A Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration employee received the ICCA Moises Shuster Award, the International Congress and Convention Association’s highest honor.
Honored for her contribution toward the development of China’s international meetings industry, Connie Cheng was presented with the award at ICCA’s 50-year anniversary gala during its annual Congress in Shanghai, China, this week.
“Connie Cheng is a pioneer as our first active Chinese member. Not only did she single-handedly market her city Shanghai to the international market, but she traveled tirelessly all around her country, persuading others to join and engage with ICCA so that today China has one of the world’s largest national memberships,” said Arnaldo Nardone, president, ICCA.
Named after one of ICCA’s founding fathers and past presidents, the Moises Shuster Award is only given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution in the international meetings industry over many years and who have played a leading role in the association’s global success.
“Starting with Pieter van der Hoeven, [Connie] helped successive ICCA presidents and CEOs to understand China’s complex culture and politics, and made ICCA a well-known brand. In recognition of this, she was given the title of Honorary Ambassador for her country,” added Nardone.
Cheng serves as vice chairman for Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration and as deputy chair for the ICCA China PR committee.
“Connie is the person who has played the biggest role in making this year’s Congress so special, although she is far too modest to admit this!” Nardone said. “It is thanks to Connie’s work over the last 16 years that top Chinese officials really understand the importance of our industry, and this is why there has been so much incredible support for this year’s Congress.”
ICCA rounded up a full year of 50-year anniversary celebrations during its 52nd ICCA Congress, which took place Nov. 2-6.
ICCA represents the main specialists in organizing, transporting and accommodating international meetings and events.
