S Bank Arena. Its programme featured more than 500 fringe events, alongside keynote speeches, exhibitions and networking opportunities. The four-day gathering is estimated to have generated around £30 million in economic impact.

The event’s footprint extended well beyond the venue, benefiting hotels, restaurants, retailers, transport providers and other local businesses. Its format also demonstrated how the campus can be adapted to meet the demands of a large, multi-part event: a 2,800-seat auditorium was installed in the exhibition centre for plenary sessions, while the arena was converted into meeting rooms, breakout spaces and event zones. The interconnected Pullman Liverpool served as the conference headquarters hotel.
 

Labour Conference 2026 © Jono Symonds Photo & Video

The Prime Minister, Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP wrote in a handwritten letter to the LEX team: “I just wanted to say huge thanks to you all for looking after us so well and for making my first conference such a special one in my home city. See you all next year!”

Sustainability was another element of the conference’s delivery. The event marked the first Labour Party Conference organised in partnership with catering provider Levy, whose focus on responsible sourcing, waste reduction and sustainable food choices aligned with the ambitions of Liverpool Experience Campus and the Labour Party. Catering options were designed to reduce environmental impact, while a fully electric operational fleet supported activity across the site (see above). Visitors also encountered a plug-in solar-powered bar, illustrating how event infrastructure can incorporate lower-carbon solutions.

Liverpool Experience Campus has set a target of reaching net zero by 2030, two decades ahead of the wider events industry’s target, and continues to invest in low-carbon technologies and sustainable operations.

Faye Dyer, also said: "Being confirmed as hosts for the Labour Party Conference for a sixth consecutive year is a strong endorsement of Liverpool, our team and our partners across the city region. Over a number of years, we have built a proven track record of delivering one of the UK's most high-profile political events, creating a seamless experience for organisers, delegates, exhibitors and media. What sets us apart is the unique nature of our interconnected waterfront campus that gives organisers the flexibility to create an event that can continue to evolve and grow.

"The conference generates significant economic benefits for businesses across the city region and provides a valuable opportunity to showcase Liverpool to decision-makers, investors and visitors from across the UK. We look forward to welcoming the Labour Party back to Liverpool in 2027."
 

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The fifth ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings brought together 160 participants and representatives from 30 healthcare associations across 15 countries in Athens, exploring how research, technology and patient-centred approaches can reshape international medical congresses.

The fifth edition of the ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings (FHCM26) concluded in Athens last week, bringing together association representatives and meetings professionals to examine the forces transforming healthcare, medical, scientific and life sciences events.

Hosted by Develop Athens, the City of Athens and This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, the fully booked event addressed topics including artificial intelligence (AI), medical technology (MedTech), accessibility, sponsorship, governance and the creation of long-term value beyond individual meetings.

Across the programme, discussions explored how healthcare congresses can evolve from transactional gatherings into strategic platforms for scientific advancement, collaboration and knowledge exchange, with the potential to contribute to improved patient outcomes. Key themes included transparent industry partnerships, earlier patient involvement in event design, governance frameworks for AI and measuring success through longer-term impact rather than attendance alone.

Research takes centre stage

A major development at FHCM26 was the launch of ICCA’s inaugural Wavelength Report, Science for Better Healthcare Meetings. Based on a review of more than 2,000 studies, the report examines meeting effectiveness, identifies gaps in the evidence base and explores how research can inform decision-making across the healthcare meetings ecosystem.

The report’s launch placed evidence-based planning at the centre of discussions about the future of medical congresses, highlighting the role research can play in evaluating meeting formats and supporting more informed decisions by organisers, associations and industry stakeholders.

Dr Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “Healthcare meetings are among the most powerful examples of why business events matter. They are not simply gatherings of professionals. They are catalysts for scientific progress, innovation, collaboration, and better patient outcomes. By bringing together experts from across disciplines and regions, healthcare congresses help transform knowledge into action and create lasting value for healthcare systems and communities worldwide.”

The emphasis on evidence and long-term outcomes reflects a broader discussion about how the value of healthcare meetings can be assessed beyond delegate numbers, taking into account their contribution to professional collaboration, scientific progress and healthcare communities.
 

Athens positions itself as a strategic partner

For the host city, the event also provided an opportunity to engage directly with international associations and decision-makers while showcasing Athens’ capacity to accommodate specialist conferences.

Elissaios Sarmas (right side), CEO of Develop Athens, said: “Attracting high-value international conferences is central to our strategy at the City of Athens to strengthen our position on the global stage. Through Develop Athens, we’re actively investing in international outreach and attracting events that create real, meaningful opportunities for the city.

Events like the ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings allow us to do much more than just showcase our infrastructure and capabilities. More importantly, they let us connect directly with the international decision-makers, associations, and industry professionals shaping the future of the meetings market.

Every event like this is an investment in Athens’ global standing, opening doors to new partnerships and strengthening our ability to attract major international conferences down the road. Ultimately, our goal is for Athens to be far more than just a great host destination; we want to be trusted strategic partners. By connecting events with our local knowledge, research, and innovation ecosystem, we ensure every conference creates lasting value that goes well beyond the event itself.”

The approach outlined by Develop Athens places destination expertise, local research and innovation networks alongside venue infrastructure as elements of the support offered to international associations. It also reflects the growing focus on the relationship between conferences and the wider ecosystems in which they take place.

Poznań and Coimbra announced as future hosts

As Headquarters has already had the opportunity to confirm here, ICCA confirmed that the next two editions of the Future of Healthcare Meetings will take place in Poznań, Poland, from 6–8 September 2027, followed by Coimbra, Portugal, from 11–13 September 2028.

The upcoming editions will continue the initiative’s focus on bringing healthcare associations and meetings professionals together to explore how congresses can deliver more effective outcomes for participants, the scientific community and patients.

The Athens edition was supported by local partners AFEA Congress, Megaron Athens International Conference Centre, the Government of the Hellenic Republic, All About Events Greece, Athens Urban Rail Transport (STA.SY SA) and Parthen Meeting Services.

Sponsors and international partners included EventsAir, FIEXPO Latin America, IBTM World, IMEX, AIME, Snapsight, LetzFair, MementoPhoto.AI, Granicus Destinations, MCI Group, Qatar Airways, Air Canada, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa Group.

Founded in 1963, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry, providing data, education, networking and business development opportunities to support the sector worldwide.
 

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All pictures taken from www.aimgroupinternational.com

AIM Group International closed 2025 with €88.99 million in revenue, more than 2,000 events delivered and 410,000 participants engaged. Behind the figures, however, the company’s latest annual and sustainability report points to the integration of event management, communications, consultancy and technology into a single operating model.

The Italian-headquartered group, which now operates 13 offices across nine European countries, recorded EBITDA of more than €3 million during the year. Its activity covered live, digital and hybrid events, with more than 22,500 scientific abstracts managed and 26,500 square metres of exhibition space handled. More than 150 corporate clients and 150 international associations were among those served during the year.

The revenue mix also illustrates how diversified the business has become. Conference Management remained the largest segment, accounting for 30% of revenue, followed by Healthcare Meetings at 20%. Corporate & Sport Events and Communication each represented 15%, while Continuing Medical Education accounted for 10%. Association Management and Incentive & DMC Services each contributed 5%.

That spread is important in understanding AIM’s current direction. Rather than relying exclusively on the traditional congress and conference model, the group is positioning different capabilities around the same client relationships from scientific meetings and association management to communications, corporate events and destination services.

"2025 was a year of execution, transformation and growth. We strengthened our financial position, accelerated our key strategic initiatives and laid the foundations for the Group’s next stage of development. Artificial intelligence, digitalisation and innovation are powerful enablers, but it is people who turn technology into value and shape our future,” said Gianluca Scavo, Chief Executive Officer of AIM Group International.
 

Sustainability moves into operations

The report also provides a more detailed picture of how sustainability is being incorporated into that operating model.

During 2025, AIM published a Sustainable Supply Chain Protocol, extending its sustainability framework into relationships with suppliers and partners. Its EcoVadis score increased to 59/100, while the group maintained its “Committed” rating, and it submitted its Near-Term Commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative.

ISO 20121 is similarly presented less as a certification exercise and more as an operational framework, covering areas such as risk assessment, supplier coordination and impact reporting. The report cites several congresses where these principles were applied to mobility, venue selection, procurement, food recovery and resource management.

At the SIR National Congress in Rimini, for example, rail travel was encouraged through an agreement with Trenitalia, while the ISO 20121-certified Palacongressi di Rimini and the Food for Good programme formed part of the event’s sustainability approach. In Vienna, OSSEO 2025 became the first event in its field to receive Austria’s Ecolabel for Green Meetings.

These examples point to a wider change in the way sustainability is being treated within the meetings industry: less as a separate reporting exercise and more as a series of decisions made during the design and delivery of an event.

The people behind the numbers

The report places considerable emphasis on the workforce supporting that transformation. AIM employs more than 300 people, with women representing 82% of its workforce, 76% of management positions and 70% of senior leadership. More than 9,400 hours of training were delivered during 2025, including programmes focused on leadership, digital capabilities and sustainability.

“We operate in a world where technology, innovation and globalisation are reshaping our industry. Yet we remain convinced that our greatest differentiator is people. The ability to build relationships, create trust and work together is what transforms every project into lasting impact,” said Gianluca Buongiorno, President of AIM Group International.

The social dimension extends beyond employment. AIM’s 2025 report records support for initiatives including Food for Good, Dynamo Camp, LILT and Save the Children, alongside the group’s long-running rehabilitation centre in Burundi. A school renovation project in Nepal supported 549 students and teachers, according to the report.
 

From event organiser to integrated partner

Technology is set to remain a major part of AIM’s next phase, with artificial intelligence, digital transformation and cybersecurity identified alongside international expansion as strategic priorities. The group also reports an international project pipeline extending beyond 2030.

