ICCA launches ICCAUni

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has unveiled a initiative aimed at bridging the gap between the academic world and the business events industry: ICCAUni. The association says the global academic network will offer an unparalleled platform for students to experience the vibrant arena of international business events. The initiative, ICCA says, aims to establish a network of educators and career advisors across universities and colleges globally. ICCA CEO, Senthil Gopinath said: “Finding exciting new talent is the lifeblood of our industry. ICCAUni will showcase the incredible scope of what our industry offers – from marketing and hospitality, to logistics and advocacy – and by doing so, will attract a whole new generation of leaders… Academia will be able to point to our industry and tell their students that this is where opportunity lies. And we will get to enjoy the industry-wide benefit of fresh perspective, and boundless enthusiasm.” Keiko Nishimoto, professor at Ritsumeikan Business School added: “I worked for PCOs for 20 years and now moved to the academic sector, and I always believed that universities should play a critical role in shaping the future of the meetings industry. This is possible only if we unite, so please join ICCA and be a part of this dynamic movement.” The ICCAUni membership programme will give students an active understanding of what it takes to succeed in the professional sphere. Member organisations will get two scholarships – including travel and accommodation – to the ICCA Annual Congress (to be held in Abu Dhabi in October), plus access to ICCA’s Business Intelligence database, and a 60-plus years library of industry knowledge and insight. Find out more about ICCAUni here