Association  in the M.I.C.E. Industry

ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association)
Entrada 121, NL-1096 EB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel No: 31 20 398 1919
Fax: 31 20 699 0781
Email: icca@icca.nl
Website: iccaworld.com

ICCA was founded in 1963 by a group of travel agents. Their first and foremost aim was to evaluate practical ways to get the travel industry involved in the rapidly expanding market of international meetings and to exchange actual information related to their operations in this market. This initiative soon proved to have been taken at the right moment: the meeting industry expanded even more rapidly than foreseen. As a result of which candidates from all over the world applied for ICCA membership. Not only congress travel agents but  representatives from all the various sectors of the meetings industry.

ICCA now is one of the most prominent organizations in the world of international meetings. It is the only association that comprises a membership representing the main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating international events. With members in more than 76 countries around the world, it is certainly the most global organization within the meetings industry. ICCA has offices in the Netherlands, Malaysia and Uruguay.

With over 600 member organizations and companies in 80 countries, ICCA provides a worldwide network of meeting professionals, experts in all aspects of hosting and organizing congresses and conventions. ICCA offers its members unique opportunities to access comprehensive meetings data, to exchange business leads and meet potential clients.

Founded in 1973, SITE is the only international, not-for-profit, professional association devoted to the pursuit of excellence in incentives, a multi-billion dollar global industry. SITE provides educational seminars and information services to those who design, develop, promote, sell, administer and operate motivational programs as an incentive to increase productivity in business. Currently SITE has nearly 1,800 members in 82 countries, with 28 local and regional chapters. Members represent airlines, cruise lines, corporate users, destination management companies, ground transportation companies, hotels and resorts, incentive houses, official tourist organizations, trade publications, travel agencies and supporting organizations such as restaurants and visitors attractions.

SITE’s commitment is to the advancement and recognition of the incentive professional  and the public’s understanding of the industry. SITE established a code of ethics for its members to ensure the highest standards for the industry. A certification programmee administrated by the Society identifies those professionals who have demonstrated outstanding knowledge of all aspects of the incentive travel industry. The Society’s annual Crystal Awards programme recognizes excellence in the design and implementation of incentive programme. These winningprogrammes are promoted through the trade and business media as demonstrable evidence of the effectiveness of incentives in meeting today’s business challenges.

Established in 1971, ACE provides an information center and forum for those involved in the creating, organizing, marketing, accommodating and servicing of events. Companies, traders, institutions and associations are members, the majority being buyers. ACE also organizes seminars, inspection visits, social and networking events. ACE put emphasis on monitoring proposed UK legislation and draft Directive of the European Union, the development of competence qualifications and occupational standards; and the holding of seminars, workshops and training courses on various aspects of the events business where members can also meet and network.Among the many other benefits of ACE membership are a regular monthly Newsletter and the Helpline available at ACE office, which operates on a confidential basis.

As completely independent organization, ACE pursues issues of concern in the interests of all members. In 1993, the association initiated the development of the programme of National & Scottish Vocational Qualifications (N/SVQs) for the Event Sector.Another ACE initiative at the outset of 1995 led to the creation of the Events Sector Industry Training Organization (ESITO) which co-ordinated the (N/SVQ) development programme and monitors training and development issues. ACE initiated the first Careers Fair aimed at the conference and events industry in October 2003.

Established in 1972, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) is the leading global community committed to shaping and defining the future of the meeting and event industry. As the largest trade association for the $102.3 billion meeting industry, MPI defines the return on investment and strategic value meetings bring to individuals, organizations and the global economy. MPI helps its members enhance their professional value by providing them with best practices, superior education, the latest research and trends, professional development and networking opportunities. MPI’s vision is to be the pivotal force in positioning meetings and events as a key strategic component of an organization’s success.

MPI’s mission is to be recognized as the leading global membership community that is committed to shaping and defining the meeting and event industry. MPI has grown from 159 members in 1972 to 18,000 members in 60 countries today. Its membership spans the globe from North and South America, Mexico, Europe to Asia. Seventy one Fortune 100 companies are represented in the MPI membership. There are currently 61 chapters, and an additional three affiliates.

