submitted by Adam Baggs, Soaring Worldwide
edited by Marlena Sullivan
UK – The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) UK & Ireland Chapter announced that Leeds will host the 2025 ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter Conference, during the closing session of this year’s successful event.
The 2024 conference, which took place in Belfast last week, was attended by a record breaking 145 delegates from across the ICCA community as well as an additional 25 local students.
The 2024 event, themed “Embracing Resilience and Competing for Change,” was a testament to the ICCA community’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach. Highlights of the programme, which was aligned to the UNSDGs, included a keynote by SistersIN, a leadership program empowering female students; The Big Debate, which explored greenwashing across the sector; and The Privilege Walk, fostering understanding and inclusion.
The conference, which was hosted by Visit Belfast and Belfast ICC featured optional tours, parallel sessions on various topics, and a gala dinner at the Titanic Experience. The event also raised £725 for “Changing the Menu for Good.”
Suzanne Singleton, ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter Chair, reflected on the 2024 conference’s success, praising it as a platform for networking, learning, and planning for the future in a rapidly evolving market: “As we look forward to the 2025 conference in Leeds, we will be looking to build on what we achieved this year in Belfast, focusing on the foundations of resilience, innovation, and change that characterised the 2024 event. We will also be looking to engage the University community to further our outreach of our future talent. I am excited about a Leeds conference, with its rich cultural heritage and modern facilities, it promises to be an excellent backdrop for our next gathering.”
Sarah Iluyemi, Senior Manager – Business Development, Visits Belfast added: “Hosting the ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter Conference 2024 was a proud moment for Belfast, showcasing our city’s capability to facilitate high-profile gatherings. This event not only underscores Belfast’s position as a leading destination for conferences but also demonstrates our commitment to advancing the tourism and hospitality industry. Through such prestigious events, we continue to contribute to the growth of our knowledge economy, further enhancing Belfast and Northern Ireland’s reputation as a prime location for leisure, work, business, and investment.”
“Thank you to all the hosts and contributors of our incredible 2024 conference, who made it truly special. Thank you to the speakers for providing incredible content and to our delegates for joining in and once again demonstrating just how great our association community is to be a part of.”
The ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter Conference will take place from 26 to 28 February, 2025 in Leeds.
For more information on the International Congress and Convention Association please visit their website: https://www.iccaworld.org/about-icca/.
