The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the European Major Exhibitions Centres Association (EMECA) and UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, have inked a partnership to combine their advocacy efforts in Europe.
The deal creates the European Events and Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEEIA), building on the European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA), established by UFI and EMECA in 2012, and will see more of the business events industry be included in advocacy pushes, with conferences and meetings now in scope.
As with the existing exhibitions advocacy partnership, EMECA will continue to handle daily operations for the advocacy collaboration, but all three members of the collective will influence the strategy and advocacy priorities.
“By joining the EEEIA, ICCA is strengthening the collective voice of Europe’s business events sector,” said ICCA president, Marta Gomes.
“Working within an established and experienced advocacy platform allows us to have greater impact at EU level and ensure our industry’s value is clearly recognised in Europe’s globally leading meetings and events market.”
UFI’s president, Panittha Buri, called the expanded partnership “a significant step forward” for the former exhibition alliance.
“The inclusion of ICCA in the alliance demonstrates that exhibitions, congresses and business events are integral parts of one dynamic ecosystem,” said Buri.
“Together, we strengthen our collective voice – supporting our members, advancing our sector and ensuring policymakers recognise our vital role in driving Europe’s economy and global competitiveness.”
Meanwhile, EMECA president, Elzbieta Roeske, called the inclusion of ICCA and broader business events in collective advocacy efforts “the logical next step”.
“[Business events and congresses] are becoming increasingly important – also to exhibition venues and organisers – as formats evolve.
“Amid significant change and uncertainty, it is essential to emphasise our shared need for fair operating conditions in Europe and rule-based trade worldwide.”
