About ICCA

Shaping the future and value of international association meetings.

What is ICCA?

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association and governmental meetings industry.

Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering unparalelled data, education, and communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities.

Today, ICCA is one of the most prominent organisations in, and advocates for, the world of international meetings. The ICCA Association Community offers associations across the world education, connections, tools, and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings.

Vision & Mission

Vision: Shaping the future and value of international association meetings.

Mission: To be the top global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry by creating competitive advantage, business opportunities, and successful outcomes for association meetings.

Guiding Principles 

Leadership

Since 1963, ICCA has been on a journey to make the world more connected through meetings. Today, more than 1,000 members in more than 100 countries use our data, education, events, and communication channels to improve the way they attract, engage, and inspire their clients and business partners. We offer tools, support, and resources to help the industry grow and organise better, and more impactful meetings. 

Advocacy

Through our Global Advocacy Initiative, ICCA empowers members and the broader community to advocate for the important role international meetings and events plays in driving economic and social progress. By leveraging education, strategic communications, lobbying, and the sharing of best practices, we unify our collective voice to effectively engage with governments, stakeholders, and local communities. 

Sustainability

At ICCA, we acknowledge the global impact of our activities, and we’re steadfast in our commitment to forging a more sustainable future. We strive to create positive outcomes for people, the planet, and the global communities where our members operate by promoting the delivery of more sustainable meetings and events. 

Legacy & Future-Building 

At ICCA, we understand that our members aim to create a lasting impact through their meetings and events, contributing to a better future for the communities they serve. To support this goal, we offer a variety of tools and resources, facilitate valuable connections, and showcase inspiring examples that promote growth in legacy creation and future development.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

At ICCA, we recognize that success thrives in an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and included. Acknowledging that there is still work to be done in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we remain dedicated to driving the industry forward. We firmly believe in engaging with our entire global community: bringing together people from diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds is central to ICCA’s mission to effectively represent its members and shape the future and value of the international meetings industry.

Brand Values

Business-focused: Facilitate commercial opportunities and support members and international associations in achieving their business objectives. Deliver superb member services.

Advocacy, Innovation and Sustainability: Lead the way in event sustainability and innovation. Drive critical discussions and provide platforms for local, regional, and global dialogue.

Collaborative: Actively engage and provide opportunities for participation for members, clients, and industry partners.

Culturally aware and respectful: We're committed to maintaining and building upon our reputation as a trusted  and inclusive association. We value the uniqueness and diversity of our community.

Our Members

ICCA represents the world's top destinations and most experienced suppliers, specialised in handling, transporting, and accommodating international meetings and events. The organisation consists of more than 1,100 members in almost 100 countries worldwide. 

ICCA’s structure is based upon:

• Sectors: Each representing a professional sector within the meetings industry.
• Chapters: Based on geographical region.
• Committees: Both local and national.

Why Become an ICCA Member?

All companies and organisations committed to providing exceptional products and services for international meetings should consider ICCA membership.

The international association meetings market is recognised as the most resilient and dynamic sector of our industry, even when the global economy faces difficult conditions. We believe ICCA membership should be an essential element in any destination's business focus. ICCA helps organisations make their mark in the industry and build long-term resilience and stability.

Membership benefits include:

• Cost-efficient way to do business in a specific sector.
• Being part of a highly effective global business-networking platform.
• Access to the annual ICCA Congress.
• Countless educational opportunities to grow as a business.
• Creative solutions for each member's unique meetings-related objectives.

If your organisation is genuinely committed to the international meetings industry, we believe you have a role to play in our global business community.