Meet the faces behind ICCA's famous First Time Attendee programme! ICCA places huge importance on giving First Time Attendees (FTAs) at the ICCA Congress a very warm welcome. Each year, just before the ICCA Congress begins, new attendees are invited to join a specialised session that aims to prepare them for success. Jam-packed full of helpful advice that is delivered from member to member, the programme has been delivered to over 3,000 delegates since it initially began and is designed with care to help them network, do business, learn, and maximise the benefits of attending their first ICCA Congress.

At the centre of the entire programme are the people we couldn’t do it without: our mentors, an amazing group of ICCA members and #ICCAFriends who are Congress veterans and want to help support and steer our newbies as they join the ICCA Family.

Meet Jamie Ades, CASE

"I joined VisitBritain in a newly created role of Destination Relationship and Support Manager in the Business Events team, where I manage strategic partnerships with UK destinations to win more international business events.  Before joining VisitBritain, I worked at the Barbican Centre in London, leading on their strategy for international MICE business. Prior to this I was at  ExCeL London, London’s international Congress Centre, working on European and International association congress bids, and previously held business development roles at the QEII Centre, one of the leading event centres in London.

I believe that I am one of the lucky ones, as the job I do, doesn’t feel like work as I generally enjoy and have a passion for meetings and events industry.

When I am not  “working”, I am a pet parent to two golden retrievers, and am a keen gym goer!  I also play rugby, which comes with its own challenges, and am a huge movie buff!"

Thank you to Jamie for becoming an FTA mentor at the 58th ICCA Congress in Houston, U.S.A.! Are you interested in helping our First Time Attendees to settle in? Find out more about the programme or email Ksenija.p@iccaworld.org to find out how you can become a mentor.