ICCA to make its 59th Congress in Kaohsiung ‘A global hybrid experience’

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 event will connect ICCA’s global community and allow them to explore new ideas, formats and technologies, combining efforts and create the ‘Kaohsiung Protocol’,  a framework identifying major trends and key strategies that will enable the international meetings industry to thrive, now and into the future. ICCA has worked in collaboration with Maritz Global Events on the format of this year’s Congress. Delegates can experience the Congress live in Kaohsiung, at a regional hub or virtually 1-3 November 2020. All participants can be involved in a six-week online pre-Congress ‘Road to Kaohsiung’ programme, which will attempt to identify major trends, ideas and strategies for discussion. ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath says: “This is all aimed at leading the transformation of our industry and unlocking the expertise of our global community to jointly create the ‘Kaohsiung Protocol’, a framework that will document and highlight best practices to help ensure global events continue to be vital drivers of social, scientific and economic development. To achieve this, ICCA has created a truly global and a unique event model which will ensure engagement of business events experts from all over the world.” In response to the uncertain situation and to give participants full control of how they wish to attend, ICCA is offering flexible and adaptable approach to registration and the accompanying fees. This means delegates can sign up now but change their registration type later, allowing them to change between virtual attendee, hub attendee or Kaohsiung in-person attendee. Gopinath concludes: “We believe in the power of meeting face-to-face but know this isn’t always possible. Still, we want to make sure our global community can take part and make their voice heard from wherever they are.” More information here: