Legacy can mean many things. At ICCA, we believe that legacy can be described as the impact an organisation leaves on the people, environment, and processes with which it interacts. When an organisation visits a host destination, it's important to recognise and acknowledge the responsibility required to be a respectful guest to the location and leaving behind a positive impact, both to the environment and to the members of the community.
The ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi is more than just an event; it is a catalyst for transformative change within the UAE's business events sector and beyond. By embedding sustainability and impact at its core, the ICCA Congress 2024 seeks to address critical challenges, including the lack of sustainability knowledge in the UAE supply chain, the negative environmental impact of large-scale events, and the need for greater professionalization and influence within the industry.
The Congress aims to set new standards in sustainable event management, foster social legacy through local partnerships, and elevate the skills and capacity of the region's professionals. Through innovation, leadership, and a commitment to sustainability and impact, ICCA and the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau will leave a lasting legacy and impact that reshapes perceptions and drives the future of international association events.
At ICCA, impact means the positive changes an organization makes in the community or environment through its actions. It’s about making sure there’s a clear connection between what we do and the benefits that people and the planet receive.
Legacy is what we leave behind—something lasting that continues to make a difference even after the event is over. It could be a resource, a new way of doing things, or a positive outcome that keeps benefiting the community in the long run. ICCA embraces this responsibility by ensuring its actions benefit both the environment and the local community.
Our main impact intentions are:
The professionalisation of young industry members and future leaders
Elevating our profession to make it attractive to younger members
Highlighting business events as an attractive career choice for students in the Emirates region
By exposing young professionals to quality content, we are supporting their career and personal development. By opening this up to non-ICCA attendees on Sunday, we are extending the reach of the content and connecting with a community of professionals who would benefit from the teachings and information shared.
The ICCA Congress will leave a legacy of awareness, activism, and inclusion in the region, drawing attention to issues of sustainability that directly affect local residents and creating opportunities for the next generation of business events professionals to gain access to the community through outreach, education, and sessions designed to inspire and inform.
We aim to embed long-lasting change within the global events industry. By developing a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes sustainability and social impact, this initiative ensures that the Congress not only influences current practices but also sets a benchmark for future events.