Chapter Leaders Interviews
We interviewed Vanessa Reis and Marina Knittel, to understand the Central European Chapter initiatives, challenges, and strategies.
Here's what Vanessa had to share:
Can you share insights into the current priorities and initiatives of the Central European chapter of ICCA?
Certainly! Our primary focus this year is on fostering stronger connections and collaboration among our members. Last year, we conducted a member survey about our member’s needs to cover these topics during the Chapter meetings. I personally think, we had a very successful meeting at IMEX and we can hopefully welcome many members at the Chapter meeting in Zurich this year.
What do you perceive as the most significant challenges and opportunities for the European meetings and events industry in the coming year?
We have a pioneering role in the global meetings industry in many areas with Europe. We should continue to work on this as a community and be proud of the impact we can have together. At the same time, this is also the biggest challenge. We need to work on positioning our industry more strongly. This starts with simply using the same terms.
How do you plan to enhance collaboration and engagement among members within the chapter?
As previously stated, this is our focus for this year. We want to strengthen the network with the various chapter activities. This is precisely why personal encounters are needed to build trust and to be able to discuss other issues afterwards.
What strategies do you have in mind to attract new members to the Central European chapter?
First and foremost, it is important to me that existing members feel the added value of their membership. Satisfied members become ambassadors and then we would have a strong force to promote our Chapter. In addition, the whole university environment is certainly exciting with the new focus of ICCA.
On a more personal note, what motivates you to volunteer in your role as a Chapter leader for ICCA? What fuels your dedication to this position?
My motivation comes from my great passion for the meetings industry and a strong belief in the power of collaboration. Volunteering as a Chapter leader allows me to contribute to the growth and success of our industry, which is incredibly rewarding.
Here's what Marina had to share:
Can you share insights into the current priorities and initiatives of the Central European chapter of ICCA?
The Central European Chapter, with members coming from nearly 20 countries, is certainly one of the most diverse ones. Our geographical region stretches from Switzerland to Kazakhstan!! This diversity is a big advantage but is also a challenge. We decided to focus on building a strong diverse community, involving members from less represented countries and integration of new members. We want to create a dynamic chapter where members feel supported and engaged, and can strengthen their professional growth and grow their network.
What do you perceive as the most significant challenges and opportunities for the European meetings and events industry in the coming year?
The European meetings industry is experiencing a revival, but also faces challenges such as political instability, rising costs, and inflation. These factors are reshaping the landscape of meetings and events. However, this period also presents opportunities for innovation and adaptation. By staying agile and responsive to these changes, we can continue to succeed and support sustainable development within our communities.
How do you plan to enhance collaboration and engagement among members within the chapter?
We are currently planning the ICCA Central European Chapter meeting with a strong emphasis on networking, community building, knowledge exchange, and leadership skills. We invite all members to join us end of August in Zurich!
We try to use multiple communication channels, in the first months of our leadership we conducted surveys to understand member needs and boost member engagement. We value personal approach and want to reach as many members as possible, as demonstrated by our efforts at ibtm world where we engaged directly with many members to understand their challenges and exchange ideas.
What strategies do you have in mind to attract new members to the Central European chapter?
We need to focus on strong communication and demonstrating the benefits of ICCA membership. By showcasing success stories, providing opportunities for professional development, and offering valuable networking events, we aim to highlight the advantages of joining our chapter.
On a more personal note, what motivates you to volunteer in your role as a Chapter leader for ICCA? What fuels your dedication to this position?
Over 15 years in the ICCA community I have made many friendships and professional connections and I strongly believe in the power of networking. The opportunity to bring people together and contribute to the growth of our industry is really fulfilling. Working alongside my colleague Vanessa, who shares the same vision and passion, motivates me to further develop our chapter.
