ICCA and Destinations International cancel all planned activities in Russia

Following the announcement earlier in the week from the Society of Independent Show Organisers (SISO) that it was suspending Russian members from all access to the society’s events and activities, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has moved to toughen its position vis-à-vis the Russian invasion of Ukraine. A statement released 10 March from ICCA read: Dear ICCA members, Having convened an urgent board meeting, ICCA’s Board of Directors have made a unanimous decision to cancel all planned activities and events in Russia. In addition, Russian members will not be able to attend ICCA events until further notice. On behalf of the Board, we categorically and unequivocally condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine.  ICCA is liaising with our members in Ukraine and we will be contributing €10,000 to an agreed humanitarian charity to support them in their efforts to provide aid to those Ukrainians who are suffering as a result of these acts of aggression. Our heart goes out to all those affected by this unprovoked and devastating war. We wish for nothing more than to see an end to this conflict before more innocent lives are lost. James Rees, president ICCA (pictured). Meanwhile, Global resource for destination organisations Destinations International also issued a statement condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The organisation will not run activities in Russia in the current situation and has terminated the membership of the St Petersburg Convention Bureau, its only member in Russia. Destination International encourged its members and partners ,“to show their support for the people of Ukraine in any way possible, including making charitable donations to World Central Kitchen or any other organisation making a positive impact in Ukraine”.