The programme that celebrates the “beyond tourism” lasting impacts associations have made is back for a second year running as it prepares to shine the spotlight on even more inspiring legacy examples

After a successful first year, the Incredible Impacts Programme, developed by the BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA, has announced that they are once again looking for associations to share examples of how they are leaving long-term legacies.

Factors such as sustainability, environmental considerations and knowledge sharing are fundamental elements of international associations and the Incredible Impacts Grant presents an opportunity to showcase best examples that will inspire and motivate others.

With three grants of US $7,500 available, entrants have the opportunity to be recognised for their innovative work while securing funds that can be used towards future legacy projects.

Last year, in its inaugural year, the programme launched with 20 associations submitting their unique and innovative approaches to going beyond tourism.  Evaluation was conducted through a peer review by a panel of judges from international associations, who were extremely impressed with the quality of case studies shared.  One of the winners was The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) for its World Thrombosis Day Campaign.

Speaking of their success, Louise St. Germain, Director of Membership and Marketing of ISTH said: “The Incredible Impacts Programme is an amazing platform for associations like ISTH to showcase the creative ways they are addressing issues beyond tourism.

“Receiving the $7,500 grant has enabled us to further build awareness of the critical condition of Thrombosis and Haemostasis than ever before. The money will be utilised to develop and distribute additional online and print resources that will be crucial to the education of health care providers and the public which is such a fantastic step forward for us.”

Louise will join the panel to judge this year’s nominations alongside fellow 2017 Incredible Impacts winners; Tracy Bury, Director of World Confederation for Physical Therapy and Elisabeth Pollard, Executive Director of World Parkinson Coalition Inc. Silke Schlinnertz, Head of Events & Operations of Euroheat & Power, Belgium and Bettina Borisch, Executive Director of World Federation of Public Health Associations, Switzerland will also join the panel.

Developed to help associations make tangible progress in creating meaningful legacy programmes for their international meetings, Incredible Impacts will showcase powerful examples of good practice within the industry just like ISTH, demonstrating the true value of meetings.

Paul Vallee, Managing Director of BestCities said: “We couldn’t be more pleased with the success of the first Incredible Impacts Grant Programme and year two is expected to bring even more attention to international associations that are truly making a difference to improve the world..

“Last year’s Incredible Impacts submissions drew attention to the inspiring work being done with standout examples from Twitter chat events that made global impressions to fresh approaches to inclusivity that reached both attending and non-attending audiences.

“It is important to acknowledge and celebrate those within the industry who are showing leading practice and our ultimate goal is to have their examples to inspire others.”

ICCA CEO Martin Sirk said: “Over the last decade the world’s leading meetings destinations have all embraced strategies that place intellectual capital creation and knowledge exchange, and economic and societal development goals ahead of traditional bed-night driven, tourist-centric metrics.  Everyone is now talking about the legacy that meetings generate, and no sector leaves a more powerful legacy than international association meetings.  Whether trying to influence government policy, drawing public attention to healthcare challenges, or simply finding new ways to provide support for disadvantaged groups of their members or stakeholders, associations are always aiming to make a positive difference, and so we’re delighted to be able to support them and to showcase their stories in this innovative way.”

Those interested in applying for the 2018 grants must simply demonstrate a track-record in “beyond tourism” or legacy programme/project related to their international meetings. They must also consider how they will use the grant to better upcoming or future events.

An independent jury will determine which three associations which will be announced at the ICCA Congress in Dubai from 11-14 November 2018. Associations interested in applying can nominate themselves or candidate associations can be nominated by any ICCA member.

The first round of submissions must be received before 1 August 2018.  Shortlisted applicants will be asked to share further information for the second stage of the programme.

For further information on the Incredible Impacts Grant and for details on how to submit your nomination visit: www.bestcities.net or ICCA’s Knowledge Hub on www.iccaworld.org/knowledge.