The ICCA Congress is the annual meeting of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), an organization of the main specialists in handling, transporting and accommodating international events.
It has been held every year since 1963 as a General Assembly for ICCA members. As a meeting for members only, has been traditionally held in October/November and has rotated throughout the world. It has lasted approximately 4 days and consisted of category meetings combined with education sessions.
In 1997, the format was changed to combine the General Assembly with a Congress that would be open to all professionals in the meetings industry including non-ICCA members. At the same time an exhibition was held with both member and non-member exhibitors. As of 2010 the exhibition no longer takes place.
The event attracts approximately 600-1000 delegates and 40-100 accompanying persons, depending on the destination. The current format of the event is half a day for the First Time Attendees (Sunday morning), half day for the General Assembly (Sunday) and three days for the Congress (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday am). Because the General Assembly and Congress is the key focal point of ICCA’s annual activity, the responsibility to deliver a well-organised and managed event of a top-quality standard is an exciting challenge to a destination. A high standard in all aspects of meetings management is expected - programming, marketing, theming, social activities, logistical arrangements, etc.