The significance of the 2025 results therefore lies less in the headline revenue figure than in what sits behind it. AIM is attempting to build an organisation in which meetings, communications, consultancy, technology and sustainability are increasingly connected rather than treated as separate services.

For an industry facing simultaneous pressure to digitalise, demonstrate environmental responsibility and deliver greater strategic value to associations, companies and institutions, that integration may prove as important as the scale of the business itself.
 

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The Portuguese city has been selected to host the seventh edition of ICCA’s Future of Healthcare Meetings, adding another international ICCA event to the Iberian Chapter’s calendar.

Coimbra’s selection for the seventh edition adds another ICCA event to the Iberian Chapter’s calendar. The chapter, which brings together members from Spain and Portugal, has maintained a strong presence in ICCA’s international rankings, supported by established congress cities and an increasing number of regional and second-tier destinations.

Further reading: 2026 Future of Healthcare Meetings in Athens and the HQ report from the ICCA Iberian Chapter Annual Meeting in Coimbra.

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DMC Network has expanded its presence in the US with the addition of Juice Studios, an independent destination management company based in Atlanta and serving Georgia and the South Carolina Coast.

Founded in 2004, Juice Studios brings more than 20 years of experience in meetings, events and destination experiences to the Network. The company operates across the Lowcountry from Charleston to Amelia Island, with hubs in Savannah and Charleston, and provides destination management, meeting planning, event production and design, transportation, entertainment and incentive programme support.

The appointment follows DMC Network’s recent repositioning around its global promise, “We’re Here for You”, and its stated focus on combining international reach with independent local ownership, destination expertise and direct accountability.

For DMC Network, Georgia and the South Carolina Coast represent an important addition to its US meetings and incentives coverage. The organisation said it conducted a search for a partner that could combine established destination credentials with the culture and collaborative approach of its wider independent network.

Aoife Delaney, Managing Director of DMC Network, said: “Georgia and South Carolina Coast are important destinations for our clients, so it was important to us that we took the time to find the right partner. In Juice Studios, we believe we have done exactly that.

“They bring the local knowledge, creativity and operational strength our clients expect, but just as importantly, they understand what it means to be part of DMC Network. Our community is built around independent businesses that want to collaborate, share expertise and support one another, while remaining personally accountable for what happens in their own destinations. Juice Studios fits that model extremely well.”

Juice Studios combines destination management with creative and production capabilities, working across corporate meetings, executive retreats, incentive programmes, large-scale events and bespoke guest experiences. Its offering is built around local destination knowledge and what the company describes as Southern hospitality, creativity and polished execution.

The new partnership also gives Juice Studios access to the wider DMC Network community, which brings together independently owned destination management companies across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean.

Kris Hammett, Managing Partner at Juice Studios, said: “We have known and respected DMC Network and its members for a long time, so joining feels like a very natural next step for Juice Studios. What particularly appealed to us was the community behind the Network. These are independent businesses that understand their destinations intimately but also recognise the value of sharing ideas, knowledge and relationships with others around the world.

“We are excited to bring our experience in Georgia and South Carolina Coast into that community, while giving our own team the opportunity to be part of something bigger within the industry.”

Kris Shea, Managing Partner at Juice Studios, added: “That sense of community really matters to us. DMC Network gives us the opportunity to remain proudly independent and true to the way we work, while connecting our clients and our team with an exceptional group of destination experts globally.

“We share the Network’s belief in relationships, responsiveness and having knowledgeable people on the ground who are personally invested in getting things right. We are looking forward to contributing to the Network, learning from our fellow members and creating new opportunities together.”

The addition of Juice Studios further expands DMC Network’s independently owned US membership while reinforcing its model of connecting locally rooted DMCs through a global platform. The Network describes itself as a member-owned collective, with partners sharing knowledge, referrals and best practices while retaining their independent ownership and local identity.

For meeting and incentive planners, the expansion adds a new local partner covering a destination corridor that includes Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston and the wider Georgia and South Carolina Coast markets. For Juice Studios, membership provides access to DMC Network’s global sales support, referrals and international community while retaining its independent operating model.
 

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The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has elected a new leadership team following its annual general meeting at The NEC Birmingham on 17 September, with Jeremy Rees, CEO of ExCeL London, taking over as chair.

Rees, who previously served as AEV treasurer, was elected chair following the conclusion of Ian Taylor’s term. Lori Hoinkes, CEO of Manchester Central, becomes vice chair, while Dan Thurlow, director of exhibition sales at Scottish Event Campus, takes on the role of treasurer.

Ian Taylor, COO of NEC Group, used his outgoing chair’s report to highlight a year of continued activity across the association. AEV’s newly branded focus groups, previously known as working groups, now number 23 and held 77 meetings over the past year, generating 1,129 member interactions.

The association also welcomed eight new members during the year, taking total membership to 55, alongside nine academic associate members.

Taylor commented, “We have had a record year for the newly branded focus groups*, now running 23 in total, and hosting 77 meetings over the year amounting to 1,129 member interactions. We also welcomed eight new members bringing our total membership to 55, in addition to nine academic associate members. Our members contribute a great deal of time and expertise to our community and we are grateful for their commitment.”
 

New leadership, continued board experience

While Taylor has stepped down as chair, he will remain on the AEV board. Vice chair Kerry Villa, chief operating officer at Liverpool Experience Campus, has likewise concluded her leadership role but remains on the board. Both were thanked for their contribution to the association during their respective terms.

Jackie Boughton, executive consultant for innovation and growth at The Barbican Centre; Paul Michael, managing director of Coventry Building Society Arena; and Villa were re-elected to the board.

The new board also welcomes Amanda Wrathall, CEO of the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), while Rowan Kitching, director of strategic partners at The Jockey Club, returns to the board. Paula Lorimer, director of Harrogate Convention Centre, has resigned from the board.

For the incoming chair, representation and engagement with government will remain an important part of the association’s role. Rees pointed to the economic contribution of the UK events industry and the need to ensure that its value is recognised in policy discussions.

Jeremy Rees, CEO, Excel London, extended thanks to the outgoing leadership team adding, “The events industry contributes £11.7 billion to the UK economy; it is our role to continue engaging with government to ensure it is recognised and valued. Serving on the AEV board is a great privilege; the collective skill and expertise create a distinctive platform to highlight the appeal of our industry and, amongst other things, develop the skills agenda.”

The AEV represents event venues of different sizes and types across the UK and internationally, providing a platform for members to connect, benchmark and share best practice, while representing venue interests in sector discussions and engagement with the UK Government.

Rachel Parker, AEV CEO, welcomed the new leadership and board appointments, while also confirming the association’s next major gathering.

"I’d like to thank Ian and Kerry for their continued support of AEV, and wish Paula well. I am looking forward to working with the newly elected leadership and Board members as we continue our work in the year ahead, starting with our annual conference being held at ICC, Olympia in London on Thursday 26 November 2026.”

The AEV’s annual conference will take place at ICC, Olympia in London on 26 November 2026, providing the association with its next opportunity to bring members and the wider venue community together.

AEV says the new “focus groups” name was adopted because it more accurately reflects the purpose of the groups, which were previously known as working groups.
 

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Destinations International (DI) has introduced a new set of research and practical resources designed to help destination organisations strengthen advocacy, articulate their contribution to local communities and build greater organisational resilience.

The resources were presented during DI’s 2026 Virtual Advocacy Day, a global programme focused on tourism advocacy, destination organisation funding, community impact and resilience. Among the principal launches were new Tourism and Social Impact Lexicons, alongside research examining how destination organisations can prepare for economic downturns, funding pressures and other disruptions.

“Advocacy is an ongoing leadership responsibility built on trusted relationships, credible data and a clear connection between the visitor economy and community priorities,” said Don Welsh, president & CEO of Destinations International. “These new resources give destination leaders practical tools to communicate their value and strengthen their organizations for the future.”

The new 2026 Tourism Lexicon provides destination organisations with research-based language for communicating the value of tourism to elected officials, residents, community leaders and other stakeholders. Rather than focusing solely on the language traditionally used within the travel sector, the resource is intended to help destination leaders translate tourism data and organisational outcomes into messages that can resonate with audiences beyond the industry.

The lexicon has been developed for the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, with versions available in English and Canadian French.

DI has also released an updated 2026 Social Impact Lexicon, which focuses on how destination organisations and the visitor economy contribute to community vitality, economic opportunity, quality of life and welcoming communities. The resource is available for the United States and Canada, in English and Canadian French.

Both lexicons were developed with support from the Destinations International Foundation. Together, they address a growing need for destination organisations to connect the economic contribution of tourism with the wider priorities of the communities in which they operate.

“Destination organizations have an important story to tell about the difference they make in people’s lives and communities,” said Sophia Hyder Hock, chief impact officer at Destinations International. “The right language helps us connect tourism’s economic and social impact to what residents, leaders and stakeholders value most.”

Lessons from previous downturns

The Virtual Advocacy Day also marked the release of new research into DMO resiliency, examining how destination organisations can prepare for economic downturns, funding challenges and other forms of disruption.

The report, Destination Organizations and Economic Downturns: Historical Lessons for the Year Ahead, informed a dedicated Virtual Advocacy Day session, Weathering the Storm: What 30 Years of Downturns Teach DMOs About Surviving the Next One.

Its findings underline the importance of establishing strong stakeholder relationships, demonstrating community value and developing advocacy strategies before a crisis occurs. The research places organisational resilience in the context of longer-term relationships and positioning, rather than treating advocacy as a response that begins only when funding or economic pressures emerge.

Funding was one of several issues explored during the event. Other sessions examined tourism taxes and sustainable funding, collaboration with city and county governments, economic impact research, the distinction between advocacy and lobbying, and practical approaches to building advocacy capacity within destination organisations.

