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ICCA Congress 2024
Impact and Legacy Strategy
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Project's Mission
The ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi is committed to transforming the global business events (BE) industry by setting new standards for sustainability, innovation, and social impact. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), ICCA, GDS-Movement, and #MEET4IMPACT the Congress aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in hosting transformative, sustainable events that leave a lasting legacy.
Project's Vision
The vision for the ICCA Congress 2024 is to create a sustainable, innovative, and impactful event that addresses key challenges in the global BE industry. The Congress aims to set new standards for sustainability, professional development, and social inclusion.​
Key gaps being addressed by ICCA Congress 2024:
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Lack of sustainability and impact in the event supply chain
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Insufficient resources to promote sustainability
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Negative impact of congress on the environment
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Need for professionalization and global influence.
The Congress’s impact intentions are:
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Leading the transformation of the BE industry in the UAE
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Shaping the future of international association events
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Establishing the UAE as a leader in sustainable and impactful events
Four Pillars of the Impact & Legacy Strategy
The Congress’s Impact and Legacy strategy is built on four key pillars, each designed to address these challenges and drive the Congress’s impact:
Sustainable Event Management
Implementing systems to reduce the environmental footprint of the Congress by focusing on waste reduction, CO2 emissions tracking, and sustainable catering.
Social Legacy
Building partnerships with local communities, universities, and young professionals to ensure the Congress leaves behind a lasting social legacy for the UAE.
Education & Professional Development
The ICCA Congress 2024 will strengthen participants' skills through targeted initiatives, offering industry training, enhancing expertise, and preparing delegates and suppliers to meet international standards.
Innovation & Leadership
Showcasing innovative products, services, and partnerships that drive the transformation of the BE industry and position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in event innovation.
To achieve its vision, ICCA Congress 2024 partners have developed a comprehensive strategy built around four key pillars. Central to this strategy are two transformative pathways that underpin the Congress’s approach: Sustainability and Impact & Legacy. These pathways highlight the initiatives that will drive immediate results while also creating lasting value for the BE industry, the UAE, and the global community.
We have concentrated on the impact focus of this strategy, while GDS-Movement has lead the operational sustainability approach. Their expertise in implementing sustainable practices ensures that our initiatives not only maximize impact but also maintain a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible event management.
Operational Sustainability Approach
Key Legacy Initiative
Sustainable Event Management + Reporting CO2 Emissions
This initiative implements sustainable event practices, focusing on waste reduction, CO2 tracking, and transparent environmental reporting.
Short-Term Outcome
Reduced waste and CO2 emissions, with clear data on the Congress’s environmental footprint.
Bangkok Protocol on Sustainable Gastronomy
A commitment to achieving Zero Food Waste to Landfill, promoting local sourcing, and sustainable food practices during the Congress.
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Elimination of food waste to landfill, with increased attendee awareness of sustainable dining practices.
CSR Initiatives
Led by ICCA chapters, these initiatives promote environmental stewardship and community engagement through activities like clean-ups and support for local causes.
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Increased community involvement and environmental awareness, empowering attendees to take direct action.
Impact & Legacy Approach
Key Legacy Initiative
Short-Term Outcome
Impact & Legacy Programme
This program embeds long-lasting change within the events industry, prioritizing sustainability and social impact.
​Greater awareness and commitment to sustainability and impact strategies across the event.
Young Professionals Forum
A platform for young professionals to collaborate with industry leaders, co-design solutions, and enhance their career prospects
Strengthened collaboration between young professionals and industry leaders, focusing on career development and industry trends.
BE Ambassadors Program
This program offers hospitality and tourism students scholarships and hands-on experience at the Congress, helping them engage with industry experts.
Increased youth participation and skills development in the business events industry.
Measurement Approach
At ICCA Congress 2024, we are measuring how the event drives short and mid-term change in the business events industry, with a focus on legacy, sustainability, and social impact. By developing key indicators through a Theory of Change, we’ll track short-term, medium-term, and long-term outcomes.
Stay tuned to discover how strategic impact measurement can showcase the true value of a congress and help you communicate its lasting social impact.
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