Formed in 1981, ABPCO is the only association in the British Isles whose membership comprises exclusively Professional Conference Organisers (PCO).Membership is selective and is limited individuals who have proven record of achievement. Membership is on an individual not a company basis and is open not only to conference and event organizers from independent conference organizing business, but also to in-house organizers working within associations, educational/official bodies and corporate organizations. Members are required to uphold an agreed Code of Practice. ABPCO’s main aims are to :

 · Position ABPCO as the leading body representing the interests of professional conference 
   organizers in the UK
·  Constantly develop and enhance the benefits it provides to ABPCO members.
·  Raise standards of professionalism across the meetings industry through the provision of
   education, training and personal development opportunies.
 · Increase the volume and value of business being won by ABPCO members through a range
   of marketing activities.

The British Association of Conference Destinations was founded in 1969 and represents some 80 destinations throughout the British Isles. Its members are conference offices, convention bureaus and area tourist boards, through which it represents around 3000 conference venues. BACD laso has formal links with the British Tourist Authority and the three National Tourist Boards. BACD activities include:

·  An enquiry fulfillment service (Venue Location Service), providing a destination response to
   clients via BACD members.
·  Participation in a number of key industry trade shows, and organization of the annual
   “Confer” Workshop.
·  Participation of an annual British Conference Destinations Directory.
·  Maintenance of several industry databases (buyers, venues, destinations, universities and
   colleges, trade press, trade associations).
·  Maintenance of a website (www.bacd.org.uk )
·  Organization of an annual education conference.
·  Supporting conference industry research programmes, and providing  information and
   consultancy services.
·  Contributing to various initiatives to enhance recognition of the economic importance of
   conference and business tourism.

CIC (Convention Industry Council)
8201 Greenboro Drive, Suite 300
McLean, Virginia USA 22102
Tel No: 1 703 610 9030, Toll Free: 1 800 725 8982,
Fax: 1 703 610 9005
Email: mpower@conventionindustry.org
Website:www.conventionindustry.org

The Convention Industry Council’s 31 member organizations represent more than 98,000 individuals as well as 15,000 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industries. Formed in 1949 to provide a forum for member organizations seeking to enhance the industry, the CIC facilitates the exchange of information and develops programme to promote professionalism within the industry and educates the public on its profound economic impact. In addition to the Certified Meeting Professional programme, CIC is also responsible for the Hall of Leaders Programme as well as the Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX). APEX is working to unite the entire meeting, convention and exhibition industry in the development and eventual implementation of voluntary standards which will be called accepted practices.

EFCT was established in 1966 as a focal point for  the developing European conference industry. Although many things have changed, this remains a key objective. EFCT maintains a friendly service with meeting planners form all over the world, and just around the corner, helping them identify and enjoy ideal destination and venues from among our membership in 30 countries. EFCT has led in the struggle to establish the conference industry as a key factor in the communications of the New Europe, and to persuade the European Community to recognize Business Tourism as the vital asset it is and always will be. EFCT is well known along the corridors of the European Union. It plays a vital role in scrutinizing new legislation and providing guidance on every aspect of industry matters.

EFCT is a founding member of the JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council) and DOME (Data On Meetings & Events), and has just completed a two year stint as its chair. EFCT is active in the European Travel and Tourism Action Group and enjoys consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

The European Association of Event Centres, founded in 1955, is the leading umbrella organization for event and convention centers, arenas and other multi purpose halls in Europe. At present, it represents about 300 facilities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other European countries. The EVVC acts as a platform for the active exchange of experiences and information of the members  and offers various services, seminars and extensive consultation.

The aims of the EVVC are commincation and exchange with the industry and other associations, support of the technical development, qualified statistics for the market, and lobbying for the sector. For its members, the EVVC provides agreements with partners from different industry sectors (hotel, technology, software, etc.), support in marketing activities, organization of workshops and seminars, firsthand exchange of know-how and consulting services in tax and legal questions. The exchange of experience is still a significant part within the association’s work. To meet the different demands, the EVVC was split into three working pools with regard to the size of the centers. One additional working pool was initiated to deal exclusively with event technique. The supplementary existing departments ‘Conventions/Conferences/Exhibitions, Events, Marketing, Catering, Centres & Tourism, Special Event Locations, Further Education and Sports’ are in charge of specialized themes and topics.