The emphasis reflects the broader role that destination organisations increasingly play in communicating the value of the visitor economy to audiences that extend beyond tourism stakeholders and industry partners.

The discussion will continue at Advocacy & Action: The Destination Impact Event, taking place from 20–22 October 2026 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

The 2026 Tourism Lexicon, 2026 Social Impact Lexicon, DMO Resiliency Research Report and additional tourism advocacy resources are available through Destinations International.

The 2026 Virtual Advocacy Day was supported by event partners Chase Travel, Civitas, Granicus Destinations and the Destination International Foundation. A recording of the sessions is available on demand, with free access subject to registration.

Destinations International represents destination organisations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards, with more than 11,000 members and partners across over 800 destinations worldwide. Its foundation focuses on education, research, advocacy and leadership development for destination organisations.
 

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Ljubljana has been shortlisted for the inaugural European Capital of Tourism 2027 title, placing the Slovenian capital among eight cities competing in the category for destinations with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The shortlist follows an independent expert assessment by the European Commission, with the final candidates due to present their proposals to a European jury in Brussels on 18 and 19 November.

The 2027 initiative brings together, for the first time, the European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions under a single European Capital of Tourism title. Applications were assessed against practices in sustainability, accessibility and digitalisation, alongside support for cultural heritage, creativity and local talent. Ljubljana was selected from 43 applications submitted by cities in 18 countries in the larger-city category.

For Ljubljana, the application centres on a destination-management model that combines sustainability with the use of data, community engagement, accessibility and measures designed to distribute tourism more evenly across both the calendar and the city.

One of its most developed digital tools is Ljubljana FLOWS, a destination-management platform that brings together data on tourist arrivals and overnight stays, accommodation occupancy, visitor profiles and visits to the Tourist Information Centre. Since 2026, the platform has also incorporated AI-powered predictive modelling of tourist flows.

The model combines daily tourism data with information on business events taking place in Ljubljana, as well as public holidays and other non-working days in the city's key tourism markets. The objective is to give the destination a more detailed picture of visitor movements, supporting planning and allowing measures to be introduced in response to changing flows.

Sustainability is presented not as a standalone tourism programme but as part of the city's wider management approach. Ljubljana's initiatives include a zero-waste strategy in hotels, a deposit-return system for reusable cups at major events and the long-running For a More Beautiful Ljubljana environmental campaign. The campaign involves all of the city's district communities and culminates annually with the cleaning of the Ljubljanica River. Other measures highlighted in the application include greener bus stops and the city's established urban beekeeping activity.

Accessibility has also been approached through direct assessment of the visitor offer. In 2022, Ljubljana Tourism partnered with the Brez ovir Institute to assess more than 450 tourism providers across Ljubljana and the Central Slovenia region. The assessment considered accessibility for people with reduced mobility, blind and partially sighted visitors, and deaf and hard-of-hearing people. The resulting information was made available online, while participating providers received recommendations for improvement. In 2026, the assessment was extended to Ljubljana's Unique Experiences, including creative handicraft workshops and contemporary creative experiences.

Managing where and when visitors arrive is another strand of Ljubljana's approach. LUV Fest, held from 8 February to 12 March during a traditionally quieter period, combines cultural, artistic and creative activities involving the city, residents and visitors. Meanwhile, Ljubljana's Cultural Quarters aim to strengthen cultural activity in different parts of the city and encourage visitors to explore beyond the immediate centre.

The approach is consistent with Ljubljana Tourism's wider 2021–2027 strategy, which identifies diversification beyond the city centre, improved accessibility and sustainable mobility among its priorities. The strategy also identifies the meetings industry as a key development driver for the destination, alongside city breaks, with plans for additional conference and hotel capacity.

Ljubljana will now compete with Aalborg, Braga, Genoa, Konya, Lviv, Salzburg and Sofia in the category for cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. A second category, for destinations with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, has also produced a shortlist of eight cities. The European Commission expanded both shortlists from four to eight following the assessment, citing the quality of the applications and ties between several destinations.

Representatives of all 16 shortlisted destinations will present their proposals to the European jury in Brussels on 18 and 19 November. Two destinations will subsequently be awarded the European Capital of Tourism 2027 title.

For Ljubljana, the candidacy puts a particular model of destination management under European scrutiny: one in which tourism growth, visitor-flow intelligence, accessibility, environmental measures, cultural activity and the involvement of local communities are treated as connected elements of the destination's development rather than separate initiatives.
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

IBTM World will open its 2026 edition with a keynote focused less on the mechanics of change than on the people living through it. Historian, author and speaker Dr Eliza Filby will take to the Main Stage on 17 November at 09:00 to explore how geopolitical and economic uncertainty, artificial intelligence, demographic change and evolving generational expectations are reshaping behaviour and human connection.

Under the title Now and Next: Understanding People in a Changing World, Filby will examine what today’s social, economic and technological disruption can reveal about the audiences of tomorrow, giving the Barcelona gathering a perspective that extends beyond the immediate challenges facing the events industry.

Her work spans generational change, AI and the future of work, longevity, family wealth and changing consumer behaviour. She is the author of three books, including Inheritocracy: It’s Time to Talk About the Bank of Mum and Dad, which examines the way family wealth and inheritance are influencing opportunity and the experience of adulthood.

Filby is also founder of All Relative, working with organisations navigating major shifts in work, wealth and society. Her clients and collaborators have included Google, PwC, UBS, Pictet and Aviva. She holds a PhD in contemporary history from the University of Warwick, has taught at King’s College London and Renmin University in Beijing, and has lectured internationally, including at Harvard Law School. She also writes a fortnightly money column for The Times.

For IBTM World Exhibition Director Claudia Hall, bringing Filby into the opening slot reflects the need to place the sector’s current transformation within a wider social context.

“We’re delighted to welcome Dr Eliza Filby to IBTM World as our opening keynote speaker. Dr Eliza has a fantastic ability to make sense of the big changes happening in society and explain what they mean for people and businesses. At a time when our industry is adapting to rapid technological change and shifting expectations, her perspective will give our audience a chance to step back and look at the bigger picture.”

Filby’s own perspective brings the discussion back to one of the fundamental propositions of live events: that technological change can also increase the value placed on physical encounters.

“As technology becomes more embedded in our lives, the value of bringing people together will only grow. Events create something profoundly human: the chance to meet, exchange ideas, build trust and belong. I’m delighted to be opening IBTM World and exploring what human connection will mean for the generations coming next.”

Beyond the opening keynote

The wider IBTM Main Stage programme will extend the discussion into questions of execution, experience and human behaviour.

Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw LVO will draw on his experience in planning and delivering Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, one of the most-watched events in history, to examine the pressures involved in delivering when failure is not an option and the lessons that can be applied to business and events.

The programme will also turn to this year’s IBTM Trends Report, Disruption to Belonging in the New World of Experience. Megan Henshall, Head of Partnership Strategy, Workplace Experience at Google, will join Al Turner, Managing Director of Eight PR and Marketing, to explore how experiences can help people navigate disruption and create meaningful connections amid developments in AI, global economies and changing populations.

Therapist and DJ Hesta Prynn will offer a more experiential perspective, examining how music can help people feel more confident and prepared before important moments.

The speaker programme will sit alongside the broader IBTM World marketplace, with more than 12,000 event professionals and 2,500 exhibitors expected in Barcelona for three days of meetings, knowledge sharing and business connections. The 2026 edition will bring together global brands and senior event professionals with event technology and services providers, creative and experiential partners, emerging innovators and hospitality brands.

With Filby opening the programme by asking what current disruption tells us about the people and audiences coming next, IBTM World is positioning its Main Stage around a question that runs through much of the sector’s current conversation: how should an industry built on bringing people together respond as the expectations, technologies and societies around it change?
 

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Brussels will once again become the meeting point for Europe’s hydrogen economy this October, as the European Hydrogen Week returns in a larger exhibition and conference format with a sharpened focus on industrial competitiveness, energy resilience and Europe’s strategic autonomy.

Hydrogen is no longer being discussed solely through the lens of decarbonisation. As Europe confronts higher energy costs, pressure on raw-material supplies and the need to strengthen the competitiveness of its industrial base, the molecule is acquiring a broader strategic role.

That will be the central context for the European Hydrogen Week 2026, which takes place at Brussels Expo from 26 to 30 October. Co-organised by Hydrogen Europe, the European Commission and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, the event returns this year to an exhibition-plus-conference format, bringing together policymakers, industry, researchers, investors and technology developers around the next stage of Europe’s hydrogen economy.

The scale reflects that ambition. Organisers expect more than 220 exhibitors and more than 9,000 attendees, while over 200 speakers will contribute across three principal stages: the High-Level Policy Conference, B2B Forum and Innovation Forum.

From energy transition to European resilience

The theme for the 2026 edition, “Scaling Hydrogen, Strengthening Resilience,” captures a notable evolution in the way hydrogen is being positioned within European policy and industry.

The European Hydrogen Week organisers point to three pressures shaping the conversation: energy affordability, access to raw materials and the need to reinforce the sustainable competitiveness of European industry. Hydrogen therefore sits at the intersection of several priorities, offering potential applications across the energy system while contributing to decarbonisation, economic growth and greater European autonomy.

This wider framing also gives the event a distinctly industrial dimension. The question is no longer simply whether hydrogen can be produced at scale, but whether Europe can build the infrastructure, supply chains, technologies and markets required to make that scale economically viable.

That conversation will unfold across the event’s three main stages, with policy, commercial development and technological innovation brought into the same programme rather than treated as separate discussions.

An ecosystem under one roof

The exhibition will provide the physical counterpart to that policy debate, bringing companies, national and regional initiatives and technology providers together at Brussels Expo.

