ICCA, in collaboration with BestCities Global Alliance, today announced the finalists for the 2023 Incredible Impacts Programme and the recipient of the Seed Fund Grant. These awards recognize the exceptional contributions of international association meetings in creating a lasting impact beyond tourism.

The 2023 finalists, selected by a judging panel of their association peers, are:

1. Associated Country Women of the World – ACWW Women’s Empowerment Summit, Khovd, Mongolia 2023: ACWW’s Women’s Empowerment Summit program reached an inspiring milestone by extending its reach to Khovd Province, Mongolia. The groundbreaking initiative brought together more than 300 women survivors of domestic violence from nomadic communities, reflecting their aim to empower rural women who often go unheard in legislation, promoting community transformation. ACWW’s dedication to driving positive change through their association meetings is truly commendable.
2. British Society Of Soil Science – Environmental Education: Leaving a long-lasting impact, locally and globally 2022: The 22nd World Congress of Soil Science, hosted in Glasgow, UK, in 2022, raised the bar for environmental responsibility at international scientific congresses. The British Society of Soil Science engaged local residents in soil education and conducted the first-ever environmental impact assessment of such an event. These outstanding achievements set a new standard for sustainable practices within the scientific community.
3. European Cyclists’ Federation – Velo-city 2023 Leipzig – Boosting the development of active mobility in the host city and beyond: The annual Velo-city conference was held in Leipzig, Germany in 2023 with the goal of catalyzing active mobility at the local level while also extending its impact nationally and globally. The global cycling community convenes at this conference to elevate cycling’s position on the political agenda, resulting in positive environmental and health benefits. Working for more and better cycling for all, ECF has been dedicated to creating a more sustainable and livable future for over 40 years.

These finalists will advance to the Incredible Impacts session, scheduled for November 14th at the ICCA Congress in Bangkok, where they will present their submissions. Delegates from ICCA will have the opportunity to vote for the most impactful project. The results will be tallied, and in tandem with the judgement of the expert panel, the winner will be announced during the closing session of the ICCA Congress on November 15th.

The recipient of the $5,000 USD Seed Grant is the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS).  IPVS, the global authority on papillomaviruses, showcased an extraordinary commitment to advancing the impact of their association meetings. Their dedication and vision in contributing to the elimination of papillomavirus-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer, have earned them the coveted Seed Grant. It will empower them to further their legacy program, making an even greater and lasting contribution to the global community.

“We aspire to shine a spotlight on the absolute best, elevating the stakes to a ‘winner takes all’ scenario, because the stories these associations share, and the enduring legacies they forge, truly deserve a dedicated moment in the limelight,” says Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA.

“We are delighted to unveil the finalists of the Incredible Impacts Programme, an initiative that not only celebrates associations showcasing innovative thinking but also serves as an inspiration for others to integrate legacy initiatives into their future events,” says Loren Christie, managing director of BestCities Global Alliance. “Additionally, we take great pride in extending our support to associations who have an interest in implementing legacy programs.”

For more information about BestCities Global Alliance, visit bestcities.net. For more information on Incredible Impacts, visit incredibleimpacts.com.