The International Congress and Convention Association is committed to sustainability in the meetings industry and is, therefore, proud to announce a new, strategic partnership with GDS – Global Destination Sustainability. This partnership serves to support ICCA members as they create and implement sustainability changes, report on impacts and communicate stories that can catalyze action within the industry.
By accessing the expertise of GDS, ICCA members worldwide can ensure they meet the increasing demands for sustainable events and develop innovative strategies that will help our industry drive the global sustainability movement.
“Sustainability is simply essential for the future of our industry. As such, it is vital that the association meetings community takes an active role in developing and implementing sustainable event strategies that are of the highest standards and fully aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” says ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath (pictured right).
One immediate benefit of this partnership is the possibility for ICCA members to register for the GDS Academy, which launched on June 9, and earn the GDS – ICCA Certificate in Regenerative Destination Management. The ultimate goal of the GDS-Academy is to enable positive social, environmental and economic regeneration through tourism and events based on a refreshed understanding of what it takes for a sector to thrive.
“We are very pleased to work together with GDS and other innovative organizations within the events industry to deliver this valuable benefit to ICCA members. The GDS-Academy is further proof of the transformative initiatives that our industry can achieve through collaboration,” Gopinath states.
Guy Bigwood, managing director of the GDS-Movement, says, “This day marks the realization of our dream to provide destination marketing and management organizations with high quality, unique and specialized learning and development experiences about regenerative tourism and events. This milestone is a result of the deep commitment and great collaboration with our strategic partners at ICCA and ECM. “
The GDS-Academy offers education as open-enrollment online classes for professionals, and online/hybrid learning for organizations and destinations.
The International Congress and Convention Association is the global leader for the international meetings industry with more than 1,100 member companies and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. As the community and knowledge hub for the industry, ICCA offers unrivaled data, education, communication channels, business development and networking opportunities. ICCA encompasses all major stakeholders in the world of association meetings. Launched in 2020, the ICCA Association Community provides the tools and resources to assist associations in organizing world-class meetings. Since its establishment in 1963, ICCA has represented the world’s top destinations and experienced suppliers specializing in handling, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events. For more info, visit www.iccaworld.org.
