BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) have introduced significant updates to their renowned Incredible Impacts Programme. The programme acknowledges the non-tourism value of international association meetings and rewards their impactful contributions with a cash prize.
Under the revamped programme, a single association will receive a grant of $20,000 (USD), replacing the previous distribution of three grants worth $7,500 (USD) each. The selection process involves a jury shortlisting three finalists, who will present their entries during a plenary session at the annual ICCA Congress in November. Notably, the winner will be chosen through a voting system that combines inputs from both the jury and the congress attendees.
Furthermore, the Incredible Impacts Programme will offer a seed grant of $5,000 (USD) to associations aiming to establish a new legacy programme. This initiative aligns with the shared commitment of BestCities and ICCA to advance legacy and impact within the international meetings industry.
Growing interest
Lesley Williams, Managing Director of BestCities, expressed excitement about the programme’s latest evolution. She stated, “We not only recognize associations that demonstrate innovative thinking and creativity in achieving impact, but also inspire others to incorporate legacy initiatives into their future events.”
“The dynamic new change to Incredible Impacts is led by a genuine growing interest and engagement in the initiative,” said Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA. “We want to celebrate the best of the best and raise the stakes to a ‘winner takes all’ scenario because the stories our associations are telling – and the legacies their initiatives are leaving – thoroughly warrant a solo moment in the spotlight. By bringing Congress attendees into the final judging process raises the impact value, kudos, and ‘wow’ factor to the Incredible Impacts win.”
These updates to the Incredible Impacts Programme aim to enhance the acknowledgement and value of associations’ endeavors in creating lasting legacies and shaping a better world for future generations in the conference planning sphere.
