A cash prize of $20,000 (USD) will be awarded to the association
that can show their event had the greatest positive impact on society.
The news came as BestCities Global Alliance and the
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) unveiled
changes to their Incredible Impacts
Programme.
Starting this year, the programme will award one association
a grant of $20,000 – a change from previous years, where three grants of $7,500
were distributed.
Celebrating the ‘beyond tourism’ value of international
association meetings, the programme provides a global platform for meetings
that have proven impact while recognising their contributions with a cash
reward.
The new selection process will involve a jury shortlisting
three finalists, who will each present their entry during a plenary session at
the annual ICCA Congress in November.
For the first time, congress attendees
will be able to vote on the winner, with the final score evenly weighted
between jury and audience.
The Incredible Impacts Programme will also provide a seed
grant of $5,000 to associations seeking to start a new legacy programme. Interested
parties will need to submit a business case, and one winner will be awarded the
funds.
“We are thrilled to introduce the latest evolution of the
Incredible Impacts Programme, which not only recognises associations
demonstrating innovative thinking and creativity to achieve impact, but also
inspires others to incorporate legacy initiatives into future events,” said
Lesley Williams, managing director, BestCities. “We’re also pleased to provide support to
associations eager to implement a legacy programme, with an eye towards
encouraging most, if not all, international associations to integrate legacy
and impact into their conference planning going forward.”
Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA, added: “The dynamic new change
to Incredible Impacts is led by a genuine growing interest and engagement in
the initiative,” said “We want to celebrate the best of the best and raise the
stakes to a ‘winner takes all’ scenario because the stories our associations
are telling – and the legacies their initiatives are leaving – thoroughly
warrant a solo moment in the spotlight. By bringing Congress attendees into the
final judging process raises the impact value, kudos, and ‘wow’ factor to the
Incredible Impacts win.”
Previous associations to have won
the Incredible Impacts Programme include amongst others: the International
Water Resources Association, International Society for Cerebral Blood Flow and
Metabolism, European AIDS Clinical Society, The European Lung Foundation, International
AIDS Society, World Physiotherapy, and the International Society for the Prevention
of Child Abuse and Neglect.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
