The Role Of Associations In Nation Building

International Congress and Convention Association.

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Understanding the true value of international association conferences

Martin SirkICCA CEO

Meetings Africa: Association Day

The role of Associations in nation building



What do we mean by “value” of conferences?

• Mexico 2010: – $32.6 billion (48% tourism)– 23 million participants– 197,000 meetings

• USA 2009: – $263 billion (43% tourism)– 1.7 million jobs



Hidden depths - true value?

• Not just direct spend!!!• $20 meal vs. $2.0m deal• Knowledge transfer: two-way• Knowledge creation• Local future leader education• Local champions profiled• Business networks strengthened• Long term sustainable competitiveness



The Big Challenges for Africa



• Strategic understanding – tourism but also not tourism!

• Support African associations & their members

• Create political/academic/business linkages

• Infrastructure and basic skills

• Complex project management skills – not just logistics!

• Measurement & storytelling

Big challanges



Thank you!

Martin SirkICCA CEO

Hidden Depths = true value!

Meetings Africa: Association Day

The Role Of Associations In Nation Building

Education

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