For an industry still working through questions of production costs, infrastructure, demand creation and cross-border integration, the value of such a gathering lies in connecting parts of the ecosystem that do not always develop at the same pace.

The programme reflects that breadth. Alongside the High-Level Policy Conference, the B2B Forum and Innovation Forum will provide space for commercial discussions and emerging technologies, while the exhibition will bring more than 220 exhibitors into direct contact with the wider hydrogen community.

The schedule extends beyond the Brussels exhibition floor. On 29 October, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, providing a direct look at one of Europe’s major industrial and logistics environments and its relationship with the emerging hydrogen economy.

Brussels at the centre of the conversation

For Brussels, the return of the full European Hydrogen Week format reinforces the city’s position not only as the political centre of the European energy debate, but also as a meeting place for the industries and organisations attempting to translate policy into infrastructure and investment.

The event will take place at Brussels Expo, bringing a sector with strong links to European policy directly into the city where many of those regulatory and industrial decisions are shaped. Visit Brussels describes hydrogen as an opportunity to develop a stronger European supply chain, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to Europe’s long-term climate objectives.

Europe’s hydrogen ambitions are now moving into a more demanding phase: from strategy and targets towards deployment, investment and market creation. The European Hydrogen Week 2026 will therefore provide a useful measure of where that transition stands, and of how confidently Europe can turn hydrogen ambition into industrial reality.
 

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The German technology company has been recognised by UFI for an approach designed to improve event experiences while challenging a process that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named itemdrop the winner of the 2026 UFI Digital Innovation Award, recognising a digital approach that the jury believes demonstrates how technology can create more effective and valuable experiences across the exhibition lifecycle.

This year's award focused on “Creating Better Event Experiences through Digital Innovation”, with UFI seeking solutions that use technology to improve the customer experience, create new value and demonstrate measurable return on investment.

Among a strong international field of entries, itemdrop emerged as the winner, with the jury particularly impressed by the simplicity and execution of its proposition.

“What struck the jury was its sheer elegance, a simple and beautifully executed idea that leaves you wondering why no one had done it sooner,” said Stephan Forseilles, Chair of the UFI Digital Innovation Working Group. “Against a strong field of entries from around the world, it was a reminder that the best innovation often looks obvious in hindsight.”

For itemdrop, the recognition provides an opportunity to bring its approach to a global exhibition industry audience.

“This award gives us the attention to tell our story on a worldwide stage and gives the industry the nudge it needs to finally question a process that has run unchanged for 50 years,” said Felix Duscha, Co-Founder of itemdrop.

The award reflects a broader shift in the way digital innovation is being assessed across the exhibition sector. Rather than technology being valued simply for its novelty, UFI's 2026 theme placed emphasis on whether digital solutions can produce tangible improvements for customers and measurable value for organisers and other stakeholders.

That focus on practical impact is increasingly relevant as exhibition organisers look beyond digital features and platforms towards solutions that can address established operational processes, improve the visitor and exhibitor journey, and ultimately contribute to event performance.
 

A strong field of international entries

The jury also recognised Snöball, RX and Hangzhou Expo Group (杭州市会展集团) as finalists for this year's award.

Their inclusion reflects the breadth of digital innovation now being developed across the exhibition industry, with technology increasingly being applied to different stages of the event lifecycle and to the experiences of exhibitors, visitors and organisers.

The UFI Digital Innovation Award forms part of the wider UFI Awards programme, which each year recognises projects across areas including digital innovation, marketing, sustainable development, operations and services, people and culture, and industry partnerships.

The winning and selected projects are subsequently made available through UFI's Best Practices Library, extending the value of the awards beyond the recognition itself and allowing exhibition professionals around the world to examine approaches being developed elsewhere in the industry.

For a sector in which established processes can remain in place for years, the itemdrop win also underlines an important point about digital transformation: innovation does not necessarily require complexity. Sometimes its value lies in taking a familiar process, questioning why it still works the way it does, and redesigning it around the needs of today's event participants.

The 2026 UFI Award winners will be formally recognised during the 93rd UFI Global Congress, taking place from 2–5 November 2026 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
 

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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has opened a new opportunity for chambers of commerce around the world to bid for the hosting of its flagship World Chambers Congress and World Chambers Federation (WCF) Regional Summits, creating a new pipeline of international business events for 2028 and 2029.

Through a newly connected bidding cycle, the ICC and its World Chambers Federation will appoint four chambers to host major events: three WCF Regional Summits across 2028 and 2029, and the 16th World Chambers Congress in 2029.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by 14 October 2026, although chambers are not being asked to produce a full bid at this initial stage. Instead, the first step is designed to establish strategic intent, identify which hosting opportunity is being explored and provide an initial assessment of the prospective host's readiness.

The move gives chambers an opportunity to position their cities and business communities within one of the world's most established international networks of chambers, while also linking event hosting more closely to economic and business development objectives.

According to ICC, hosting a WCF event can help chambers strengthen their leadership and strategic relevance, raise the international visibility of their city, region or country, bring businesses and institutions together around shared priorities, and mobilise government, destination and wider ecosystem partners.

For destinations, the opportunity extends beyond the delivery of an individual congress or summit. The ICC frames hosting as a means of creating a platform through which a chamber and its wider business community can lead conversations, connect with international markets and advance priorities of importance to local businesses.

The distinction between the two event formats is central to the new bidding process.

The World Chambers Congress is the WCF's global flagship. Held every two years and rotating between different regions of the world, it brings together chamber leaders and professionals to exchange best practice, develop international networks, address business challenges and explore innovation. The most recent edition, held in Melbourne in September 2025, brought together more than 1,000 business, chamber and government leaders from 100 countries. The 15th Congress will take place in Toronto in 2027, co-organised with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

The 2029 edition therefore represents the next available opportunity for a chamber to host the global Congress.

The Regional Summits follow a different model. Launched in 2023, the WCF's regional events were created to bring the federation's global network and expertise closer to regional business communities, addressing common challenges and opportunities through a regional lens. Co-hosted with local chambers, they are open to both WCF members and non-members and are intended to extend the organisation's reach, including towards smaller businesses, SMEs and entrepreneurs.

ICC is consequently positioning the Regional Summits as more than scaled-down versions of the Congress. Each has its own strategic purpose, with the Congress focused on shaping the wider agenda while the Regional Summits are intended to translate that agenda into regional action.

That distinction could be particularly relevant for chambers and destinations that see international association events as part of a broader economic development strategy, but for which hosting a global congress may not be the appropriate fit.

The new portfolio approach also changes the way potential hosts can engage with ICC. Rather than preparing a fully developed bid immediately, prospective hosts can begin with a relatively light Expression of Interest and enter into a structured conversation with the WCF about the most suitable opportunity.

At this stage, chambers do not need to have a complete business plan, a confirmed venue or a final delivery model in place. The process is instead intended to establish why the chamber wants to host, which event it wishes to explore and how prepared it is to take the process forward.

The timing is significant for the international business events sector. The 2025 World Chambers Congress in Melbourne demonstrated the scale that the WCF network can bring to a host destination, while previous editions have rotated across different global regions to ensure wider access to the international chamber community. The organisation describes the Congress as the largest and only international forum specifically bringing chambers together to shape shared priorities, exchange strategic insight, showcase innovation and reinforce collective leadership.

The WCF's Regional Summit model has meanwhile been gaining ground as a complementary mechanism for extending that network. Its first Europe and Asia Regional Summit, held in Istanbul in October 2024, attracted more than 800 delegates and focused on issues including climate action, cross-border business and the role of chambers in supporting businesses.

For chambers considering a bid, ICC will hold candidate briefing sessions during September to explain the value and differences of the hosting opportunities, the selection process and key dates, the requirements for the Expression of Interest and the support available to prospective candidates.

The formal bidding portal is expected to become available shortly, with Expressions of Interest closing on 14 October 2026.

With the 2029 World Chambers Congress and three Regional Summits now being taken to market through the same portfolio cycle, the process gives chambers and their destination partners an opportunity to compete not simply for an event, but for a place within the future international calendar of one of the world's largest business networks.
 

Download the bidding guidelines to explore hosting opportunities and the selection process here
 

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Jason Tan Chin Foo (cover photo), Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), has been appointed Chair of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Asia Pacific Chapter for the 2026–2028 term, becoming the first Sarawakian to take on the regional leadership role.

The appointment comes as Asia Pacific continues to strengthen its influence within the global business events industry, with regional collaboration, knowledge exchange and collective leadership emerging as priorities for a sector facing an evolving operating environment.

Tan Chin Foo said his focus during his two-year term would be on building stronger connections between ICCA members across the region while advancing professional standards, sustainability and long-term impact.

"I’m honoured to be appointed as ICCA Asia Pacific Chair. My aspiration is to build a stronger, more connected and inclusive Asia Pacific Chapter where collaboration becomes our greatest strength,” said Jason. “Together, we will share knowledge, elevate professional standards and champion sustainable development to create a more resilient business events industry that delivers lasting value for our members, our destinations and our communities."

In taking up the role, Tan Chin Foo also acknowledged the contribution of Jane Vong Holmes, Senior Manager – Asia Pacific at GainingEdge and Immediate Past Chair of the ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter. He expressed his appreciation for her leadership and service, highlighting the foundation she has established for the chapter's next phase.

The appointment has also been welcomed by BESarawak leadership. Datu Hii Chang Kee, Deputy State Secretary (Operations) and BESarawak Chairman, described the new role as a reflection of the confidence placed in Tan Chin Foo by the international business events community.

"Jason's appointment is a recognition of his leadership and dedication to the business events industry. We are honoured that he has been entrusted with this important regional role, and we are confident he will contribute meaningfully to strengthening collaboration, knowledge exchange and the continued growth of the business events industry across Asia Pacific."

