The ICCA North America Chapter is the regional chapter of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) serving members in North America. It provides a regional platform for ICCA members to connect, share knowledge, identify opportunities and engage with developments in the international association meetings industry.

ICCA North America supports members in navigating and developing the international association meetings market. The Chapter provides opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, professional development and collaboration, while connecting the North American meetings community with ICCA’s wider global network.

Shawn Cheng is ICCA’s Regional Director North America. The Chapter is chaired by Stephanie Lynch, Senior Manager at Explore Edmonton Corporation, with Alessandra Delmonte, Vice President & Partner at ARENA DESTINATION MARKETING, serving as Interim Deputy Chair.

ICCA describes the North America Chapter as being at the cutting edge of the international business events and meetings industry. The Chapter highlights the region’s ability to respond quickly to emerging trends and implement change, positioning North America as a market that can help set standards for the wider global industry.

ICCA membership is designed for companies and organisations committed to providing products and services for international meetings. ICCA represents destinations and suppliers involved in handling, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events. Organisations across the meetings industry can therefore participate through the relevant ICCA sector and regional chapter.

ICCA membership provides access to a global business networking platform, the annual ICCA Congress, educational opportunities and ICCA’s meetings-related knowledge and business resources. Members also become part of an international community of organisations working in the association meetings industry.

The Chapter provides a regional environment where members can exchange experiences, discuss industry developments and share knowledge with peers. This regional engagement complements ICCA’s global research, education, events and business intelligence resources.

ICCA provides members with business intelligence and research resources focused on the international association meetings market. The ICCA Association Meetings Database, for example, enables users to research international associations and meetings, including information about past and future destinations, meeting requirements and decision-making processes.

The North America Chapter is part of ICCA’s global chapter structure. Members can participate in regional activities while also accessing ICCA’s international network, events, education, research and business opportunities. This allows North American organisations to build relationships both within the region and with partners and colleagues around the world.

Organisations interested in joining ICCA can contact the ICCA team or apply for membership. Membership becomes official following approval by the ICCA Board of Directors. Organisations can also contact the North America regional office to discuss membership and the appropriate sector for their organisation.

Yes. ICCA provides educational and professional development opportunities through initiatives including ICCALearn, ICCASkills, ICCAMasterclass and ICCAUni. These programmes form part of ICCA’s wider global learning offer and are available to support professionals working in the international association meetings industry.

The international association meetings market connects destinations with organisations that hold recurring meetings in different countries. ICCA’s Association Meetings Database focuses specifically on international association meetings that are held regularly, rotate between at least three countries and attract at least 50 participants. Understanding this market can therefore help destinations and suppliers identify potential association business and develop informed strategies for engaging with international meeting organisers.