Tag Archives: International Congress and Convention Association

Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau (ADCB), in collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), hosted the fourth edition of the Middle East International Forum at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas on Saadiyat Island. The opening of the forum saw a welcome speech from Mubarak Al Shamsi, ADCB Director and ICCA Middle East Chapter Chair, where he welcomed the opportunity to host some of the region’s key players to showcase the importance of collaboration, sustainable development and best practices.  “Meetings and exhibitions have contributed tremendously to the growth and development of Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the region as a whole,” said Al Shamsi. “This year’s edition has seen discussion from different perspectives and we are now exploring developments and benefits as a result of hosting these conventions. We are also exploring the role bureaus are currently playing for event organisers and local communities, in addition to changes in the market and the constant need for venues to adapt in order to be successful.”  Mahir Julfar, ICCA Board Member and SVP Venues Manager at the Dubai World Trade Center, added, “At the ICCA we have an incredibly active and knowledgeable community. Our members are strong advocates for the development of the meetings industry in the region. We work together with a unified passion to further develop our destinations through the expertise, skills and knowledge exchange opportunities offered by international association meetings. Currently, the ICCA Middle East Chapter has over 50 members from seven countries and four Association Relations Partners, accounting for an 80 per cent growth over the past three years.” This year’s forum has seen an active participation from the United Networks of International Corporate Event …

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is hosting its 57th chapter in Dubai. Running till November 14, the four-day conference is being attended by over 1,150 senior industry professionals and association meeting planners from across 75 countries. Congress delegates have descended on the city from across the world to experience a dynamic programme of education, networking and business opportunities. ICCA and Dubai Business Events have collaborated to create an exciting offering of forward-thinking education sessions, site visits to Dubai’s most innovative enterprises and a social programme showcasing the best of Emirati cultural delights and local hospitality. Welcoming delegates to the congress, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, said, “Business events are a crucial part of not only our tourism strategy, but our wider economic development. Whether through the year-round calendar of home-grown trade shows or major congresses like the ICCA congress that we successfully bid for – we understand and use the power of meetings and conferences to facilitate the rapid transition to a knowledge economy, and to grow scientific advancement and key industry sectors in Dubai and the UAE.” Nina Freysen-Pretorius, President, ICCA, said, “I would like to once again thank ICCA for selecting Dubai to host this congress, and to the Local Host Committee and all stakeholders involved for their role in planning. Our thanks also go to all the sponsors and supporting organisations of this event. The number of international association meetings has doubled every ten years since the establishment of ICCA 55 years ago, and we have identified the Middle East as an important growth area. In fact, we now have a dedicated seat for the region on our board, a permanent regional …

With the launch of the fifth ACE of MICE exhibition by Turkish Airlines in Turkey, the third largest congress, meeting and events exhibition in the world from February 21-23, 2018, Istanbul will once again become the focus of the international MICE industry. The event will be held at Istanbul Congress Center with the motto of previous year ‘MICE industry convenes with all of its colours!’ Held every year by the Tourism Media Group organisation, the exhibition will see 746 hosted buyers from 39 countries flock to the city. Over 9,791 business to business (B2B) meetings have been arranged, along with 220 national and international exhibitors, 19 sessions, 35 speakers, 160 sponsors at the event. Over 15,000 domestic and foreign visitors are expected to witness the event. According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Turkey is among the top ten of the world’s meeting destinations. The country ranks 18th globally as a growing destination for MICE tourism. Turkey is exceptionally well positioned as a destination for the MICE industry, both in terms of trade and culture.