For ICCA, the appointment comes at a time when the Asia Pacific region is playing an increasingly significant role in the development of the international meetings and conventions sector. Waikin Wong, ICCA's Asia Pacific Senior Regional Director, said Tan Chin Foo's leadership and industry experience would support greater cooperation among members.

"Jason's appointment is a testament to his leadership, industry expertise and commitment to advancing the business events sector. His collaborative approach and strategic perspective will be invaluable in bringing members together, strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the continued growth of the Asia Pacific Chapter."

The Asia Pacific Chapter is one of ICCA's six regional chapters, alongside Africa, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, Middle East and North America.

ICCA represents more than 1,000 member organisations across over 100 countries and territories and serves as a global platform for the international meetings and conventions industry. Through its regional structure, the association connects business events professionals and organisations around collaboration, knowledge exchange, advocacy and professional development.

Tan Chin Foo's appointment places Sarawak at the centre of that regional network for the 2026–2028 term, while putting a clear emphasis on collaboration, sustainability and shared knowledge as the chapter looks to strengthen the resilience and long-term value of business events across Asia Pacific.
 

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Panama City

The participation of AMC Institute leadership at the 65th ICCA Congress in Panama City will bring the association management company community into closer dialogue with destinations, venues and other international meetings stakeholders.

ICCA and AMC Institute (AMCI) are strengthening their collaboration through the participation of AMCI leadership in the 65th ICCA Congress, taking place in Panama City, Panama, from 8–11 November 2026.

The collaboration will bring together two communities with complementary roles in the international association meetings ecosystem, creating opportunities for association management companies, destinations, venues and other business events partners to exchange perspectives on the priorities and challenges shaping global meetings.

Ahead of the Congress, AMCI’s Board of Directors will convene in Panama City for its autumn board meeting before joining the wider ICCA Congress community for the official Opening Ceremony on Sunday. Many Board members will remain throughout the Congress, taking part in knowledge exchange, panel discussions and networking alongside more than 1,000 business events professionals and representatives of an expected 100+ international associations.

The partnership also reflects the theme of this year’s Congress, #CrossWorlds, which explores connections across sectors, geographies and professional communities, and considers how those relationships can strengthen the global meetings industry.

The scale of the AMCI community underlines the potential significance of that connection. AMCI represents more than 180 member firms across 16 countries, collectively managing more than 3,300 associations and serving 3.3 million individual members worldwide. Together, these organisations represent more than $1.9 billion in association revenue.

Bringing AMCI leadership into the ICCA Congress environment therefore creates a direct link between the association management company community and the destinations, venues and other partners responsible for attracting and delivering international association meetings.

Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “CrossWorlds is about exactly this kind of connection; bringing communities together who don't always share a room, but absolutely share a mission. Having AMCI's leadership join us in Panama is a powerful signal of how closely our industries are intertwined.

Association management companies steward the day-to-day success of thousands of associations worldwide. When their leadership sits at the same table as our members, everyone gains a sharper, more complete picture of what it takes to deliver world-class international meetings.”

For ICCA, the presence of AMCI leadership provides a route to a more detailed understanding of the operational realities facing associations and the companies that manage them. For AMCI and its members, the Congress offers direct access to the international meetings ecosystem in which their association clients make decisions about destinations, venues and global partnerships.
 

Tina Wehmeir, CEO of AMCI, said: “For AMCI, participating in ICCA Congress puts our leadership directly into the international meetings ecosystem that our member firms and the associations they serve engage with every day. Our members work closely with associations that make decisions about where and how their global meetings take place.

Being alongside the destinations, venues and partners shaping that ecosystem creates a valuable opportunity for insight-sharing, collaboration and stronger relationships across the industry.”

The collaboration is grounded in the recognition that the two communities bring different but interconnected forms of expertise. Association management companies provide an in-depth understanding of the priorities, challenges and operational requirements of the associations they represent, while ICCA’s global network brings together destinations, venues, meeting management organisations and solution providers involved in delivering international meetings.

The Congress will consequently provide AMCI leadership and members with opportunities to engage directly with association executives, destination leaders and business events professionals from more than 80 countries. Their participation will also bring the perspective of the AMC community into discussions around the trends and pressures affecting the way associations manage international meetings and work with partners around the world.

The choice of Panama as the host destination adds another dimension to the collaboration. Panama City will provide the setting for the AMCI Board meeting as well as the ICCA Congress, bringing international association leaders and business events stakeholders together in a destination that has positioned connectivity at the centre of its identity.

Gloria De León, Minister of Tourism, Panama, said: “Panama has always been a natural meeting point, connecting oceans, cultures, people and ideas. Welcoming AMC Institute’s leadership to Panama City alongside the ICCA Congress reflects exactly who we are as a country: a global hub where connections happen and opportunities are created.

When leading international communities choose Panama to meet, exchange ideas and build the future together, they strengthen not only their industries, but also our position as a world-class destination for meetings and conventions. Panama is ready to welcome the world and to bring the world together.”

The 65th ICCA Congress is being hosted in Panama City with the support of PROMTUR Panama, highlighting the destination’s commitment to bringing global association leaders and the wider business events community together.

Against the backdrop of #CrossWorlds, the participation of AMCI leadership positions the Congress as a meeting point not only for destinations and suppliers seeking to understand the international association market, but also for association management professionals whose day-to-day work provides a direct view of what associations need from the global meetings ecosystem.

The collaboration between ICCA and AMCI thus places the relationship between association leadership, management companies and their global partners firmly within the Congress conversation — connecting the organisations that shape meeting strategy with the people and destinations responsible for turning those strategies into international events.
 

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PCMA is sharpening its approach to Europe with the creation of a dedicated European Advisory Board, bringing together business events leaders from across markets, sectors and professional backgrounds to help shape the association’s strategy, growth and impact across the continent.

The move represents an evolution of PCMA’s wider approach to EMEA. Informed by market intelligence, community feedback and the experience of its existing EMEA Advisory Board, the organisation is now developing distinct strategies and advisory structures for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while keeping all three connected through an overarching EMEA strategy.

The rationale is straightforward: the business events landscape cannot be understood through a single regional lens.

“The world is changing faster than any of us can fully track, and the organizations that get ahead are the ones that can be deeply local while staying connected to something bigger,” said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President and CEO of PCMA & CEMA. “That is exactly the combination this Advisory Board gives us in Europe — leaders who understand their markets from the inside, backed by the reach and perspective of a truly global community. Right now, that combination isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.”

The new European Advisory Board will meet for the first time in Lisbon (cover photo) ahead of Convening EMEA, taking place from 13 to 15 September 2026. Members will participate in a dedicated workshop examining the future direction and priorities for PCMA in Europe.

Its initial two-year term, running from 2026 to 2028, brings together leaders representing associations, convention bureaux, venues, agencies, technology and corporate organisations.

The newly appointed members are Monica Freire, COO, European Society of Endodontology; Sam Johnston, Manager, Dublin Convention Bureau; Patrick Keller, Director Sales – Locations of Messe München, Messe München GmbH; Sophie Morris, Managing Director, Worldspan Ltd; Christina Petrova, Senior Global Event Manager, Gartner; Steven Small, Vice President – Air Transport Events, Informa; Kim Smeets, Senior Congress Manager, European Society of Cardiology; Stephane Teboul, Co-Founder, bnetwork; and Helen van Oers, Executive Director, International Society of Endocrinology.
 

Eight leaders will also return for an extended term of up to two years: Eszter Aszody Mattiassich, Head of Global Events, Siemens Healthineers; Malin Erlandsson, Director of Sales, Svenska Mässan; Monica Garcia, Association Meetings Manager, Barcelona Convention Bureau; Clare Melton, Founder, Claremont Corporate Events Consulting; Jack Owens, Head of Sales, Horizons DMC by Tour Partner Group; Ulrike Tondorf, Brand Activation & Engagement Lead, Bayer; Eveline van der Pluijm-Degenhart, Manager Convention Bureau, Rotterdam Partners; and Kathleen Warden, Owner, K Warden Ltd.

Stephen Rose, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Communication Services at Siemens, will serve as Global Board Liaison, while Jaimé Bennett, Managing Director, EMEA, PCMA, will act as Staff Liaison.

Beyond providing strategic counsel, the Board is intended to function as a source of market intelligence for PCMA, identifying emerging trends, growth opportunities and challenges affecting Europe's business events community. Its members will also support stronger connections across markets, identify opportunities for collaboration and help ensure that PCMA’s education, experiences and community remain relevant to the changing requirements of business events professionals.

For Bennett, the new structure reflects a recognition that geographical proximity does not necessarily equate to market uniformity. “Europe is not one market, and our approach to the region has to reflect that,” said Jaimé Bennett, managing director, EMEA. “This Advisory Board brings together an incredible breadth of experience, influence and perspective from across our business events community, and their role is far from simply offering advice. We’ve listened carefully to what our community has told us, and this next chapter is about being far more intentional in how we grow across the region.”

That distinction is significant for an organisation seeking to develop its presence across a continent characterised by different economic conditions, association cultures, policy environments, business models and levels of market maturity. The composition of the Board reflects that diversity, bringing together perspectives from both the demand and supply sides of the business events ecosystem.

The creation of the European structure also comes at a moment when associations are reassessing how they operate internationally. Regional strategies increasingly need to balance global consistency with local relevance, particularly as destinations, organisers and professional communities face different pressures around talent, technology, sustainability, investment and the changing role of face-to-face events.

PCMA’s decision therefore goes beyond a change in governance architecture. The new Board gives the association a formal mechanism through which European market perspectives can feed into its strategic development, while maintaining the international connectivity that underpins its global model.

The first opportunity for the group to begin that work collectively will come in Lisbon in September. From there, its remit will be to help PCMA understand not simply where the European business events community is today, but where its different markets are heading and how a global organisation can remain relevant across all of them.
 

