The 64th ICCA Congress came to a close on Wednesday after an impactful four-day program in Porto, welcoming 1,514 delegates from 81 countries. Built around the theme “Charting the Course,” this edition introduced a bold multivenue format and placed strong emphasis on participation, sustainability, innovation, and long-term legacy.
Marking the largest ICCA Congress ever held in continental Europe, the event showcased a new model for immersive, city-wide congress experiences. The multivenue approach highlighted ICCA’s continued leadership in shaping the future of global business events.
Spread across nine iconic venues, including the historic Alfândega Congress Centre and multiple cultural landmarks across Porto, the Congress featured five distinct content streams: Impact & Sustainability, Future Leadership & Resilience, Purposeful Business Models & Start-Ups, Innovation & Technology, and The Creative Edge.
A Congress Designed for Exploration and Engagement
This year’s program allowed delegates to create personalized learning journeys. With five themed tracks, the Congress catered to varied interests while offering extensive opportunities for interaction with influential figures from across the international meetings sector. Key features included:
A multivenue participation model: Delegates moved between venues across the city, turning the Congress into a dynamic, immersive experience.
Interactive design: Sessions prioritized peer learning, networking, and collaborative storytelling over traditional presentations, aligning with the evolving expectations of the meetings industry.
Commitment to sustainability and legacy: Forward-looking content underscored ICCA’s dedication to responsible event design and lasting industry impact.
Global connections: With participants representing regions worldwide, the Congress reaffirmed ICCA’s position as a leading platform for the association and business events community.
Leadership Reflections
ICCA CEO Dr. Senthil Gopinath remarked:
“Porto has enabled us to take a bold step forward in how global meetings are designed and experienced. We invited our community to chart the course, and they responded with energy, insight, and connection. This is more than an event- it is a movement advancing relevance, innovation, and impact in our industry.”
Luís Pedro Martins, president of the Porto and North of Portugal Convention & Visitors Bureau, added:
“There is a strong sense of mission accomplished. This ICCA Congress will be remembered as the first to take place across nine venues in Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Matosinhos. The success of this format reflects the extraordinary collaboration and dedication of everyone involved. Our deepest thanks go to ICCA, Visit Portugal, and all our partners for their trust and commitment.”
Looking Ahead
With Porto’s multivenue edition now concluded, preparations are already underway for the 65th ICCA Congress, scheduled to take place from 8 to 11 November 2026 in Panama City, Panama. ICCA looks forward to welcoming members from around the world for another dynamic and collaborative global gathering celebrating the legacy and future of international business events.
