ICCA will collaborate with the German Convention Bureau on working to advance the meetings and events industry on the Future Meeting Space project. This initiative will utilise data gleaned from research to identify opportunities and provide recommendations for improving global meetings, including organisational, spatial, and other elements.
"ICCA is excited to embark on this collaboration with the German Convention Bureau as a strategic industry partner over the next two years of research in the innovation network Future Meeting Space. During this transformative era, ICCA is committed to the evolution of the meetings and events industry as a catalyst for positive and progressive innovation," said Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA. "Ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of business meetings is an essential part of that objective."
The GCB German Convention Bureau represents Germany as a destination for meetings, conventions, and events. Future Meeting Space was originally launched in 2015, in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, an organisation that supports institutions in implementing new business models and processes to facilitate progressive improvements. Fraunhofer also aids in the facilitation of organisational improvements for structures and technologies, putting research into practice and optimising standard operating procedures.
“For both ICCA and the German Convention Bureau, innovation is not just a goal but a necessity to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Matthias Schultze, managing director of the German Convention Bureau. “By combining our collective expertise and resources, we will work together to pioneer forward-thinking solutions to enhance attendee experiences, optimize event operations, and foster sustainable practices.”