ICCA Association Expert Seminar

17-19 May 2025
Frankfurt, Germany  

Event Background Information  

The Association Expert Seminar (AES) is an event where association executives and ICCA members come together to exchange knowledge, network, and get the latest news.   

The AES covers all aspects of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of meetings and at the same time is a unique opportunity for suppliers to understand client objectives and business cultures, and for association executives to understand how to negotiate with and understand the objectives of suppliers, enabling both sides to establish stronger and more productive business relationships.   

Event Dates  

17 – 19 May 2025  

Event Format  

The educational programme lasts 1,5 days, with an informal reception the evening prior for those arriving in time.   

Target Audience  

Young professionals (up to 40 years old) in the following categories:  

• Association professionals who are involved in negotiating, planning, and/or running international association meetings  
• ICCA Members: mid-level sales and marketing professionals who are responsible for regular contact with international association clients.  

Content  

To succeed in the evolving landscape, young professionals must cultivate key skills such as adaptability to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. A strong understanding of technologies like data analytics and the ability to interpret data will be crucial for making informed decisions and personalizing event experiences. Moreover, soft skills — such as communication, creativity, and problem-solving —will be just as essential, enabling event professionals to effectively collaborate, innovate, and respond to the dynamic needs of the industry.  

ICCA is looking at facilitating and supporting these evolving needs. We are looking for speakers and moderators who can inspire, surprise and make the participants more resilient for the changes happening in our industry and beyond.   

Content should be aligned with ICCA's guiding values and principles. See here.  

Topic Suggestions  

• Exploring New Approaches to Sustainability: For example, fostering collaborative tool development and co-creation in sustainability efforts.  
• Addressing and Overcoming Barriers: Focus on identifying and reducing obstacles to progress, whether in sustainability, innovation, or teamwork.  
• Integrating Key Themes: Combine topics like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Artificial Intelligence, or explore the intersection of Circular Economy principles with event material production and waste reduction.  
• Developing Soft Skills for High-Pressure Environments: Offering strategies for managing stress and maintaining productivity during critical periods, such as the lead-up to major events.  

Timing  

Submission Guidelines  

Terms and Conditions  

• This call for speakers/moderators is open to anyone, from anywhere in the world, you do not need to be an ICCA member to submit a proposal.   
• Any ICCA members submitting a proposal participating must be in good standing.   
• We welcome proposals from professionals outside of the events industry. 
• Applications must be submitted in English. 
• In the name of remaining impartial, an independent Education Committee will be responsible for deciding which speakers/moderators form part of the final programme. The ICCA Team will not be responsible for making the final decision.   
• Only those speakers/moderators selected will be contacted after submission of your application.  
• Upon selection, ICCA staff will communicate the specific terms and conditions that will apply for your participation. These differ for each event.  
• Please indicate the session format and time indication needed for your proposal.  

Priority will be given to proposals that fulfil the following criteria:  

• Consider gender balance and DEI. We will prioritise session / speaker proposals that demonstrate diversity in people's backgrounds, age, religion, cultural background, perspectives, and experiences, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.  
• Include diverse perspectives (geographical, industry sector, association viewpoint etc.).  
• Accessibility: Prioritize making the event as accessible as possible for all attendees.  
• Sustainability: Incorporate sustainable practices and promote eco-friendly initiatives throughout the event.  
• Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Highlight the importance of involving diverse stakeholders in business events for broader perspectives and collaboration.  
• Address a provocative topic, trending for the meetings and events industry and with clear learning outcomes, however, keep the 4 key areas in mind.   
• New formats: Any format is acceptable, as long as it effectively supports the objectives of the session.  

How to Apply  

Applicants must submit the following information to be eligible to be selected. Choose what is relevant to you. Applications must be submitted in English.    

1. Moderator     

• Moderator name    
• Bio  and references   
• Description of what you can do and what they've done before    

Session name / headline    

• Name/headline, session    
• Which topic do you want to moderate    
• Session description     

Proposed moderator    

• Please summarise your approach in 1 sentence    

• Summary in 300 words how you will moderate    

Max 3-minute video summarising your approach    

Session format    

What format would you propose to deliver your session in. Remember — the more creative, the better!    

2) Speaker    

• Speaker name    
• Bio  and references   
• Description of what you can do and what they've done before    

Session name / headline    

• Name/headline, brief session outline and description    
• What is your proposed topic  
• Session description     

Proposed speaker    

• Please summarise your session in one sentence    
• Summary in 300 words    
• Max 3-minute video summarising your topic    

Session format    

• What format would you propose to deliver your session in. Remember - the more creative, the better!    

Late submissions will not be accepted. One person can submit more than 1 proposal.     

 Send your proposal to: education@iccaworld.org. See deadlines above.   

Questions?  

For questions, please contact us at education@iccaworld.org.  

General Principles      

ICCA Head Office will provide marketing and promotion services and full administrative support for the event and holds the authority to manage the finances of the event.    

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, any reference herein to “ICCA” shall be deemed to refer to International Congress and Convention B.V., a private limited liability company registered with the Dutch trade register under number 85598232.