Association conferences are widely recognised for their contribution to tourism. But their broader effects on knowledge exchange, sector development and public policy are often less visible. To address this gap, ICCA has launched an international initiative to create a Global Impact Measurement Tool for Association Conferences. The framework is intended to provide comparable data that helps destinations, policymakers and industry stakeholders assess the wider value generated by conferences and meetings.

Global research project to deliver impact measurement tool by 2028

The initiative is being developed together with several convention bureau partners, including Barcelona Convention Bureau, Copenhagen Convention Bureau, Flanders Convention Bureau, Business Events Sydney and Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau. Academics from the University of Technology Sydney, BI Norwegian Business School and the Norwegian School of Economics lead the resaerch. The project will apply an academically grounded methodology combined with industry input.

The resulting tool is expected to measure how association meetings contribute to areas such as innovation, knowledge transfer, economic activity and community development. According to the project plan, a validated global measurement framework is scheduled for completion by mid 2028. The findings are intended to support governments, convention bureaus and industry organisations in demonstrating the long term value of conferences within the global business events sector.