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Valencia will host the 2026 edition of MCE South Europe from 18–20 October, bringing international event planners together with selected destinations, hotels, DMCs, convention centres and other MICE suppliers for two and a half days of business meetings, destination discovery and networking.

For event planners, the challenge is rarely finding destinations and suppliers to consider. The greater challenge is finding the right ones and creating enough space to establish whether a potential connection could develop into a business relationship.

That principle sits at the heart of MCE South Europe 2026, organised by Europe Congress and taking place in Valencia from 18–20 October. The forum is designed around a focused combination of pre-arranged business meetings, destination experiences and informal networking, bringing together selected international event planners and MICE professionals from across Europe.

Over two and a half days, participants will move between one-to-one business appointments, destination presentations, networking lunches, coffee breaks, evening events and social activities. The format is intended to keep business at the centre of the programme while allowing relationships to develop beyond the meeting table.

For participating event planners, the programme includes more than 35 one-to-one business meetings. These appointments are carefully matched according to the destinations and services that buyers are interested in, connecting them with relevant hotels, destinations, DMCs, convention centres and other MICE service providers.

The approach reflects a simple premise: relevance matters as much as volume when professional time is limited. By matching buyers and suppliers around specific interests, the forum aims to maximise the value of each appointment while creating opportunities for conversations that can continue through the wider programme.

The business meetings will be complemented by destination-focused activities, giving participants an opportunity to explore Valencia and gain a more direct understanding of what the city can offer meetings and events.

Taking Business Beyond the Meeting Room

Valencia's role as host is not limited to providing a venue for the business programme. Sightseeing and social activities will introduce participants to the city's event infrastructure, culture and gastronomy, while creating less formal settings in which professional relationships can continue to develop.

That destination experience is particularly relevant to the MCE South Europe format, which brings together suppliers and destinations from a broad range of European markets. Participating destinations and companies will represent Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Türkiye, Czechia and Denmark.

For buyers, the programme therefore provides an opportunity to compare different destinations and service propositions within a concentrated timeframe. For suppliers, it creates a setting in which they can present their offer directly to planners with an identified interest in their market or services.

Valencia itself offers a combination of characteristics suited to this approach. The city brings together modern conference facilities, distinctive venues, Mediterranean character and international accessibility, with infrastructure capable of supporting meetings and events of different sizes.

The forum will be based at Meliá Valencia, which will host the business meetings and wider programme activities and provide a central base for participants throughout the event.

A Regional Marketplace with a European Reach

Although its geographical focus is South Europe, MCE South Europe 2026 has a distinctly international dimension. The presence of event planners and suppliers from markets across the continent creates a marketplace in which regional expertise can be considered alongside cross-border business opportunities.

The programme also reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the European meetings market. A planner considering a meeting in Spain may be simultaneously evaluating options in Portugal, Italy or Greece; a DMC or convention destination may be looking to develop relationships with planners beyond its immediate source markets.

By concentrating these conversations within a structured format, Europe Congress is positioning the event as both a business forum and a platform for destination discovery.

The result is a programme built around direct contact: more than 35 scheduled meetings for planners, supported by destination presentations and a sequence of networking and social occasions. The intention is not simply to fill an agenda, but to create multiple points at which buyers and suppliers can establish connections, exchange ideas and identify potential business.

For Valencia, meanwhile, the event offers another opportunity to put its meetings infrastructure, cultural offer and Mediterranean identity in front of an international professional audience — with the business conversation extending well beyond the conference room.
 

With the 2026 edition approaching, a limited number of places remain available for event planners interested in participating. For more information or to register, visit the website 
 

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WTM London has announced its largest-ever donation to international safe water charity Just a Drop, with funds raised during the 2025 edition set to finance a watershed restoration programme supporting rural farming communities in Nicaragua.

The event generated £8,300 through exhibitor donations, with organiser WTM London matching the amount to bring the total contribution to £16,600. Additional donations made by visitors during the event registration process are expected to increase the overall fundraising total further.

The latest milestone builds on a partnership that has now spanned 28 years. Over that period, WTM London has raised more than £140,000 for Just a Drop, helping deliver 17 safe water projects across nine countries and benefiting more than 12,500 people. The collaboration has now been renewed for another year, with the charity once again set to participate at the 2026 edition of the show.

Rather than funding short-term interventions, this year's contribution will support a long-term watershed restoration programme delivered in partnership with local organisation El Porvenir. The initiative focuses on the Waslala and Camoapa regions of Nicaragua, where agriculture-dependent communities are increasingly facing drought, soil degradation and other climate-related pressures.

The programme combines watershed conservation with sustainable land management practices, including agroforestry, alongside soil and water conservation measures and community-led environmental education. Together, these actions aim to restore forest cover, improve water management, strengthen agricultural livelihoods and enhance the long-term resilience of local communities.

Although Nicaragua possesses abundant freshwater resources, decades of infrastructure damage, compounded by recurring natural disasters, continue to leave many rural communities without reliable access to safe water. According to Just a Drop, around 19% of the country's population still lacks access to safe drinking water.

Chris Carter-Chapman, WTM London's Event Director, said: “We are proud to be a Just a Drop Founding Partner and delighted to see our financial contribution rise to new heights in 2025 thanks to the continued generosity of show exhibitors and attendees.

“Championing sustainability is an important part of our ethos and it’s always satisfying to see the real impact we can make by supporting Just a Drop’s vital work in this field.”

Fiona Jeffery OBE, Founder and President of Just a Drop, added: “Access to safe water changes lives, not only by protecting the health of communities, but also by securing the livelihoods they rely on.

“Thanks to the record-breaking donation from WTM London 2025, we will be able to support a watershed project in Nicaragua, which will change the lives of rural communities both now and in the years to come. We’re very grateful to WTM for their continued support and to everyone who has helped make this project a reality.”

Just a Drop will return as an exhibitor at WTM London 2026, where it will continue raising awareness of its global water projects and engaging with the travel industry's sustainability agenda.
 

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More than 214 trade associations, venues, organisers and suppliers from across the UK's business events industry have signed a joint letter urging the UK Government to fully implement the recommendations of the recent Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee report, warning that continued inaction risks undermining the country's international competitiveness.

Addressed to Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the letter calls for the immediate adoption of the Committee's recommendations following its year-long inquiry into the sector. The report, published on 6 July 2026, concluded that the UK's current approach is limiting the growth of an industry valued at £33.6 billion.

Among the measures backed by the signatories are a more structured approach to ministerial attendance at major business events, the transfer of sector responsibility to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the development of a dedicated national business events strategy, and the restoration of VisitBritain's business events team and its Business Events Growth Programme.

The Committee argued that business events should be recognised as a distinct, trade-focused sector rather than being grouped alongside tourism and major events policy, warning that the current framework is hindering the UK's ability to compete internationally.

Commenting on the Committee's findings, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the DCMS Select Committee, previously said: "The huge contribution they make to the economy demonstrates the exceptional quality of the conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs held every day across the country.

"The Government's decision to slash support for business events is utterly irrational and entirely counterproductive, when we should be supporting the sector to boost economic growth.

"It's time for the Government to show it understands the importance and distinctiveness of the business events sector."

Industry leaders also point to the UK's increasingly isolated position internationally. According to the letter, the UK is now the only major economy without a fully funded national business events team, while countries including Ireland, France, Germany and Spain continue to invest strategically in attracting international meetings and exhibitions.

The industry also highlights the impact of VisitBritain's former Business Events Growth Programme. Since its launch in 2018, the initiative generated a reported 35:1 return on investment, converting less than £1.8 million in government funding into £60.6 million in direct economic impact while helping secure 167 business events for destinations including Aberdeen, Glasgow, Sheffield, Liverpool, Cambridge and Newport.

Business events currently account for around 17% of all international visits to the UK. With the Government targeting 50 million international visitors annually by 2030, sector representatives argue that maintaining investment in business events will be essential to achieving that ambition.

A spokesperson for the business events industry said: "Jobs, trade, investment, innovation; this is what's on the line. Every month of inaction hands our competitors the advantage, and they are outspending and offering more support to win the large events we should be winning. Government has the evidence, it has the Committee's recommendations, and it has a sector standing ready to help deliver growth in every part of the country. What it needs now is the will to act."
 

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The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has unveiled Only in Hong Kong, a new global destination campaign designed to reinforce the city's international positioning by showcasing experiences that extend beyond its traditional tourism icons. The initiative aims to support both leisure travel and the business events sector by presenting Hong Kong as a destination defined by cultural diversity, contrasting landscapes and world-class experiences.

Rolling out across international digital platforms, social media, television, localised media channels and outdoor advertising, the campaign forms part of HKTB's long-term strategy to strengthen Hong Kong's global visibility and competitiveness across key source markets.

Rather than focusing solely on landmark attractions, Only in Hong Kong highlights everyday moments that capture the city's character. The campaign features experiences ranging from Star Ferry crossings and hiking trails overlooking the skyline to neighbourhood markets, mahjong culture, hidden beaches, the new Kai Tak Stadium and Hong Kong's hospitality offering, including its internationally recognised hotels, restaurants and bars.

According to HKTB, the campaign seeks to present Hong Kong as "a city made to see and a city made to feel", emphasising authentic urban experiences alongside the destination's natural landscapes.

Central to the new branding is a framework built around four characteristics that HKTB identifies as defining Hong Kong: Variety, Vibrancy, Contrast and World-class. These values are reflected in a new visual identity that incorporates a palette of sixteen colours inspired by recognisable elements of the city, including the historic Ding Ding tramways, traditional junk boats, Bauhinia flowers, Kai Tak Stadium and Hong Kong's giant pandas.
 

The campaign also introduces a redesigned logo combining the visual language of Hong Kong's iconic neon signs with the form of a traditional Chinese signature seal, while retaining the long-established "Asia's World City" positioning.

