Vanessa Reis, head of the Zurich Convention Bureau, has been awarded the first ICCA Community Impact Award.

Reis received the honor on November 18, 2024 during the Meetings Leadership Network event, part of IBTM World 2024 in Barcelona.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) presents the Community Impact Award to an individual or organization who has demonstrated exceptional work in the area of positively affecting their community. Innovation, ingenuity and out-of-the-box thinking are key components. Winners are in alignment with ICCA’s guiding principles, which include advocacy, sustainability, legacy and future-building, and DEI.

“I’m excited to recognize Vanessa Reiss as the first recipient of the ICCA Community Impact Award,” said Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO. “Vanessa has long been an exemplary member of our global business events community, and her dedication to creating positive impact for her professional and local community, and a lasting legacy in her region, is truly inspirational. We couldn’t be more proud to award her this honor at IBTM, and we look forward to seeing what’s next for Vanessa and the Zurich Convention Bureau.”

Reis was selected for her dedication to creating lasting impacts within the ICCA community as the driving force behind meaningful initiatives and as a leading voice in her region. Her position as leader of the ICCA Central European Chapter and member of the Meetings Industry Steering Group of the City Destinations Alliance underscore her commitment to working for positive change.

Reis served as the chair of the ICCA Central European Chapter, hosting its Annual Meeting, or hosting the ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings conference, both in Zurich in 2024. As a key member of The Future of Healthcare Meetings Programme Committee, she played a central role in curating the educational content in addition to showcasing Zurich’s health ecosystem and highlighting the benefits that Zurich offers to conference attendees.

“This award means so much to me, and it reflects my passion for creating sustainable and meaningful connections,” Reis said. “It’s been a great pleasure to work with so many amazing people who share this vision. Thank you very much to ICCA for this incredible recognition, and to all of you who make our industry so special.”