The inaugural ICCA Asia Pacific Summit concluded on a high note, held in Penang on 5 & 6 December. The Summit started out as a grass-root initiative has been designed by the members and catered to the members in the region. More than 130 delegates from 20 countries and territories attended the two-day summit organised by Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Anderes Fourdy and ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter, with the support of Penang State Government and ICCA Malaysia Committee, in concurrent with the Penang’s homegrown event, BE @ Penang.
ICCA membership covers 11 Chapters globally, and Asia Pacific Chapter is now the largest in terms of membership with 291 members from 16 countries and territories, covering more than 100 cities in the region. The Summit is a platform for members in the region to meet and interact as a Chapter. ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter Executive Committee are fervently committed to have the Summit serve as “One Voice” representing the Asia Pacific membership and send positive message to the global ICCA community.
ICCA President, James Rees, presented the highly anticipated Keynote Address at the opening ceremony. The speech highlighted on the importance of ICCA, as the leading voice within the meetings industry around the world. In shaping the future and the value of the international association meetings, James also pointed out the importance of engaging the association community, exploring new business opportunities and competitive advantages while focusing on the importance of sustainable and effective industry, as meetings have advanced rapidly over the years. An interactive and intimate session with the ICCA President, moderated by Jane Vong Holmes, GainingEdge, was held for participants to ask their burning questions and share ideas.