IACVB represents over 1200 professional members from over 500 convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) and tourist boards in 23 countries. Founded in 1914, IACVB’s mission is to enhance the professionalism, effectiveness and image of destination management organizations worldwide. IACVB has recently identified four new strategic initiatives, including adopting consistent performance measurements, developing a universal CVB brand, creating strong alliances with advocacy groups and taking a strong lead in forging innovative solutions within bureaus.

IACVB offers programmes and services designed to link bureaus directly with meeting planers and travel consumers. Plus, as the only association that exclusively represents CVBs, IACVB offers comprehensive year-round education programmes for destination management professionals. In just few months, IACVB will host the 2004 IACVB Global Executive Forum, October 21-23, in Cape Town, South Africa, in collaboration with ICCA’s 8^th Annual Congress & 43^rd General Assembly, October 24-27 2004. This forum offering senior level destination management executives two days of unparalleled peer dialogue, will look at the effects of economic pressures on the industry and offers practical solutions to attract new business.

IAPCO is the professional association for professional congress organizers(PCO), and international meeting managers. IAPCO serves the needs of PCO all over the world, providing educational seminars, publications and event guidelines. With over 70 members in 30 countries, IAPCO members provide organizational services for clients to the highest standard. IAPCO is the universally accepted benchmark for quality within congress organization, and is the global branding of excellence for the meetings industry. IAPCO is a leader in congress education with national, regional and international seminars including the renowned IAPCO Annual “Wolfsberg” Seminar in Switzerland now in its 30 years.

IAPCO publishes various event guidelines including how to choose the right PCO and first step for the chairman in the organization of an international meeting together with the meetings industry terminology, a dictionary in 12 languages and over 900 words. Entry into membership is by meeting strict criteria and by quality assessment. Sharing knowledge and working together has become an increasing hallmark of professionalism   and co-operation. Contact IAPCO for details of publication, the PCO, seminar ,or further information regarding members or membership . IAPCO and its members are here to serve the international meeting market.

ITMA  is the UK based trade association for international events sector. It represents the interest of specialist organizations that provide business solutions through the use or corporate events. Members are promoted through ITMA website which lists all members in a searchable database, with links direct to member’s own websites. Other promotions are through newsletters, advertising in trade and business media, and exhibiting at selected trade shows and exhibitions. Members are supported by representation to government agencies and regulatory bodies and by legal and commercial helpings. The ITMA’s education programme of workshops and seminars aims to cultivate the highest standards of professionalism amongst practitioners and suppliers. The newly established ITMA forum has been developed enable companies to gain an understanding of issues affecting the sector and aim to influence and plot the future direction of the industry.

The ITMA awards in an established event in its tenth year recognizing and rewarding excellence in the event management area. Our members include some of the most respected organizations- event organizing companies, airlines, hotel groups, destination management companies, tourist offices and a range of support service providers.

Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association is the recognized authority on pacific Asia Travel and Tourism. By dedicating itself to the promotion of this last remaining tourism frontier, PATA’s uniquely structured organization and its far-reaching efforts have helped unite the many facets of tourism in the region.

PATA provides leadership to the collective efforts of nearly 100 government, state and city tourism bodies, over 55 airlines and cruise lines, and hundreds of travel industry companies, in addition, thousands of travel professionals being to 70-plus PATA chapters worldwide.

Our Mission

PATA’s mission is to enhance the growth, value and quality of Pacific Asia travel and tourism for the benefit of its membership. PATA has long being an advocate for balancing growth with responsible conservation measures, and its success to date have been extraordinary.

While international travel to Pacific Asia has increased three- fold in the last decade alone- from the 25 million visitors a year to over 90 million- PATA has provided a cohesive structure to help its members realize the most economic prosperity from this growth. in response to the recent economic downturn, PATA quickly took action to increase marketing and promotional activities on behalf of the region.

The MIA is the recognized  professional  trade body for UK meetings industry  and is committed  to raising  and maintaining professional  standards. It has membership over 650 meetings venues and services suppliers within the United kingdom .

The MIA establish the quality accreditation of hospitality assured meetings (HA-M), which has now been awarded to over 80 meeting venues, and has launched the first  certificated  management development prgramme designed specifically for the meeting industry.