BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA recognise associations using international meetings to create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact
BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) are pleased to announce the International Hepato-Pancreato Biliary Association (IHPBA) as the recipient of the 2026 Incredible Impacts Programme (IIP) Seed Fund Grant. In partnership with Singapore Tourism Board, IHPBA is preparing to host the 17th Annual International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association World Congress (IHPBA 2026), taking place 28-31 October 2026 in Singapore.
The Incredible Impacts Programme celebrates associations that drive lasting, positive change through international meetings. Each year, it awards two grants: a $5,000 USD Seed Grant and a $20,000 USD Main Grant.
With this year’s Seed Grant, IHPBA will introduce a new Legacy Project that aims to minimize disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) outcomes among low- and middle-income countries by advancing equitable care through regionally tailored frameworks, collaboration, and policy leadership.
Quotes
“IHPBA’s Legacy Project shows what can happen when expertise, collaboration and shared purpose rally around a pressing challenge. Through IHPBA 2026, the association is advancing more equitable cancer care across the Asia-Pacific region and creating impact that will extend well beyond the Congress. We’re proud to support this important work through the Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Fund.”
– Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance
“International association meetings have the power to create lasting impact far beyond the event itself. IHPBA’s Legacy Project is a powerful example of how a global congress can drive meaningful change and improve equity in healthcare. This is exactly the kind of initiative the Incredible Impacts Programme exists to recognise and support. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Incredible Impacts Programme judges, whose time, expertise, and commitment help shine a light on these inspiring stories and the positive difference associations are making around the world.”
– Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA
“A successful congress should be remembered not only for the science it presents, but for the lasting difference it creates. Through the IHPBA 2026 Legacy Project, we hope to leverage Singapore’s strengths in healthcare, innovation and international collaboration to reduce inequities in liver cancer care across Asia-Pacific and across the globe. Our ambition is to move beyond discussion towards practical solutions that improve access, strengthen regional partnerships, and leave a legacy that continues long after the Congress has concluded.”
– Dr. Shridhar Iyer, Chair of the IHPBA 2026 Legacy Project and Congress President of IHPBA 2026
Finalists Announced for 2026 Incredible Impacts Programme Main Grant
Alongside the Seed Grant announcement, BestCities and ICCA have named three finalists for the 2026 Incredible Impacts Programme Main Grant. The finalists will present their submissions during a plenary session at the ICCA Congress this November:
- Autism Europe Congress (AEC) 2025: Held in Dublin, AEC 2025 channeled autism advocacy into practical, replicable action. Key legacies include setting a new standard for inclusive event design, advancing inclusive employment practices, and creating a model that future Congress hosts and other associations can adopt internationally.
- International Social Housing Festival (ISHF) 2025: Held in Dublin, ISHF 2025 put tenants’ lived experiences at the heart of housing policy and practice. Key legacies include a replicable toolkit, stronger cross-sector collaboration, and plans to expand tenant-led storytelling into a Europe-wide “living library” to inform housing policy and service design.
- WindEurope Annual Event 2025: Held in Copenhagen, WindEurope 2025 used education and hands-on learning to help address the wind sector’s growing STEM skills gap. Key legacies include a toolkit now being distributed across Europe, engagement with nearly 550 children and parents, and plans to scale wind energy learning through portable EduKit Boxes for schools and future host cities.
For more information about the Incredible Impacts Programme, visit www.incredibleimpacts.com.
