The 2023 Women’s Empowerment Summit in Khovd Province, Mongolia, is among the legacy case studies featured in the report.
International associations are placing greater weight on the legacy of their meetings, but destinations underestimate its importance to them, according to new research released by BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
The findings form part of a report published on 5 November marking what the organisations describe as the 10th anniversary of the Incredible Impacts Programme, a grant scheme they run to recognise association meetings that leave lasting benefits in host communities.
Commissioned by BestCities and conducted by Strategic Membership Solutions, the research found that 49% of associations surveyed are placing greater emphasis on legacy. Only 18% of destinations, however, believe legacy is a top priority for associations.
Measurement remains weak. Just 14% of respondents systematically measure legacy, and only seven percent follow up six months or more after an event.
The research also points to an opportunity for destinations bidding for international meetings. While only three percent of associations formally score impact when selecting a host destination, 67% said they would consider a destination they might otherwise overlook if it presented a compelling legacy opportunity.
Since its launch in 2017, Incredible Impacts has received 264 submissions and awarded US$250,000 in grants to projects advancing healthcare, education, environmental sustainability and community development.
Case studies in the anniversary report include the 2023 Women’s Empowerment Summit in Khovd Province, Mongolia, where 12 survivors of domestic violence sought support and 120 participants formed income-generating groups. The 2022 World Rural Health Conference in Limerick, Ireland, contributed to a €1.8 million (US$2.02 million) Rural GP Fellowship Programme, while at the 2018 World Down Syndrome Congress in Glasgow, people with Down syndrome helped train more than 300 hospitality workers.
Loren Christie, managing director of BestCities Global Alliance, said the research “reveals important gaps between ambition and action, but also tremendous untapped potential”.
ICCA chief executive Dr Senthil Gopinath said legacy must become “an integral part of how we design, deliver and measure the value of meetings”.
BestCities’ 14 partner cities include Singapore, Melbourne and Tokyo in Asia-Pacific. The alliance’s next Global Forum takes place in Cape Town from 21 to 24 January 2027.