March 23rd 2021

ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance launch Incredible Impacts Awards 2021

Incredible Impacts Programme provides a powerful storytelling platform to showcase the positive societal impact of international association meetings

This month, ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance open applications for the fifth year of the Incredible Impacts Programme – a global initiative which shines a light on associations delivering lasting societal change through congress.

ICCA, BestCities and associations from a variety of sectors came together virtually to celebrate the launch by sharing their unique visual interpretations of legacy.  The outputs of that were combined to create a mosaic which will be used to promote this year’s programme globally.


This year’s programme also responds to the industry challenges faced as a result of the pandemic by welcoming applications from associations who have successfully delivered legacy programmes through virtual or hybrid event formats.  

A group of independent, impartial judges will select three association meetings which have delivered a proven impact as winners, each receiving a grant of 7,500 USD to further their important work. The three winners will be invited to present their case study at the ICCA Congress* in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia 24-27 October 2021. *Cost of attending the ICCA Congress (registration fee, travel and accommodation) will be covered by ICCA.

Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA comments, “Never has there been a more important time in the global meetings industry to showcase the “beyond tourism” impact of face-to-face meetings and applaud the inspiring work from international associations.  

“Legacy can take shape in many ways whether it be social, economic, political or environmental and ICCA and the BestCities Global Alliance are calling associations and members alike to look at those extraordinary examples in the meetings industry.”

Lesley Williams, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance says, “We are delighted to be partnering with ICCA for a fifth year to launch this year’s Incredible Impacts programme.  The past twelve months has been the most turbulent in living memory for our industry, so this year more than ever, it’s important to recognise the value of face-to-face meetings and also the amazing things which can be achieved through collaboration virtually.  

“The resilience and innovation of associations has been inspiring to see, often delivering life changing impacts as a result.  To date, the programme has uncovered success stories from across the globe with associations advancing science in healthcare, shaping new technologies, raising awareness and shaping best practice around important issues such as sustainability, diversity and accessibility.  We can’t wait to share these success stories with the industry and inspire others to follow suit.” 

To find out more about the programme, submit an application or nominate an association visit: https://www.bestcities.net/about-us/incredible-impacts-programme. The deadline for the first round of submissions is 1 June 2021. 

Hear from one of the past winners and judges why it is important for associations to deliver incredible impacts through their meetings: