ICCA showcases business events sector at Davos policy stage
The International Congress and Convention Association spoke for the global business events industry during important talks at Davos. The group saw meetings and conferences as long-term economic infrastructure that would help attract investment and lead to international cooperation. Its goal was to move business events beyond tourism stories and into the realm of strategic policy relevance.
During several bilateral and informal meetings in Davos, ICCA spoke directly with policymakers and high-ranking government officials. These talks made it clear that meetings of associations lead to long-term sharing of knowledge and measurable economic effects. The outreach made business events even more important as tools that fit with the country’s development goals.
Source: ICCA/Website
World Economic Forum Engagement Highlights Policy Relevance
ICCA used the World Economic Forum as a way to get in touch with important people who make decisions around the world. The association was able to frame events as drivers of trade, innovation, and diplomacy at the Davos talks. This setting made the sector more visible in global economic talks.
Attending Davos helped ICCA connect industry stories to bigger political and economic issues. Leaders looked into how convening power can help people work together when the world is divided. The forum made it clear that structured international meetings are needed to encourage collaboration between different sectors.
Dialogue With Global Leaders Strengthens Advocacy
ICCA talked with high-ranking officials, such as the prime minister of Sri Lanka and the economic leaders of Oman. These talks were mostly about how international meetings can help attract investment and make businesses more competitive. Policymakers looked at how places can use events to help them grow in a way that lasts.
Such discussions helped link the results of business events to the goals of government policy. ICCA pointed out evidence that links conferences to ecosystems that help trade and new ideas. The talks helped people understand events as strategic assets better.
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Euronews Panel Explores Public Private Collaboration
Senthil Gopinath, the CEO of ICCA, was on a panel hosted by Euronews that looked at ways to make destinations more competitive. The talk was about how governments and industry stakeholders can work together. Panelists stressed the importance of getting the most out of business events for both the economy and society.
The session talked about how public-private partnerships can help with innovation and long-term development goals. Speakers talked about how events can help policy goals in ways other than just bringing in money from visitors. The panel stressed the importance of working together to increase long-term destination value.
Business Events Seen As Part Of The Economy’s Infrastructure
ICCA always saw meetings and conferences as long-term infrastructure rather than short-term tourism activities. This story focused on long-term benefits, such as learning new skills and working together with people from other countries. Events were presented as places where people could talk about policy and make investments.
ICCA wanted to change how governments think about events so that they are included in economic planning. The group said that national competitiveness strategies should include the ability to convene. This method helps the economy grow in a way that is stable and varied.
Building Stronger Relationships Between Different Sectors At Davos
ICCA used Davos to strengthen ties between government, media, and industry networks, in addition to the official sessions. Informal engagement strengthened its position as the voice of the association at meetings around the world. These interactions helped keep the advocacy going after the forum.
Building relationships helped make sure that messaging was in line with important stakeholders all year long. ICCA set itself up as a reliable go-between for policymakers and the events industry. This role makes the industry as a whole better represented.
Continued Advocacy Planned Throughout 2026
ICCA confirmed plans to continue its advocacy work through 2026 with a focus on getting policymakers involved. The plan’s main goal is to make business events a part of larger economic and development plans. Events will continue to be important for innovation and cooperation as long as people keep talking to each other.
Future projects will focus on messaging based on evidence and building strategic partnerships. ICCA wants to keep the momentum going from Davos in many areas. The group wants the government to recognize the sector’s policies for a long time.
