With a lineup of more than 70 speakers and dozens of sessions as well as festive social gatherings, the ICCA Congress promises to be the premier meetings and events destination of the year when it takes place in Abu Dhabi later this month (October 20 to 23).
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, says: “This year’s Congress features the theme of “Tomorrow Starts Today,” which is emblematic of ICCA’s overarching vision to advocate for more sustainable practices and policies throughout the meetings and events world and in the communities who host events.
“Delegates will gather in Abu Dhabi to take part in participant-led practical working sessions that give everyone a voice, learn from world-class speakers and industry experts as they share their inspirational insights, and gain valuable knowledge and networking opportunities with the best and brightest in the business events community.
“The Content Pillars of Technology and Innovation, Cultural Awareness & Social Impacts, Sustainability and Environmental Impact, and Business Trends & Growth, we are offering a programme that features all the most relevant and important topics in the industry, presented in a dynamic, participant-driven format that lets everyone join in the conversation,” says Gopinath.
The meetings and events industry is undergoing a revolution in the technology space, including the popular adoption of tech such as AI and machine learning, which can greatly impact event planning and logistics as well as attendee management and content generation. “Useful physical devices like wearable devices enable easier check-in and allow optimisation of space usage and attendee experience at in-person events, while hybrid event platforms that utilise streaming and online meeting spaces allow virtual attendance from all over the world.”
The Congress Programme highlights the wide array of exceptional speakers and experts leading informative sessions designed to inspire and inform, including topics like the evolving dynamics of sustainability in the context of association meetings, the impact of AI on all facets of the industry, and the transformative power of neurodiversity in event planning, among many others.
“The Congress will feature an unprecedented amount of participant-driven content. Building on the Sharing Hubs from Bangkok, the ICCA Hub will be the heart of all that is happening within the Congress. The Main Hub serves as the focal point, with four quadrants dedicated to each Content Pillar, designed to reflect their unique identities. The centre stage will deliver inspiring keynotes with a clear line of sight for all delegates. When there is no keynote taking place, each quadrant will have its own stage and speaker(s), creating a dynamic and immersive experience,” says ICCA CEO.
“Delegates should prepare to be amazed at the culture, hospitality, stunning sun-kissed cityscape, amazing venues, luxurious shopping, and opportunities for adventure in the dunes or the sea in the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi. The city boasts the latest technology and embraces the spirit of internationalism in a gleaming metropolis where the world comes to work and play, and visitors can experience a dramatic blend of stunning contemporary architecture and ancient tradition,” concludes Gopinath.
* The next Congress will take place in Porto, Portugal, and the Congress will move to Panama City in 2026