The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has officially opened the registration its 59th ICCA Congress in Kaohsiung, Chinese Taipei, in November.

The congress will be a hybrid format and held under the overarching theme: ‘Transforming Global Events Together’.

The Virtual Events Institute (VEI) has been launched as a global platform to bring those in the event industry together to "educate, discuss, inspire and do business".

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual events and experiences now play a crucial role within the event industry. The VEI aims to provide a platform to discuss virtual and hybrid events and deliver summits, market insights, community networking, certification training and awards. The community will also establish the best practices and innovation for all members.

The International Congress and Convention Association and destination global marketing alliance BestCities are to renew their annual Incredible Impacts grant programme for a further three years.

The programme, now in its fourth year, is designed to award associations leaving lasting legacies.

The partnership will continue to showcase the ‘beyond tourism’ impact of face-to-face meetings, and celebrate inspiring work from international associations – through factors like legacy, sustainability, diversity, environmentalism and knowledge sharing.