ICCA votes in Marta Gomes as new president

Members of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) have voted in Marta Gomes as the association’s new president. The official announcement was made on the first day of the 61^st Annual Congress in Krakow, Poland. Gomes is deputy executive director, sales, Viparis. She succeeds James Rees in the role. After a difficult few years, Gomes believes there are “blue skies ahead and events are coming back strongly” but cautions we should be ever mindful of the challenges ahead. She said these challenges could be met if ICCA has the belief and confidence to talk about ‘the value of our industry’ in a clear and proud voice. As for her legacy as she takes up the presidential mantle, Gomes said she hopes it is reflected in the effective ways in which members engage with ICCA, particularly through the use of improved digital tools. The new president said she also wants to welcome new talent, ‘the young leaders of tomorrow’ into the ICCA community. As for her successful campaign, Gomes had said it was time to review some of the things ICCA does, “and possibly adapt what we offer according to our members’ needs”. She congratulated her fellow presidential candidates Gregg H. Talley and Daniel Palermo for their campaigns. Gomes said it had been an emotional moment when the election result was announced. “I’m already losing my voice for saying ‘thank you’ to so many messages of congratulations,” she said. ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath paid his own tribute to the newly elected president: “Marta is a big personality in the ICCA family and liked and appreciated by the ICCA community. Her positivity, enthusiasm and commitment to improving the way ICCA thinks and works is an exciting prospect for us all. I very much enjoy working with her on the Board, and now look forward to her time as president.”