The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and BestCities Global Alliance have announced the International Hepato-Pancreato Biliary Association (IHPBA) as the recipient of the 2026 Incredible Impacts Programme (IIP) Seed Fund Grant.
The announcement highlights the growing role of international association meetings as platforms for meaningful, long-term change. Through the Incredible Impacts Programme, ICCA and BestCities recognise associations that use their meetings not only to advance their fields, but also to create positive legacies for communities, industries and societies.
IHPBA will use the US$5,000 Seed Fund Grant to support a new Legacy Project connected to the 17th Annual IHPBA World Congress, taking place in Singapore from 28-31 October 2026 in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board. The project aims to address disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma outcomes in low- and middle-income countries by advancing more equitable care through regionally tailored frameworks, collaboration and policy leadership.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said:
"International association meetings have the power to create lasting impact far beyond the event itself. IHPBA's Legacy Project is a powerful example of how a global congress can drive meaningful change and improve equity in healthcare. This is exactly the kind of initiative the Incredible Impacts Programme exists to recognise and support. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Incredible Impacts Programme judges, whose time, expertise, and commitment help shine a light on these inspiring stories and the positive difference associations are making around the world."
Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance, said:
“IHPBA’s Legacy Project shows what can happen when expertise, collaboration and shared purpose rally around a pressing challenge. Through IHPBA 2026, the association is advancing more equitable cancer care across the Asia-Pacific region and creating impact that will extend well beyond the Congress. We’re proud to support this important work through the Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Fund.”
Dr. Shridhar Iyer, Chair of the IHPBA 2026 Legacy Project and Congress President of IHPBA 2026, said:
“A successful congress should be remembered not only for the science it presents, but for the lasting difference it creates. Through the IHPBA 2026 Legacy Project, we hope to leverage Singapore's strengths in healthcare, innovation and international collaboration to reduce inequities in liver cancer care across Asia-Pacific and across the globe. Our ambition is to move beyond discussion towards practical solutions that improve access, strengthen regional partnerships, and leave a legacy that continues long after the Congress has concluded.”
Three Finalists Selected for Incredible Impacts Programme Main Grant
Alongside the Seed Fund announcement, ICCA and BestCities have also announced the three finalists for the 2026 Incredible Impacts Programme Main Grant.
The US$20,000 Main Grant recognises an international association meeting that demonstrates how business events can deliver measurable and lasting positive impact. The three finalists will present their projects during a plenary session at the 2026 ICCA Congress in Panama City this November, bringing their experiences and approaches to a global audience of business events professionals.
The finalists are:
Autism Europe Congress 2025, Dublin
The Congress channelled autism advocacy into practical and replicable action, including new approaches to inclusive event design and inclusive employment practices. Its legacy provides a model that future Congress hosts and other associations can adapt internationally.
International Social Housing Festival 2025, Dublin
The Festival placed tenants’ lived experiences at the centre of housing policy and practice. Its legacy includes a replicable toolkit, stronger cross-sector collaboration and plans to expand tenant-led storytelling through a Europe-wide “living library.”
WindEurope Annual Event 2025, Copenhagen
The event used education and hands-on learning to help address the wind sector’s growing STEM skills gap. Its legacy includes a toolkit being distributed across Europe, engagement with almost 550 children and parents, and plans to expand learning through portable EduKit Boxes for schools and future host cities.
The finalists demonstrate the breadth of impact that international meetings can generate, from healthcare equity and social inclusion to education, skills development and environmental progress.
The 2026 finalists will take the stage at the 2026 ICCA Congress in Panama City, where the global ICCA community will have the opportunity to hear directly about their approaches, challenges and results.