Alongside the visual identity, HKTB has adopted a lighter and more conversational tone of voice intended to reflect Hong Kong's personality. Campaign slogans such as "Here, every day is an event" and "It's where East meets best" aim to reinforce the city's reputation as a destination where everyday experiences are elevated by its distinctive cultural and urban environment.

For the meetings industry, the campaign provides a unified destination platform that can be adopted by tourism, convention and events stakeholders when promoting Hong Kong internationally. HKTB says the initiative is intended to support increased visitor arrivals, encourage longer stays and higher visitor spending, while reinforcing Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's leading destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE).

The tourism board has indicated that Only in Hong Kong will evolve over time, with additional creative assets planned to showcase different dimensions of the destination and maintain the campaign's relevance across international markets.
 

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Nearly 2,000 destination leaders, convention bureau executives and tourism professionals from 27 countries gathered in Portland, Oregon, for the 2026 Destinations International Annual Convention, where discussions focused on how destination organisations are adapting to rapid technological change while strengthening their role as community leaders.

Hosted by Travel Portland under the theme Solutions for Today. Strategies for Tomorrow., the three-day event examined some of the sector's defining challenges, including artificial intelligence, destination stewardship, workforce development, organisational culture and community engagement.

"The energy, optimism and sense of shared purpose in Portland reflected the very best of our global community," said Don Welsh, president &CEO of Destinations International. "Our members are navigating extraordinary change while continuing to expand their roles as trusted community leaders, advocates and catalysts for economic and social impact. This exceptional Annual Convention gave us the opportunity to learn from one another, strengthen relationships and leave better prepared to lead our organizations and communities into the future."

The programme reflected an industry increasingly concerned with balancing economic growth alongside community value. Opening keynote speaker Jeremy Gutsche, founder of TrendHunter.com, encouraged delegates to see disruption and artificial intelligence as opportunities for innovation rather than threats, while former adidas global purpose executive Kathy Varol explored how organisational purpose can strengthen leadership, brand strategy and long-term impact.

To better tailor learning opportunities, Destinations International also introduced new "Learner Journeys", allowing participants to build personalised programmes around five core themes: Solutions, Strategies, Skills, Scope and Leadership & Culture.

New tools focus on workforce and destination strategy

Alongside the conference programme, Destinations International unveiled several new publications designed to support destination organisations in addressing long-term strategic priorities.

Among them were a new series of DestinationNEXT Futures Study Action Briefs, translating insights from the 2025 Futures Study into practical guidance across community engagement, marketing, business events, leadership and business intelligence.
 

The association also released a Destination Workforce Insights report examining the changing expectations of employers, educators and emerging professionals, together with the Building Tourism Talent Pipelines Guide, developed by the 30 Under 30 Alumni Council to help destinations strengthen recruitment and career pathways across the visitor economy.

The convention also marked an organisational milestone, with the Maine Tourism Association becoming Destinations International's 800th member organisation.

Leadership transition and recognition

During the Annual Business Meeting, Kyle Edmiston, president & CEO of Visit Lake Charles, officially assumed the role of Chair of Destinations International, while Steven Paganelli, VP Global Media & Partnerships at Tripadvisor, became Chair of the Destinations International Foundation.

The association also recognised outgoing Chair Leslie Bruce, president & CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism, alongside outgoing Foundation Chair Martha Sheridan, president & CEO of Meet Boston.

"Our volunteer leaders are central to the strength and success of Destinations International," Welsh said. "Over the last decade, more than 300 association board directors, more than 225 foundation trustees and thousands of committee and task force volunteers have shared their time, expertise and leadership in service to our industry. We are deeply grateful to Leslie and Martha and look forward to building on their work under the leadership of Kyle and Steven."

The convention also celebrated new graduates of the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) programme, recognised accredited destination organisations through the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), honoured industry leaders through its annual awards programme and announced a new social impact award inspired by the late John Tanzella, recognising destination organisations advancing inclusion, community engagement and destination stewardship.
 

Community impact beyond the convention centre

Community engagement formed part of the convention experience itself, with delegates participating in volunteer initiatives supporting organisations tackling homelessness in Portland before the event officially opened.

Meanwhile, the Destinations International Foundation raised more than US$118,000 through its annual silent auction to fund research, education, workforce development and professional advancement initiatives across the industry.

Closing the convention, Welsh reflected on the broader significance of this year's gathering.

"The outstanding work of our members, volunteers, partners and dedicated staff made this convention an unforgettable experience," Welsh said. "After one of our most exceptional Annual Conventions ever, we leave Portland with renewed momentum and an even stronger commitment to helping destination organizations serve as indispensable leaders within their communities."

The association also confirmed that the 2027 Destinations International Annual Convention will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, from 12–14 July 2027.

"We're honored to be welcoming thousands of industry experts, leaders and advocates to Kansas City for Destinations International's 2027 Annual Conference," said Kathy Nelson, president & CEO of Visit KC. "We can't wait to share the things that define our community: passion, hospitality and heart."
 

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Over 500 association, not-for-profit professionals and industry suppliers gathered in Geelong this week for the Associations Forum National Conference. Held at the newly opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, the conference brought together CEOs, Presidents, industry leaders and decision-makers from across Australia and the region to explore changing member expectations, emerging challenges and new opportunities.

Further information about Associations Forum is available at: associations.net.au

  

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has unveiled #ChooseEvents, a new industry-wide initiative designed to raise awareness of career opportunities in the global events sector and address one of the industry's most pressing long-term challenges: attracting and retaining new talent.

Running from 1–4 September 2026, the campaign brings together event organisers, venues, suppliers, agencies and industry partners under a common message—"events are powered by people." Rather than functioning as a one-off awareness drive, #ChooseEvents has been conceived as an annual movement aimed at strengthening the sector's talent pipeline while showcasing the diversity of careers available across business events, exhibitions, conferences, festivals, live experiences and sporting events.

The initiative reflects a growing recognition that, as the meetings and events industry continues to expand globally, workforce development has become a strategic priority. In the UK alone, the business events industry contributes £11.5 billion to the economy each year, supports more than 126,000 jobs and attracts over 7.2 million visitors annually. Yet despite its considerable economic footprint, the sector continues to face a visibility challenge, with many students and young professionals remaining unaware of the breadth of career paths it offers.

The timing of the campaign is also significant. As artificial intelligence reshapes many professions, the value of face-to-face interaction is becoming increasingly apparent, reinforcing the role of events as catalysts for collaboration, innovation and community building. Against this backdrop, AEO believes the industry has a compelling story to tell about careers that combine creativity, technology, business strategy and human connection.

Throughout the campaign week, participating organisations will share employee stories, career journeys and behind-the-scenes insights into the people responsible for delivering events around the world. The objective is to provide an authentic view of the profession while demonstrating the wide range of skills and disciplines that underpin successful events.
 

Anna Golden, Chief Executive of AEO, said: "Events create opportunities for businesses to grow, ideas to flourish and communities to connect. Every event, regardless of its size or location, is made possible by talented people whose creativity, expertise and passion bring experiences to life.

With #ChooseEvents, we're coming together as one industry to celebrate those people, showcase the incredible careers our sector offers and inspire the next generation to see events as a profession full of opportunity. Together, we can tell a far more powerful story about our industry than any organisation can alone."

The campaign will culminate at the AEO Conference, taking place on 3 September at Vox NEC Birmingham, where industry leaders are expected to reaffirm their commitment to investing in people and supporting the next generation of professionals.

By positioning #ChooseEvents as a global movement rather than a national initiative, AEO is also encouraging collaboration across international markets. The association believes that strengthening the industry's future workforce requires collective action, giving organisations worldwide a shared platform to celebrate their people, showcase career opportunities and reinforce the social and economic value of the events profession.

Businesses and individual professionals are invited to take part in the inaugural edition of #ChooseEvents by sharing their stories across social media between 1 and 4 September, helping to demonstrate that behind every successful event is a diverse community of talented people whose work creates lasting impact.
 

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The global meetings and events industry has unveiled The Athens Promise, a new advocacy movement designed to strengthen the sector's collective voice and encourage professionals worldwide to champion the value of business events within their own markets and communities.

Launched by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) in partnership with the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), AMC Institute (AMCI) and PCMA, the initiative seeks to complement (not replace) existing advocacy efforts by mobilising the industry's grassroots network.

The campaign emerged from discussions held during the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly in Athens earlier this year and is open to all business events professionals, organisations, destinations and suppliers, regardless of membership or geography. Participants are invited to sign a public pledge committing to advocate for the industry's economic, professional and societal contribution with policymakers, media and other key stakeholders.

Rather than creating a new advocacy framework, The Athens Promise aims to connect and amplify the work already being undertaken by international and national industry associations, while encouraging more individuals and organisations to become active ambassadors for the sector.

According to the founding organisations, the movement reflects a shared belief that the meetings and events industry deserves greater recognition and that effective advocacy depends on coordinated action at both global and local levels. Supporting organisations will also provide practical communication tools and advocacy resources, including IAPCO's use of the forthcoming JMIC Global Manifesto: Third Edition to help members engage policymakers with consistent messaging.

"The Athens Promise was born at the IAPCO meeting held in Athens, where global leaders came together with a shared belief that our industry has a bigger story to tell.

"What started as a conversation at our event has now become a global invitation. We are asking every person who works in, supports, supplies or benefits from the meetings and events industry to add their voice," said Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO.

"We are getting behind this initiative because making real change requires more than the voice of one organisation, one country or one part of the industry. It is about all of us. The promise is simple: to stand together, speak more clearly and help the world better understand the value our industry creates every day," said Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC.

"The meetings and events industry is a powerful driver of economic progress, innovation, professional development and social connection. It supports communities, strengthens industries, creates jobs and delivers lasting value in destinations around the world. Our collective voice has power." said Tina Wehmeir, CEO of AMC Institute.

