Chapter Leader Interviews
We interviewed Jorge Vinha da Silva and Eva Garde, to understand the Iberian Chapter initiatives, challenges, and strategies.
Here's what Jorge had to share:
Can you share insights into the current priorities and initiatives of the Iberian chapter of ICCA?
We are committed to return value to our members, investing in the quality of our annual meeting. Our goals are trying to create business engagement, educational initiatives, benchmark of the industry to support each one in their different roles, work on the trends of the industry, such as, sustainability and legacy, and of course, cooperation with ICCA headquarters and other chapters to leverage the benefit of being a member. For the last two years we had joint meetings with Mediterranean and France Benelux Chapters.
What do you perceive as the most significant challenges and opportunities for the European meetings and events industry in the coming year?
Continue to work to build a more sustainable industry and empower our voice globally to be recognized as a valid voice into our communities. Definitely, our industry is a key factor for the development in all aspects of a destination.
How do you plan to enhance collaboration and engagement among members within the chapter?
As I refer, strengthening the connections, not only, in our annual meeting but also in the other activities we promote along the year at IMEX, IBTM or ICCA congress.
What strategies do you have in mind to attract new members to the Iberian chapter?
Direct contact with local associations and potential members, showing the benefits of joining ICCA and be part of the most powerful association for business events worldwide. If a potential member recognizes in our chapter a point of contact and support for his own activities, we’ll have more chances to growth and represent our region.
On a more personal note, what motivates you to volunteer in your role as a Chapter leader for ICCA? What fuels your dedication to this position?
Portugal and Spain are recognized destinations in our industry, so as an entrepreneur I believe if we are part of a strong region, that it will be positive for all stakeholders. That way and mostly, because I believe in associative movement, I’m available to cooperate and work in benefit of the Industry.
Here's what Eva had to share:
Can you share insights into the current priorities and initiatives of the Iberian chapter of ICCA?
Our current priority is to maintain the great family spirit within the Iberian chapter, continue offering business opportunities to our associates, and collaborate jointly with the changes being proposed from the ICCA headquarters.
What do you perceive as the most significant challenges and opportunities for the European meetings and events industry in the coming year?
From my point of view, it is very important to give the MICE sector its place and weight as an industry and as an economic engine for sustainable development of communities. I believe it is important for the congress and convention sector to have its own voice and to be valued for what it contributes, being also a fundamental instrument for sustainable development and an activity conscious that leaves a great legacy in the territories.
How do you plan to enhance collaboration and engagement among members within the chapter?
Our idea is to continue with our annual meeting of the Iberian chapter, which is already becoming an important event where the members of Spain and Portugal come together, sometimes also inviting other chapters to participate. It is a great moment when we truly share knowledge, business, and of course, we want to continue working on this event. Additionally, perhaps by the end of this year, we will organize another event for our members more focused on collaboration, sharing more business opportunities. We are working on it.
What strategies do you have in mind to attract new members to the Iberian chapter?
In Spain we are currently considering a series of presentations with the main associations in the sector, specifically with the Association of Congress Center (APCE) and Fair and Exhibition Venues (AFE) and also with the Spain Convention Bureau, an association that brings together all the convention bureaus in Spain, to tell them about what ICCA is and what tools they offer for attracting more international business, since many of them are not members of ICCA and are unaware.
On a more personal note, what motivates you to volunteer in your role as a Chapter leader for ICCA? What fuels your dedication to this position?
It is truly a pleasure and an honor for me to be part of the board of directors of the Iberian chapter of ICCA. I have always been very involved in MICE industry associations. I believe that together we achieve more and that it is important to share. It is also important, when it is our turn, to be involved in this voluntary work. I think we all must contribute, and the truth is that for me, both professionally and for the positioning of Granada, as well as personally, it is a pleasure to share the previous board of directors and the current one presided over by Jorge.
