October 2016
Knowledge
9
Association Focus
at IMEX America
“International association events provide an
opportunity for experts based in that destination
to share their knowledge on the world stage”
growth to the destination.
To help facilitate this, there needs to be political
engagement and collaboration across sector
ministries, industry and the private sector.
Through our Politicians' Forum we bring
together national and regional government
ministers, and political influencers with
industry leaders from around the world to
exchange knowledge and best practice on how
they can make the most of the wide-ranging
benefits that investment in conferences and
meetings can bring.
CN-10-16-AEM.indd 9
Hon Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir, minister
of industry and commerce for Iceland, chaired
a session at the Politicians' Forum this year and
said: “There is tremendous economic value and
intellectual capital gain associated with a strong
meetings and conference industry. Therefore it is
crucial for governments to respond with a focused
strategy to make the most of these business
opportunities.”
At next year’s Forum, we’ll be working formally
with the UNWTO to broaden reach and
influence at all levels of government.
The importance of legacy will be
developed at Association Focus,
a dedicated day of education
and networking for association
professionals, taking place on 17
October, the day before IMEX
America in Las Vegas. Experts
from the International Society
for Professional Innovation
Management, Society Offices
Association Management
Company, Visit Anchorage
and Singapore Exhibition &
Convention Bureau will discuss
‘working with convention bureaux
to build a legacy for your event’.
How planners engage with the
destination and other partners has
changed as the awareness grows
of the potential of association
events to provide a stimulus for
political, economic, scientific and
social progress.
Participation in Association
Focus is free and open to
association professionals only.
Association Evening in Las
Vegas is also free and open to
both association professionals and
exhibitors.
Pre-registration is required for
both. For more information and
to register visit imexamerica.com/
events/education/associationfocus or email natasha.richards@
imexexhibitions.com.
IMEX America takes place 18–20
October 2016 at the Sands Expo
and Convention Center at The
Venetian® | The Palazzo®, Las
Vegas preceded by Smart Monday,
powered by MPI on 17 October.
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