Event
Sun, May 17
ICCA Association Circle 2026
The ICCA Association Circle recently debuted in Frankfurt, Germany, as a reimagined, high-impact learning and networking event for the global meetings industry. Replacing the long-standing Association Expert Seminar (AES), this new concept is part of ICCA’s ICCALearn strategy, focusing on peer learning and addressing complex, strategy-driven challenges. The Hub of Resilience: Addressing Global Risk Held on May 17–18, 2026, at the Maritim Hotel Frankfurt, the inaugural session centered on a single, critical theme: Risk Management. In partnership with the Copenhagen Convention Bureau, participants explored the "Copenhagen Risk Navigator," a cutting-edge tool designed to help associations navigate the growing operational complexities of international events. Key Highlights Focused Format: The event moved to a compact, 1.5-day schedule to better balance professional intensity with attendee work-life needs. Actionable Intelligence: Experts from global risk management bodies like FERMA and RIMS provided practical insights into financial, reputational, and operational safeguarding. Strategic Networking: By limiting the "Circle" to a small, engaged group of association executives and ICCA members, the forum fostered deep, honest dialogue rather than traditional passive learning. Hands-on Learning: Beyond lectures, the session utilized scenario planning and role-play to ensure attendees left with tools they could immediately apply to their 2026–2027 event calendars. Setting the Stage for IMEX As a "pre-IMEX" initiative, the Association Circle served as the perfect strategic warm-up for the IMEX Frankfurt 2026 trade show. It allowed leaders to align their goals and forge partnerships before heading into the larger, fast-paced expo floor. The message from Frankfurt was clear: for associations to thrive in a fragmented world, they must move beyond "planning events" to "designing resilient movements" that can withstand global volatility.
Where and When
Date & Time
Sun, May 17, 2026 9:00 AM - Mon, May 18, 2026 6:00 PM
About this event
ICCA Association Circle 2026