Latest news with #InternationalCongressandConventionAssociation
Tourism Breaking News
6 hours ago
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
EPEX expands its strategic partnership with ICCA Middle East Chapter
Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX), the region's leading B2B platform for the MICE, weddings, and luxury events industry announced the continuation and expansion of its strategic partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association – Middle East Chapter (ICCA ME). This renewed alliance marks a significant evolution in EPEX's engagement strategy by introducing qualified association representatives into its Hosted Buyer Programme for the first time. In 2025, EPEX and ICCA ME are jointly bringing a select group of international association leaders to participate in the show. These association representatives (majorly from Medical associations) have expressed genuine interest in hosting future congresses and events in the Middle East. Their presence will provide EPEX exhibitors and destination partners with a rare opportunity to understand the deeper requirements of international congresses and the decision-making dynamics behind destination selection. The partnership will also feature an ICCA-led Leadership Session during EPEX 2025, where these invited association leaders will engage in a panel discussion titled 'More Than Meetings: How Association Congresses Drive Impact, Legacy, and Destination Strategy'. Moderated by Anju Gomes, Senior Regional Director, ICCA ME, this session will uncover the real priorities of associations—from aligning with national development goals to achieving long-term impact in knowledge and community exchange. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how destinations, venues, and local stakeholders can position themselves not just as hosts, but as long-term partners in delivering transformational outcomes. 'This expanded partnership with ICCA ME brings a crucial new dimension to EPEX,' said Karishma Hundalani, Head of Brand and Content at POW WOW Marketing, organizers of EPEX. 'As the region grows its credentials as a global hub for international meetings and congresses, it's important that we also enable real conversations around legacy, collaboration, and value co-creation. We're excited to welcome association leaders to EPEX and look forward to building on this momentum year-round.'
Dubai Eye
24-07-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
Dubai wins 249 bids to host major business events
Dubai continues to shine on the global stage as a top destination for business events. In the first half of 2025, the city's official convention bureau Dubai Business Events (DBE) secured 249 successful bids, covering major congresses and high-profile incentive programmes scheduled through 2029. That's a 29 per cent jump in bid submissions compared to the same period last year, with a strong conversion rate of 64 per cent. These confirmed wins are set to bring over 127,000 delegates to the city, marking a 35 per cent year-on-year increase and reinforcing Dubai's role as a global hub for knowledge and innovation. DBE's international outreach played a key role, with sales missions across Asia, Europe and North America, and a strong presence at industry events like IMEX Frankfurt. Dubai also earned top global rankings from the International Congress and Convention Association, including number one for attendee numbers per association meeting. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, says this success reflects Dubai's world-class infrastructure, accessibility, and commitment to excellence in business events. Dubai Business Events, part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, secured bids to host 249 business events during the first half of this year, including major international conferences, meetings, and forums, which are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2029. This… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 23, 2025 Notable wins during the first half of the year include the 2029 edition of Sibos, which is expected to attract 12,000 delegates, the 2027 1st Conjoint Meeting of the Cervical Spine Research Society - Asia Pacific and Europe with 800 delegates, and the 2026 edition of the World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG), which will bring 2,000 delegates. Other association events include the 2026 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat International Conference with 1,500 delegates and the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) with 1,000 delegates. In the corporate and incentive space, Dubai secured the 2026 Africa Energy Forum with 2,000 delegates, the Herbalife Multiple Market Incentive with 2,400 delegates, and the Planisware Incentive with 1,300 delegates. Returning events include Token2049 in 2026 with 15,000 delegates. Google will also call Dubai its home for two of its flagship conferences in 2026 and 2028, with 4,000 delegates each year. These achievements were further supported by DBE's Al Safeer Programme, which contributed to 51 ambassador-led bids during the period, winning 32 to date.
ARN News Center
23-07-2025
- Business
- ARN News Center
Dubai wins 249 bids to host major business events
Dubai continues to shine on the global stage as a top destination for business events. In the first half of 2025, the city's official convention bureau Dubai Business Events (DBE) secured 249 successful bids, covering major congresses and high-profile incentive programmes scheduled through 2029. That's a 29 per cent jump in bid submissions compared to the same period last year, with a strong conversion rate of 64 per cent. These confirmed wins are set to bring over 127,000 delegates to the city, marking a 35 per cent year-on-year increase and reinforcing Dubai's role as a global hub for knowledge and innovation. DBE's international outreach played a key role, with sales missions across Asia, Europe and North America, and a strong presence at industry events like IMEX Frankfurt. Dubai also earned top global rankings from the International Congress and Convention Association, including number one for attendee numbers per association meeting. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, says this success reflects Dubai's world-class infrastructure, accessibility, and commitment to excellence in business events. Dubai Business Events, part of the Department of Economy and Tourism, secured bids to host 249 business events during the first half of this year, including major international conferences, meetings, and forums, which are scheduled to take place between 2025 and 2029. This… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 23, 2025 Notable wins during the first half of the year include the 2029 edition of Sibos, which is expected to attract 12,000 delegates, the 2027 1st Conjoint Meeting of the Cervical Spine Research Society - Asia Pacific and Europe with 800 delegates, and the 2026 edition of the World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ISUOG), which will bring 2,000 delegates. Other association events include the 2026 Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat International Conference with 1,500 delegates and the 2026 International Symposium on Electronic Art (ISEA) with 1,000 delegates. In the corporate and incentive space, Dubai secured the 2026 Africa Energy Forum with 2,000 delegates, the Herbalife Multiple Market Incentive with 2,400 delegates, and the Planisware Incentive with 1,300 delegates. Returning events include Token2049 in 2026 with 15,000 delegates. Google will also call Dubai its home for two of its flagship conferences in 2026 and 2028, with 4,000 delegates each year. These achievements were further supported by DBE's Al Safeer Programme, which contributed to 51 ambassador-led bids during the period, winning 32 to date.
