Due to the efforts of ICCA Middle East in enhancing knowledge development surrounding the meetings industry in the region, the engagement of Middle Eastern countries in ICCA activities has increased by over 80%, with 16 events taking place in 6 countries.

ICCA’s Middle East office has made a strategic change to its industry engagement within the region by organising 16 forums, including educational events and networking opportunities, aimed at knowledge and business development. The forums occurred in 7 countries, securing the participation of 1,358 meetings industry stakeholders from across the Middle East.

This new format for industry engagement has been introduced in partnership with the local convention bureaux and tourism boards, which are all ICCA members, ultimately increasing greater interest in ICCA activities among the local associations and the meetings industry.

Each event is hosted by the host destination’s tourism board and convention bureaux, and one day in the programme is dedicated to the direct interaction of local associations and policy makers. This allows local associations to understand the strategies of policy makers concerning the future of the local meetings industry, and in turn lobby for its further promotion and development.These sessions also focus on the economic impact of the meetings industry in the destination.

The ICCA Middle East office launched the first of this new type of meeting-forum in Oman last year with the ICCA Oman Meetings Associations Expert Forum. With over 40 associations in attendance, delegates had the privilege of discussing crucial matters concerning the meetings industry.