ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance are excited to announce the recipients and finalists of the 2025 Incredible Impacts Programme (IIP), which recognises associations delivering transformational impact through their events.

This year’s Seed Grant is awarded to Autism-Europe, in partnership with AsIAm (Ireland’s Autism charity) and Fáilte Ireland, as they prepare to host the 14th Autism-Europe Congress (AEC 2025) in Dublin (11–13 September). The grant will support efforts to set new standards in event accessibility, enhance advocacy for inclusive employment, and strengthen community engagement. See their case study here.

Alongside the Seed Grant announcement, ICCA is delighted to share the three finalists for the $20,000 USD Main Grant, who will present their impact-driven projects during the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto this November 9-12:

Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “The Incredible Impacts Programme continues to inspire and showcase the power of international associations to create true legacy and change. This year’s programme is one of the strongest we’ve ever seen, with outstanding projects that reflect the heart and purpose of our industry. I am looking forward to welcoming the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA), and our Seed Fund Grant Winner, Autism-Europe (AE), to the ICCA Congress this November in Porto. Their work represents the best of what associations can achieve — impacting lives, advancing knowledge, and leaving a meaningful footprint for the future.”

The Incredible Impacts Programme is delivered in partnership with BestCities Global Alliance and continues to highlight the positive change that associations create for communities and societies worldwide.

Loren Christie, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance, said: “This project embodies everything the Incredible Impacts Programme stands for. It’s bold, heartfelt, and visionary — driven by a genuine commitment to inclusion and advocacy that will ripple far beyond Dublin. Autism-Europe and AsIAm aren’t just planning a congress — they’re shaping a more inclusive future”.

Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, said: “On behalf of the 14th Autism-Europe Congress, I am honoured to be awarded the Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Grant. Dublin is a vibrant, inclusive city and we are working towards making it the world’s first accredited Autism-friendly capital. In partnership with Fáilte Ireland, we are committed to delivering an intentional impact project that defines, measures and amplifies the legacy of the Autism-Europe Congress. The grant will help us to work towards creating a fully inclusive congress and will contribute to our overall vision of a society where every autistic person is accepted as they are — equal, valued, and respected.”

The winner of the Incredible Impacts award will be announced at the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal, this November.

For more information about the Incredible Impacts Programme, visit incredibleimpacts.com.

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For media enquiries, please contact Claudia Bastidas, claudia.b@iccaworld.org.

NOTES TO EDITOR:

About ICCA

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry. Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association and governmental meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, education, and communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities. Today, ICCA is one of the most prominent organisations in — and advocates for — the world of international meetings. Initiatives such as the ICCA Association Community offers associations across the world education, connections, tools, and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings with the global network of ICCA member suppliers.  

About BestCities Global Alliance

BestCities Global Alliance is an international network of leading convention destinations around the globe. They are distinguished by the commitment of the members' convention offices to offering special standards of service. Members include Berlin, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Dublin, Guadalajara, Houston, Madrid, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo, Vancouver, and Washington DC.  By working together, BestCities adds a unique value to its member cities. This ‘Alliance thinking’ not only brings a level of creative client solutions no individual partner city could deliver on their own, but in turn helps BestCities’ members achieve their own objectives, better than they could alone. 

Media contact: Sonu Lake, sonu@bestcities.net, +1 604 999 1996

About Fáilte Ireland 

As the National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland’s role is to support the long-term sustainable growth in the economic, social, cultural and environmental contribution of tourism to Ireland. In addition, Fáilte Ireland supports Business Events via its ‘Meet in Ireland’ brand. This brand facilitates a partnership between Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland to promote the island of Ireland as a world-class business events destination. Dublin Convention Bureau, a division of Fáilte Ireland is a proud member of the BestCities Global Alliance.