The BI feedback button is your friend! The more you use it, the more concrete information you get. ICCA members - together with the ICCA team - are working hard to achieve a mutually beneficial situation of sharing information on the ICCA Business Intelligence Database.
Keep finding ways to press it and you'll be in the running to become the next Researcher of the Month - or even Researcher of the Year!
Dušica Todorović, Senior Business Development Manager at Cankarjev Dom Cultural & Congress Center has secured the coveted title this month! Here's what Dušica had to say:
How is the ICCA database beneficial for your work/organisation?
The ICCA database has been invaluable for our organization, providing us with comprehensive and up-to-date information on international conferences, congresses, and other events, as well as their members. The detailed profiles and historical data help us make informed decisions, refine our event planning strategies, and enhance our competitive edge in the global meetings industry. It enables us to identify potential clients, understand market trends, draw price comparisons with other destinations and venues, and benchmark our performance against industry standards.
Cankarjev dom, Congress and Cultural Centre has been a member of the prestigious international association ICCA since 1980. Personally, I have been using the ICCA database to great effect for 21 years, it has been a vital tool in acquiring international congresses and conferences. I have relied on it daily, from the first day I was appointed to my position. I remember when I started my career, discs or CD-ROMs and bulletins with updated data were sent to us by post every three months. Now, this information is readily available online at any moment.
The ICCA database is the cornerstone of my work, and I cannot even begin to imagine performing my tasks without this essential tool. It saves a considerable amount of time and energy by consolidating all the necessary information in one place. This efficiency allows me to focus on strategic aspects of event acquisition and planning. Thanks to this resource, I have succeeded in bringing numerous international congresses to Cankarjev dom and Ljubljana, as well as to Slovenia.
Furthermore, the database's networking capabilities facilitate connections with key stakeholders and decision-makers within the industry, strengthening our ability to form valuable partnerships and collaborations. This interconnectedness not only boosts our organization's visibility but also opens new opportunities for hosting high-profile events, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of our region as a premier destination for international meetings and conferences.
Do you have any tips for your fellow ICCA members?
For fellow ICCA members, I highly recommend fully leveraging the advanced search features and filters within the database. Tailoring your searches to specific criteria not only saves time but also yields more relevant and targeted results. By focusing on precise parameters, you can quickly identify opportunities that align with your organization's goals and strengths.
Additionally, it is crucial to regularly update the profiles of events you have organized or hosted. Sharing all relevant event information, such as attendance figures, feedback, and logistical details, ensures better insights and more accurate data for everyone. This practice not only raises your visibility within the database but also helps other members in preparing more informed bids and organizing successful events, thanks to the enhanced event history and accurate benchmarking data.
Engaging actively with the ICCA community through the "ICCA Business Exchange" and other ICCA events can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. These interactions are essential to fostering new business prospects and staying updated with industry trends. The collaborative spirit within ICCA can lead to innovative solutions, sharing best practices, and establishing mutually beneficial partnerships.
Finally, give some consideration to taking part in ICCA's educational programmes and webinars to stay abreast of the latest industry developments and to continuously upgrade your professional skills. The knowledge gained from these resources can significantly contribute to your organization's growth and success in the competitive meetings industry.
What positive message would you like to share with ICCAWorld?
In our fast-paced industry, it's essential to remember the value of collaboration and community. Supporting one another and sharing knowledge not only drives individual success but also strengthens our entire industry because we are dependent on each other. Let’s continue to inspire each other, innovate together, and celebrate our collective achievements. As we already know, in working together we can achieve much more than we could alone and create sustainable solutions for the future.