ICCA embraces hybrid model for Kaohsiung Congress

Attendees can partake in a six-week online 'Road to Kaohsiung' programme to co-create a framework for the future of meetings.

Themed 'Transforming Global Events Together', the 59th ICCA Congress in Kaohsiung will provide a framework for the future of events.
Themed 'Transforming Global Events Together', the 59th ICCA Congress in Kaohsiung will provide a framework for the future of events.

KAOHSIUNG — The year's ICCA Congress, set to take place from 1-3 November, will be a hybrid event, where attendees can experience the event live in Kaohsiung, at a regional hub, or virtually.

ICCA worked with Maritz Global Events on the format of this year's congress, which is themed 'Transforming Global Events Together'. All participants will be able to partake in a six-week online, pre-congress 'Road to Kaohsiung' programme to identify trends, strategies and technologies for the future of events — this will be known as the 'Kaohsiung Protocol'.

ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath said: “This is all aimed at leading the transformation of our industry and unlocking the expertise of our global community to jointly create the Kaohsiung Protocol, a framework that will document and highlight best practices to help ensure global events continue to be vital drivers of social, scientific and economic development. To achieve this, ICCA has created a truly global and a unique event model which will ensure engagement of business events experts from all over the world.”

In response to the uncertain situation and to give participants full control of how they wish to attend, ICCA is offering a flexible and adaptable approach to registration and the accompanying fees. This means delegates can sign up now but change their registration type later, allowing them to change between virtual attendee, hub attendee or Kaohsiung in-person attendee.

Gopinath added: “We believe in the power of meeting face-to-face but know this isn’t always possible. Still, we want to make sure our global community can take part and make their voice heard from wherever they are.”