Leadership in Global Meetings & Events
About ICCA
ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) is the leading global association for the association meetings community. With 1,100+ member organisations, we create global connections between business event strategists, associations and academia through intelligence, education, events and partnerships.
The Global Association
for Meetings & Events
for Meetings & Events
Discover what shapes ICCA and guides our work. Explore our mission & vision, guiding principles, history, meet our leadership, and learn more about the people, values and ambitions behind our global community.
Who We Are
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is the global community for the international association meetings industry, connecting 1,100+ member organisations across business events, associations and academia.
We help our members build connections, develop expertise and identify business opportunities through global networking, business intelligence, professional development, events and partnerships.
We serve business event suppliers, international associations and academic institutions, bringing the right people, knowledge and opportunities together to strengthen the association meetings community worldwide.
Global Network
Access an exclusive ecosystem of 50,000+ C-suite executives and innovation leads across 140 countries.
Data Leadership
Proprietary industry benchmarks and whitepapers that provide actionable foresight for your strategy team.
Globally Recognised
ICCASkills helps business events professionals build expertise, gain industry-recognised credentials, and advance their careers.
Vision
Shaping the future and value of international association meetings by championing their role in advancing global knowledge, fostering collaboration, driving progress and creating lasting impact for industries, destinations and communities worldwide.
Mission
To be the top global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry by creating competitive advantage, business opportunities, and successful outcomes for association meetings.
Leadership
Since 1963, ICCA has been on a journey to make the world more connected through meetings. Today, more than 1,000 members in more than 100 countries use our data, education, events, and communication channels to improve the way they attract, engage, and inspire their clients and business partners. We offer tools, support, and resources to help the industry grow and organise better, and more impactful meetings.
Advocacy
Through our Global Advocacy Initiative, ICCA empowers members and the broader community to advocate for the important role international meetings and events plays in driving economic and social progress. By leveraging education, strategic communications, lobbying, and the sharing of best practices, we unify our collective voice to effectively engage with governments, stakeholders, and local communities.
Sustainability
At ICCA, we acknowledge the global impact of our activities, and we’re steadfast in our commitment to forging a more sustainable future. We strive to create positive outcomes for people, the planet, and the global communities where our members operate by promoting the delivery of more sustainable meetings and events.
Legacy & Future-Building
At ICCA, we understand that our members aim to create a lasting impact through their meetings and events, contributing to a better future for the communities they serve. To support this goal, we offer a variety of tools and resources, facilitate valuable connections, and showcase inspiring examples that promote growth in legacy creation and future development.
Diversity Equity & Inclusion
At ICCA, we recognise that success thrives in an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and included. Acknowledging that there is still work to be done in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we remain dedicated to driving the industry forward. We firmly believe in engaging with our entire global community: bringing together people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds is central to ICCA’s mission to effectively represent its members and shape the future and value of the international meetings industry.
The History of ICCA
ICCA was founded in 1963 by a group of travel agents. Their original goal was to collect and share practical information about the market for international meetings. Shortly ICCA’s formation, the meeting industry experienced a boom, and many representatives from various sectors of the travel industry applied to become members.
More than 60 years later, ICCA’s membership network of more than 1,000 suppliers to the international meetings industry spans the globe, with members in almost 100 countries. All companies and organisations seeking a strategic commitment to provide top-quality products and services for international meetings should join ICCA.
Enter the World of ICCA
Grow your business through ICCA’s global network, helping you build valuable connections and win more opportunities.
What is ICCA?
ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Association) is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry. ICCA connects associations with a worldwide network of destinations, venue providers, convention bureaux, venue providers and meeting experts who help deliver successful international conferences, congresses, and business events.
What does ICCA do for international associations?
ICCA helps associations create more successful meetings through research, education, networking, advocacy, and access to trusted global industry partners. Associations can use ICCA’s resources to identify suitable destinations, stay informed about industry trends, and learn how to maximise the long-term impact of their events.
Who can benefit from ICCA?
ICCA supports a wide range of organisations involved in international meetings, including:
- International associations
- Professional societies
- Scientific and medical organisations
- Non-profit organisations
- Academic institutions
- Convention bureaux and destination organisations
- Meeting planners and event professionals
For associations, ICCA serves as a valuable source of knowledge, connections, and expertise.
Why is ICCA important for association meeting planners?
ICCA provides access to global insights, destination expertise, and industry best practices that help associations make informed decisions about hosting international meetings. Through its network and educational resources, ICCA helps planners create events that deliver strategic, scientific, educational, and societal outcomes.
How does ICCA support the growth of association meetings?
ICCA supports the growth of association meetings by sharing research, facilitating knowledge exchange, providing professional development opportunities, and promoting the value and impact of business events. Its global community helps associations build stronger meetings that drive collaboration, innovation, and long-term legacy.
What is ICCA's role in the global meetings industry?
ICCA is one of the world’s leading organisations focused on international association meetings. It serves as a platform for collaboration between associations and the meetings industry, helping connect subject matter experts, destinations, venues, and service providers to deliver successful events around the world.
How can associations connect with ICCA?
Associations can engage with ICCA through its global events, educational programmes, industry research, thought leadership content, and worldwide network of meetings industry professionals. These opportunities help association leaders discover new ideas, build partnerships, and enhance their event strategies.
What makes ICCA different from other meetings industry organisations?
ICCA’s primary focus on international association meetings sets it apart. The organisation combines industry intelligence, global networking opportunities, education, and advocacy to support the unique needs of associations and the organisations that help deliver their events.
How does ICCA help associations create long-term impact?
ICCA promotes the idea that meetings should deliver value beyond attendance numbers and economic impact. Through research, case studies, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and programmes such as the Incredible Impacts Awards, ICCA helps associations measure and communicate their contribution to science, education, society, sustainability, and policy development.
Why should association leaders engage with ICCA?
Association leaders who engage with ICCA gain access to global expertise, strategic insights, industry benchmarking, peer networks, and innovative ideas that can strengthen their meetings and advance their organisational mission. ICCA helps associations leverage the full potential of international meetings as platforms for knowledge exchange and positive change.
Join ICCA
