The 63rd ICCA Congress has come to a close after four days of dynamic sessions bringing together 1,563 delegates from all around the globe, proving that the MICE industry is stronger than ever and that business events have the power to change the world.
Featuring 176 speakers, 93 sessions, and attended by 11 ministers and undersecretaries as well as UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvilid, this year’s event was the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA’s) biggest congress yet.
“This year’s ICCA Congress was certainly one to remember. With record-breaking attendance, incredible speakers, and the sense of community that makes ICCA a leader in the industry, it was truly an event we’ll never forget,” said Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA. “The power of connection was on full display, and from everyone at ICCA, I’d like to thank each and every delegate for joining us in Abu Dhabi, our partners and sponsors. Here’s to many more years of gathering together and creating change, making history, and building a brighter future.”
ATM, GBTA
ICCA and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) signed a strategic partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) for the upcoming edition of the ATM, as international business events sector is expected to reach $1.5 trillion this year.
The global organisations have been appointed as knowledge partners for the regional trade show, providing in-depth insights and opportunities for the thriving business events and travel sectors. This strategic collaboration aims to shine a spotlight on the MICE and business travel sectors.
The business travel industry is experiencing impressive growth, as evidenced by statistics from the 2023 GBTA Business Travel Index Report, which found that the global business travel industry rebounded faster than expected in 2023. The report also stated that global business travel spending rose by 47 per cent to $1.03 trillion last year and is expected to grow to nearly $1.8 trillion globally by 2027.
As the official Business Events Partner for ATM 2025, ICCA will lead sessions on the evolving landscape of global business events, including seminars focusing on the sector’s future and addressing key trends such as sustainability, digital transformation, and the integration of AI to enhance event experiences.
ICCA will be responsible for facilitating the attendance of key international association buyers, showcasing the region’s diverse offer for event planners, and its capacity to attract large-scale congresses with the long-term outlook of contributing to the region’s economy and development.
In addition, the association will launch an exclusive government meeting ranking report at the show, providing critical data on the Middle East’s growing influence in the business events arena. The organisation has previously highlighted Dubai as the top city in the Middle East for association meetings in 2023 and Abu Dhabi in 2022.
AWARDS
The ICCA Best Marketing Award 2024 (sponsored by The Meetings Show) was awarded to VisitOSLO on October 23, the last day of the 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi.
VisitOSLO competed with finalists Business Events Australia and Tourism Winnipeg with a campaign promoting Oslo in an ironic, humorous way that poked fun of their city while highlighting the unique qualities that make it an attractive destination.
The campaign shows how creativity, heart and storytelling can weave captivating and emotive campaigns that tell a story. The theme for the Best Marketing Awards 2024 was “Once Upon a Time,” encouraging participants to craft a narrative that communicates a captivating tale about their destination. After presentations during the 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, judges and delegates voted on the winner.