BestCities Global Alliance at ICCA Congress 2024

Join us at the ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 20-23 October:

BestCities Global Alliance is thrilled to participate in ICCA Congress 2024 with our Incredible Impacts Campfire Sessions. These sessions provide a space for meetings and events professionals to learn, exchange ideas, and share best practices through facilitated introductions and interactive group discussions. By fostering peer-to-peer learning without audiovisual aids, we aim to inspire associations and destinations to consider submitting an IIP application in the future.

Location

The sessions will take place in the Incredible Impacts Zone, conveniently located adjacent to the Association Village at the ICCA Congress venue.

Session Schedule

Monday, 21 October

10:15 – 10:45, Campfire session in the Incredible Impacts Zone

From Vision to Victory: The ICRS Global Access Fellowship

Facilitator: Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance

Speaker: Anouk Bürgisser-Marti, International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society (ICRS)

Outline: How does an idea become a winning initiative? Gather around the campfire to explore the journey of the ICRS as they won the Incredible Impacts Seed Fund Grant with their Global Access Fellowship. This session invites you to engage directly with the minds behind this programme, ask questions, and contribute your perspectives on how to further its mission of bringing world-class medical education to underrepresented regions.

Promotional graphic for "Incredible Impacts Award 2024 Campfire Sessions" on October 21, 10:15 - 10:45, discussing the ICRS Global Access Fellowship, featuring BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA logos.

Tuesday, 22 October

10:00 – 10:30, Campfire session in the Incredible Impacts Zone

Start your impact Journey with ICCA

Speakers: Gemmeke de Jongh, Senior Manager Education and Impact, ICCA & Gary Grimmer, Executive Chairman, GainingEdge

Outline: Are you ready to move from reactive to proactive in creating meaningful impact in your destination? Join us for an inspiring session where we explore how you can generate positive change through your congress and partnerships with local stakeholders.

This is your chance to share ideas, challenges, and dreams on how to work together for a lasting impact. Not sure where to start? We’ll help you identify the key building blocks and leverages to kickstart your journey.

Learn also how ICCA can help you on the right track and let’s turn vision into action—together!

Promotional flyer for Incredible Impacts Award 2024 Campfire Sessions, detailing event date, time, and session focus, hosted by BestCities and ICCA.

11:30 – 12:00, Campfire session in the Incredible Impacts Zone

Storytelling that Sticks: How to Make Your Impact Go Viral

Speaker: Patrick Delaney, Managing Partner, SoolNua

Panelists: James Lancaster, AMI (Northstar Meetings Group); James Latham, The Iceberg; Vicky Koffa, Boardroom Magazine

Outline: Join Patrick Delaney and a panel of media experts for an interactive campfire session on the art of storytelling. Learn the secrets to crafting impact stories that captivate audiences and catch the eye of the media. Get practical advice on how to make your association’s achievements not just heard, but celebrated.

Informational graphic for the Incredible Impacts Award 2024 Campfire Sessions, highlighting a session on storytelling scheduled for October 22, 11:30-12:00 at the Incredible Impacts Zone.

12:00-12:55, Incredible Impacts Grant and Award Programme

The three finalists of the Incredible Impacts Grant and Award Programme will present their entries, highlighting the lasting legacies of their events. After the presentations, the audience will vote to decide which finalist will receive the $20,000 grant.


Wednesday, 23 October

10:00 – 10:30, Campfire session in the Incredible Impacts Zone

From Meetings to Movements: Cities Leading the Way in Event Impact

Facilitator: Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance

Speakers: Michael Drake, Vice President of Meetings, Conventions, and Events, Destination Vancouver & Bettina Reventlow-Mourier, Deputy Convention Director, Copenhagen Convention Bureau.

Outline: How do cities turn business events into catalysts for change? In this session, representatives from the BestCities Global Alliance share their latest strategies and success stories. Get inspired by real-world examples of cities leading the charge in event-driven change.

Promotional graphic for the 2024 Incredible Impacts Award Campfire Sessions event on October 23, focusing on cities leading in event impact. Includes logos of BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA.

11:30 – 12:30, Presentations & Closing

The winner of the $20,000 Incredible Impacts Grant will be announced during the closing session. They will then be brought on stage to receive their award, followed by a photo opportunity. This marks the culmination of the Incredible Impacts Award programme, which celebrates impactful initiatives in the events industry.

Join Us at the Incredible Impacts Zone

We invite all attendees of the ICCA Congress 2024 to visit the Incredible Impacts Zone and participate in our Campfire Sessions. Whether you are looking to share your experiences, learn from industry leaders, or explore new opportunities for impact, our sessions offer valuable insights and networking opportunities.