IOL News
05-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Cape Town's impressive leap in global conference rankings highlights economic growth
Cape Town's status as a global meetings destination has improved in the world rankings. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers Cape Town and the Western Cape have solidified their status as Africa's premier destination for international association meetings, as revealed by the recently released International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) GlobeWatch 2024 Business Analytics Report. The city has surged to an impressive 35th position globally, a leap of 15 places from the previous ranking. The report highlighted that Cape Town hosted 58 international association meetings in 2024, a notable increase from 42 in 2023, and places the city among the top 10 worldwide for average attendance per event, with an average of 717 delegates per meeting. Stellenbosch, a key player within the Western Cape, has also demonstrated ongoing success in the rankings, hosting seven meetings last year. Over the past decade, it has become a welcome fixture in the international conference landscape, having successfully hosted 100 meetings from 2013 to 2024. Smaller towns like George, Grabouw, Knysna, and Paarl are beginning to carve out their niches as attractive venues for international events, further spreading the benefits of business tourism across the province. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Nationally, South Africa continues to dominate as the top-performing country on the continent, with an increase in international meetings from 84 in 2021 to 98 in both 2023 and 2024. This growth is projected to deliver over R2 billion in revenue to the national economy, validating the significance of international meetings in contributing to economic development. 'This ranking shows that Cape Town and the Western Cape stand shoulder to shoulder with global conference hubs such as Dubai, Barcelona, and Melbourne. We are particularly pleased that smaller towns across the province are experiencing the benefits of business events," said Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander. She noted that the Cape Town and the Western Cape Convention Bureau secured 36 new conference bids in the 2024/25 financial year alone, which is expected to generate R745 million in economic impact and attract over 27 000 delegates through to 2028. The impact of these international meetings was further underscored by Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Ivan Meyer. 'These outstanding results reflect the Western Cape's global competitiveness and the tangible economic impact of business events. Every international meeting we host fuels job creation, investment, and innovation - while positioning our region as a hub of knowledge and expertise,' he said. Supporting the positive narrative, mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said Cape Town's impressive rise in global rankings reflects the city's world-class infrastructure and skilled workforce, buttressed by public-private partnerships. 'Business tourism remains a key pillar of our economic growth strategy - each international meeting not only boosts hotel bookings and restaurant traffic, but also significantly enriches our local economy. "This is why we proudly fund the Convention Bureau, as we recognise how strategic support can unlock tremendous benefits for our communities,' Vos said. With Cape Town climbing the ranks as a desired global venue for international meetings, its future as a thriving business tourism hub shines bright, paving the way for economic prosperity and community enrichment across the region. Cape Argus
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur rise in ICCA global rankings
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur have strengthened their global standing in the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) 2024 Country & City Rankings, reaffirming their position as premier destinations for international business events. The country hosted 129 international association meetings last year, moving up two spots to 31st in the global country rankings and holding firm at 9th place in the Asia Pacific, remaining within the region's Top 10. Kuala Lumpur also made impressive gains, jumping six places to 26th in the World City Rankings. "Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur's growing reputation reflects their compelling value proposition," said Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre's (the Centre) general manager John Burke. With Kuala Lumpur International Airport served by 79 airlines and visa-free access for 175 countries, Malaysia provides the great connectivity that global business events demand, he said in a statement. "On top of that, we have a mature supply chain aligned with global standards, wide English proficiency and a favourable exchange rate. Combined with its rich cultural heritage and natural assets, Malaysia is a competitive choice." According to the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), business events are projected to contribute RM42.12 billion to the economy by 2030 and attract 5.9 million delegates. These events are expected to drive trade, boost tourism, and support job creation. The Centre was a key venue last year, hosting many of the city's 78 international association events. Owned by KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, a Petroliam Nasional Bhd subsidiary, the Centre is located beneath the Petronas Twin Towers in the KLCC precinct. It offers 34,000 sqm of flexible, purpose-built space with integrated facilities. Burke noted that with sustainability becoming a growing priority in global events, responsible and long-term growth will be vital.
