PROGRAMME

One Congress. Multiple Worlds. Unlimited Opportunity. 

The 2026 ICCA Congress introduces a bold, multi-modal programme designed to reflect the complexity, dynamism, and economic power of today’s global business events ecosystem. 

This is not a traditional Congress format. It is an integrated experience that brings multiple Congresses into one unified platform—where associations, destinations, governments, academics, technology leaders, creatives, and investors converge. 

Powered by cross-sector co-curators including SXSW, Skift, UN Tourism, CAF, IEEE, AC Forum, House of Beautiful Business, and others, the programme is intentionally structured to spark collaboration, accelerate competitiveness, and unlock creativity. 

This is where industries intersect and global conversations move forward. 


Featured Speakers 

Future Makers. Industry Shapers. Global Visionaries. 

The 2026 ICCA Congress convenes an exceptional cross-section of global voices—from within the business events industry and far beyond it. 

Expect: 

  • Leaders shaping international policy and economic strategy 
  • Technology innovators advancing AI, robotics, and digital transformation 
  • Sustainability pioneers redefining responsible growth 
  • Cultural and creative visionaries influencing global narratives 
  • Association executives driving purpose-led impact 

Speakers from our co-curator organisations will deliver dedicated content streams, ensuring diverse perspectives and real-world insight. 

Every session is designed not just to inform—but to challenge assumptions, introduce future signals, and create actionable takeaways. 

The Networking Experience 

Designed for Meaningful Connection 

Networking is not an add-on. It is embedded into every layer of the programme. 

Structured networking sessions are integrated within each pillar, enabling targeted conversations aligned with strategic priorities. 

Opportunities include: 

  • Cross-sector meetups with co-curators and collaborators 
  • Peer-to-peer advisory sessions 
  • Themed networking lounges 
  • ICCAverse community hubs 
  • Business Exchange opportunities 

Access to investors, researchers, policymakers, start-ups, and associations 

Every hour is engineered for connection, collaboration, and commercial opportunity. 

Programme Structure: Three Strategic Pillars 

The programme brings together multiple ecosystems through three interconnected pillars: Collaboration, Competitiveness, and Creativity. 

Collaboration 

 Building Alliances that Move Markets 

Collaboration lies at the heart of global business events success. This pillar explores how associations, governments, destinations, and private-sector partners can work together to create measurable impact.

Competitiveness

Turning Insight into Strategic Advantage 

In an era of rapid transformation, competitiveness depends on intelligence, agility, and innovation

Creativity

Designing the Future of Experience 

Creativity fuels relevance. It drives audience engagement, shapes brand identity, and strengthens global positioning. 

Learning at the 2026 ICCA Congress

Learn It. Test It. Apply It. 

More than 60% of the programme is built around experiential learning. 

This is not passive listening. It is structured participation. 

Expect: 

  • Facilitated problem-solving sessions 
  • Scenario planning exercises 
  • Peer-led workshops 
  • Strategic simulations 
  • Practical skill-building modules 

Content is tailored to destinations, associations, and suppliers—ensuring relevance across the value chain. 

Participants leave not only inspired, but equipped—with new capabilities, actionable insights, and global perspective. 

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