ICCA to debate long term influences on the meetings industry

ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association, will conduct an important seminar and debate featuring industry leaders at AIME 2003, the 11th Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo in Melbourne, Australia in February.

Long term influences on the meetings industry - not related to 9/11, Bali and security, will focus attention on the long term growth of the corporate and association meetings industry. Key issues to be tabled include technology, life-long learning, globalisation and environmentalism.

“At this important seminar and debate you will find out how the accelerating change in technology and the need for education is influencing the industry and how the economic changes that are occurring in the world will help drive long term growth. These issues are vital to future business decisions,” said Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA.

Corbin Ball, international speaker, author, columnist, consultant and high tech meetings guru will present the latest technology trends prior to the debate. Mr Ball will speak on Hot Meeting Technology Trends, bringing delegates up to date with the latest technology and how it will apply to the meeting industry. This session is a must for anyone involved in running meetings and events.

The discussion and debate will include panelists: Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA , Corbin Ball, Corbin Ball Associates, Leigh Harry, Chief Executive, Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and Anthony Wong, Managing Director, AOS Convention & Events Sdn Bhd, Malaysia. Topics include:

Technology - Technology is in a continual state of development. Innovate too slowly and you lose opportunity, innovate too fast and you may waste precious resources.

Life-long learning - The notion of "life-long learning" is becoming established in many fields (in the medical field it is now virtually mandatory), and meetings are one excellent way for peer groups to learn from one another.

Globalisation - Globalisation is a reality: meetings are constantly needed between governments, within associations, and in multinational companies to address the many issues that are being raised.

Environmentalism - Environmentalism is here: global warming, action to reduce poverty, issues relating to nuclear power - these are all being debated at numerous levels, and will lead to increasing numbers and sizes of meetings.

The ICCA Seminar and Panel Discussion commences at 8.15am, Wednesday 19 February at AIME 2003. AIME 2003 is at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, 18 & 19 February.