"The Athens Promise is not designed to reinvent advocacy; it is designed to help more people take part. "Across the global meetings and events industry, associations and leaders are already doing extraordinary work. The opportunity now is to empower the wider community to carry that message further, into their own markets, their own communities and their own conversations," said Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO of PCMA and CEMA.

By signing The Athens Promise, organisations and individuals publicly commit to supporting stronger advocacy for the meetings and events sector, helping to build greater awareness of the industry's impact while reinforcing the work already being carried out by associations around the world. The organisers hope the initiative will foster a more unified narrative capable of influencing public policy and strengthening recognition of the sector's role in economic development, knowledge exchange and social progress.

The pledge is now open to all business events professionals and organisations worldwide, and is available to sign here
 

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Ōtautahi Christchurch will host New Zealand's business events community this October as the city welcomes both the Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) Conference 2026 and The Bizzies, the country's annual awards celebrating excellence across the sector.

Taking place from 28 to 29 October, the conference will bring together event professionals, destination representatives and industry stakeholders for two days of professional development, networking and discussions on the future of business events. The celebrations will culminate on 28 October with the second edition of The Bizzies, recognising outstanding achievements, innovation and impact across New Zealand's meetings and events industry.

The programme begins on 27 October with a welcome function at the recently opened One NZ Stadium, before moving to Christchurch Town Hall for the conference sessions. Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre will host the awards gala, showcasing three of the city's flagship venues throughout the week.

BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins said the programme has been designed to deliver meaningful learning and collaboration for both established professionals and organisations looking to expand their involvement in the sector.

"We are inviting organisations across the business events sector, BEIA Members, event organisers, clients, or those exploring this industry as part of their future business mix to consider attending Conference 2026 as a team, not only to share the experience, but also to cover more sessions and absorb a broader range of insights," she says.

The conference agenda will address many of the key issues currently influencing New Zealand's business events landscape, supported by a diverse line-up of speakers. Among them is economist Brad Olsen, who will examine the country's economic outlook ahead of the General Election scheduled for the following week.

"The programme has been designed around the key issues shaping our sector, supported by an impressive line-up of speakers. Economist Brad Olsen will share his perspective on the economic outlook, which is particularly timely with the General Election taking place the following week.

"We are also incredibly grateful for the support of Christchurch Airport, Venues Ōtautahi, Te Pae Christchurch, Celebrity Speakers and ChristchurchNZ whose contribution is helping make this year's conference experience even stronger."

Delegates will also be encouraged to extend their stay in Christchurch after the conference, with a range of exclusive offers providing the opportunity to experience the city's attractions and activities. Early-bird registration for the conference remains open until 20 September, while tickets for The Bizzies are available separately through the awards website.
 

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© Aeroflair and Marketing Manchester

Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Manchester, has revealed the programme for the Discover Manchester Stage at CHS Manchester, taking place on 30 September 2026. Bringing together leading venues, hospitality providers, cultural institutions and destination partners, the programme will showcase how the city region is redefining event experiences through innovation, sustainability, accessibility and collaboration.

Designed to equip planners with practical insights and fresh ideas, the series of spotlight sessions will highlight the people, projects and partnerships shaping Manchester's evolving meetings landscape. Participating organisations include Aviva Studios, Radisson Hotel Group, Northern Roots, CityCo, Manchester Metropolitan University and Selling Savvy.

The programme opens with an overview of the latest developments transforming the destination, including Medlock Square, Therme Manchester, the reopening of Rochdale Town Hall and the ongoing restoration of Manchester Town Hall, offering delegates an update on the city's expanding business events infrastructure.

Accessibility and inclusion will take centre stage in A New Conversation About Accessibility & Inclusion, presented by Jay Millard, Access Manager at Aviva Studios, and Stephanie Williams, Head of Events at the venue. The session will examine emerging accessibility trends and explore practical ways organisers can create more inclusive events.

Manchester Metropolitan University will introduce a more interactive perspective through Play is Serious Business: What Events Can Learn from Playful Learning. Led by James Charnock, Sales and Marketing Manager, the session will invite delegates to experience how curiosity, experimentation and collaboration can enhance audience engagement, drawing inspiration from education and experience design.

Sustainability will remain a central theme throughout the programme. In The Future Stay: How Verified Net Zero Hotels Are Redefining Sustainable Hospitality, Claudia Platt, Senior Account Manager UK & Ireland at Radisson Hotel Group, will present Manchester's first verified net zero hotel and explore how renewable energy, low-carbon dining, waste reduction and independent verification are reshaping hospitality.

Professional development also features prominently, with Louisa Ritchie and Kat Rack, Directors of Selling Savvy, leading Growing Your Network: Building Connections, Confidence & Career Opportunities. The session will focus on purposeful networking, personal branding and relationship-building, providing practical guidance for event professionals looking to strengthen their industry profile.

The programme will also examine how business events can generate wider community benefits. Northern Roots: Delivering Social Value Through Urban Green Space, hosted by Lizzie Fenton, Head of Income Generation at Northern Roots, will explore the transformation of the Oldham site into a major community and visitor destination while demonstrating how green spaces can support environmental sustainability, health and local prosperity.

Closing the programme, Destination Manchester: City-Wide Collaboration for Major Events will highlight the partnerships that underpin the city's largest international events. Chaired by Gary James Williams, Head of Events at CityCo and Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, the discussion will bring together representatives from Manchester City Council, Marketing Manchester, CityCo and destination partners to demonstrate how coordinated planning, placemaking and cross-sector collaboration help turn major events such as The BRIT Awards into city-wide experiences.
 

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ICC Belfast's Director of Transformation and Governance, Ciara Davidson, has been appointed as an observer to the Board of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), joining the global body that brings together senior leaders from convention and exhibition centres in more than 60 countries.

The appointment places Davidson alongside executives from some of the world's leading venues, including convention centres in Switzerland, Calgary, New Zealand and Cape Town. In her new role, she will contribute both an operational perspective and the voice of the industry's emerging leadership as AIPC continues to advance excellence, innovation and collaboration across the global convention centre sector.

Davidson's appointment builds on several years of active engagement with the association. Selected for AIPC's Future Shapers leadership programme in 2023, she spent nine months collaborating with peers from Sydney, Paris and Kuala Lumpur on an initiative addressing one of the industry's most pressing workforce challenges. The team's proposal (an HR platform designed to support recruitment and retention of specialist event professionals) won the programme's final pitch in Costa Rica and is now being further developed by AIPC for wider industry implementation.

Her continued involvement saw her return as a mentor for the following Future Shapers cohort in Shenzhen before being appointed to lead the Future Shapers Task Force at the AIPC Annual Conference in Bilbao in June 2026.

Reflecting on the appointment, Davidson said: "It’s an incredible privilege to be appointed to the AIPC Board and to lead the Future Shapers Task Force. AIPC has given me the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from global industry leaders, and I’m proud to bring those insights back to ICC Belfast. For a convention centre of our size, to have a voice at this level is hugely rewarding – it shows that Belfast is making a real impact on the global stage.

"It’s also a real confidence boost to see that the challenges we face in Belfast are felt all over the world. And what’s even more exciting is that the innovations we’re driving are ahead of the curve. We’re a small tightknit team and our size makes us agile to drive new things forward really effectively."

Davidson's achievement reflects a broader culture of professional development within ICC Belfast. Head of Production Dave Young participated in the 2025 Future Shapers programme, where his international team secured the winning project. His contribution subsequently led AIPC to invite him to establish and chair a new Tech and Production Working Group, building on the earlier participation of Laurel Gray, Head of Events, who was among the first professionals from the UK and Ireland to complete the programme in Luxembourg.

By contributing to initiatives spanning talent development, sustainability, digital innovation and artificial intelligence, ICC Belfast has strengthened its presence within AIPC's international network. Davidson's dual role as Board observer and Future Shapers Task Force lead further reinforces the venue's commitment to shaping the future direction of the global convention centre industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, said: "Ciara’s appointment to the AIPC Board is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the talent and leadership within our team. Her success reflects the global recognition that ICC Belfast is earning for its innovation, professionalism, and contribution to the international events industry. We have a superb team at ICC Belfast, and through AIPC, they’re developing by working alongside the best in the world; through this combination of talent, training and leadership excellence, Belfast’s convention offering is truly world class."
 

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Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) has announced the appointment of Jason Tan Chin Foo as its Chief Executive Officer, with immediate effect.

Having served the organisation in various leadership capacities over the past decade, Jason now leads BESarawak into its next phase of growth with a vision to strengthen Sarawak's position as a globally competitive business events destination through purposeful collaboration, innovation and legacy-driven development. 

"I believe the world's most impactful business events destinations are built on strong ecosystems and meaningful collaboration among government, industry, academia, associations and the media. That is how ideas and partnerships are transformed into action, creating opportunities that strengthen our economy, communities and future.

 

Sarawak has built strong foundations over the years. My aspiration is to bring these strengths together into a more connected and future-ready business events ecosystem by strengthening collaboration, aligning our collective capabilities, and creating an environment where innovation, partnerships and opportunities can thrive.

 

Together, we will strengthen Sarawak's global competitiveness, deepen international partnerships, and advance the aspirations of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 through high-impact business events that generate lasting economic, social and intellectual value, ensuring every event leaves a strong and meaningful legacy for Sarawak, while reinforcing our position as the Legacy Capital of Business Events in Malaysia and Borneo."

"Jason has consistently demonstrated strategic leadership and a strong commitment to advancing Sarawak's business events industry. The Board has every confidence that he will build on BESarawak's strong foundations and achievements, further strengthen the organisation and the wider business events ecosystem, and lead the industry towards an even more impactful and globally competitive future for Sarawak."