legacy initiatives
for long-term impact
The ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi represents a transformative moment for the global events industry, uniting a diverse range of initiatives under a single, cohesive vision: to lead the way in sustainability, innovation, and social impact.
Through a strategic blend of sustainable event management, capacity-building programmes, and groundbreaking legacy projects, the Congress aims to not only elevate the standards of international association events but also to leave a lasting imprint on the UAE and the wider region.
Each initiative contributes to a broader mission: drive transformation by creating agents of change within the industry and to position Abu Dhabi as a leader in impactful, sustainable events. Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive framework that will drive the transformation of the events sector, inspire global action, and solidify the legacy of the ICCA Congress 2024 as a benchmark for leadership in legacy and sustainability.
The ICCA Congress 2024 Impact and Legacy Programme aims 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. The programme will enhance ICCA and the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau’s reputation as a leader in legacy and impact..
This initiative focuses on implementing a robust sustainable event management system, including initiatives around waste management, reduction in CO2 emissions, attendee engagement and detailed reporting on carbon footprint as a result of ICCA Congress 2024. By setting a new standard for sustainability in event management, the Congress will demonstrate its commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and inspire others to follow.
The number 971 is more than just the UAE area code—it symbolizes a journey of inspiration and informed conversations. The 971 podcast series, consisting of nine-minute episodes released monthly for seven months, all leading up to one big ICCA 2024 Congress, is designed to ignite discussions on the most pressing industry topics and issues that matter to meetings and associations professionals.
Through the Young Professionals Forum, the Congress will enable the leaders of tomorrow to engage in meaningful conversations with their peers and senior professionals, co-design innovative solutions and initiate the actions that will shape the future of the business events industry. The young professionals act as mentors and become the engine of the industry: they will inspire BE experts to implement better and stronger DEI practices and guide them to understand and accept AI.
Led by various ICCA chapters, these CSR initiatives promote sustainable practices and community engagement at the Congress. By increasing visibility for these efforts, the initiative will foster stronger community relations and encourage broader adoption of sustainable practices within the events industry.
BE
Ambassadors
A new engagement programme for tourism and hospitality students benefitting from a scholarship will be trialed at the 2024 Congress in Abu Dhabi. This programme includes opportunities for professional development with tangible hands-on experience in a high level international congress. This role is a unique experience to interact with industry leaders, learn from experts, and contribute to the development of the sector.
Bangkok Protocol
on Sustainable Gastronomy
ICCA is committed to reducing food waste and promoting the use of local, sustainable food sources during the Congress. In particular, ICCA set a simple, yet ambitious goal: make the 63rd ICCA congress the first Global Congress to achieve the Zero Food Waste to Landfill Event certification, verified by The PLEDGE on Food Waste. This initiative will set an example for responsible gastronomy in large-scale events, increasing awareness of sustainable food practices and encouraging future Congresses to adopt these standards. This year, ICCA has partnered with LightBlue and the PLEDGE on Food Waste for the implementation of the Standard and collection of evidence, and local surplus food and food waste management partner ne'ma.
Congress Sessions
on Impact & Legacy
These sessions are designed to showcase what was implemented at the event and inspire delegates to integrate impact and legacy into their events. By fostering an industry-wide dialogue on best practices, these sessions will elevate the standard for legacy initiatives, encouraging widespread adoption of impactful strategies that extend beyond the Congress itself.