ICCA’s new president to focus on digital tools and talent

Marta Gomes has been named the new president of ICCA — the International Congress and Convention Association, following a vote by members on the opening day of the 61st ICCA Congress in Kraków, Poland.

Gomes, who is deputy executive director, sales at venue provider Viparis was standing for the role against two other candidates. As part of her winning campaign, she encouraged members to ask questions about how ICCA can meet their needs in a changing world.

“It’s time to review some of the things we do, and possibly adapt what we offer according to our members’ needs,” she said.

Gomes succeeds James Rees in the role, at an exciting time for the association. It has recently set out a future based on a number of ‘pillars’, including sustainability; legacy; diversity, Inclusion and Equity, themes which formed part of the content programme at this year’s conference.

While Gomes believes events are coming back strongly following the pandemic, she says it’s important to be ever mindful of the challenges ahead. She is particularly keen on exploring how digital tools can improve the way members engage with ICCA and in identifying and welcoming new talent.

“[These are] challenges we can meet if we have the belief and confidence to talk about ‘the value of our industry’ in a clear, proud and distinctive voice,” she says.

On being named ICCA’s new president, Gomes said: “It’s amazing and exciting and it was a really emotional moment for me to have everyone stand up and clap. I’m already losing my voice for saying ‘thank you’ to so many messages of congratulations.”

ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath said: “Marta is a big personality in the ICCA family and liked and appreciated by the ICCA Community. Her positivity, enthusiasm and commitment to improving the way ICCA thinks and works is an exciting prospect for us all. I very much enjoy working with her on the Board, and now look forward to her time as president.’