Incredible impacts programme
The big difference
2024 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Incredible Impacts Grant - 3 June 2024
Incredible Impacts Seed Fund Grant - 3 June 2024
THE MISSION
The Incredible Impacts Programme celebrates the “beyond tourism” value of international association meetings to create a powerful platform to advocate their positive societal impact.
The Incredible Impacts programme shines a global spotlight on the innovative thinking and creativity in the meetings industry, demonstrating the beyond tourism impact and lasting legacy we can leave behind us. It’s not just about rewarding associations who are showcasing examples of excellence, but also to inspire others to incorporate their own legacy initiatives into future events.
Every year we are inspired by the legacy-making, often life-changing work showcased through our programme, and we look forward to shining a light on associations who are helping to shape tomorrow’s world”.
Incredible Impacts Awards
Celebrating long-lasting impacts of association meetings
2023 Incredible Impact Awards Winner and Seed Fund Grant Winner
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and BestCities Global Alliance are proud to announce the winning association of this year’s Incredible Impacts Programme, the Associated Country Women of the World. ACWW has set the industry standard in the last 12 months and has driven real change through passion, education, and creativity. ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance are thrilled to announce the three finalists of the Incredible Impacts Grant and the recipient of the $5,000 USD Seed Grant.
The three finalists will advance to the anticipated Incredible Impacts session, scheduled for 14 November 2023 at the ICCA Congress in Bangkok, where they will present their submissions. Delegates from ICCA will have the opportunity to vote for the most impactful project. The results will be tallied, and in tandem with the judgement of the expert panel, the winner will be announced during the closing session of the ICCA Congress on 15 November 2023.
"We aspire to shine a spotlight on the absolute best, elevating the stakes to a 'winner takes all' scenario because the stories these associations share, and the enduring legacies they forge, truly deserve a dedicated moment in the limelight,” says Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA.
“We are delighted to unveil the finalists of the Incredible Impacts Programme, an initiative that not only celebrates associations showcasing innovative thinking but also serves as an inspiration for others to integrate legacy initiatives into their future events," says Loren Christie, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance. "Additionally, we take great pride in extending our support to associations who have an interest in implementing legacy programs.”
Incredible Impacts Grant
USD $20,000
To recognise and celebrate the proven impact at one of their meetings by an international association.
Deadline: 3 June 2024
INCREDIBLE IMPACTS
Seed Fund GRANT
USD $5,000
INCREDIBLE IMPACTS
Seed Fund GRANT
USD $5,000
To further support associations in their early stages of formalising their legacy initiatives.
Deadline: 3 June 2024
The biggest shift in the global meetings market over the last decade has been the mindset change from ‘part of tourism’ to ‘economic and societal impact’.
It’s now broadly accepted that even though meeting delegates are one of the most valuable tourism sectors in terms of their direct spend in a destination, the biggest value from international association meetings comes from the vast quantities of knowledge that are created and shared, the inward investment and business connections that are stimulated, and the societal, healthcare and economic challenges that are addressed and solved.
Incredible Impacts was designed to celebrate some of the best examples of projects that showcase the wider impact of these meetings, and more importantly, to encourage greater awareness and new projects.
– Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCAAt BestCities, we’ve always believed that the ‘beyond tourism’ impact of international association meetings is far more valuable than just delegates through the door.
It’s not just about rewarding associations that are showcasing examples of excellence – it’s also inspiring others to incorporate their own legacy initiatives into future events.”
– Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance