ICCA has launched a global initiative to quantify the long-term societal and scientific contributions of association conferences, moving the industry beyond traditional tourism metrics.
While these events drive sector advancement and social policy, their broader benefits often remain under-recognised, making it difficult for destinations to justify infrastructure investment to policymakers.
ICCA has partnered with global convention bureaus and academic institutions to develop a Global Impact Measurement Tool
To bridge this gap, ICCA is partnering with Barcelona Convention Bureau, Copenhagen Convention Bureau, Flanders Convention Bureau, Business Events Sydney and Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, to develop a Global Impact Measurement Tool.
The project will be steered by an academic team from the University of Technology Sydney, BI Norwegian Business School, and the Norwegian School of Economics.
It focuses on three primary objectives: establishing a rigorous framework to quantify multifaceted event impacts, enabling members to provide consistent and trustworthy data to local governments for better advocacy, and showcasing how conferences fuel innovation and economic growth.
A validated tool is expected by mid-2028, equipping the business events ecosystem with data-driven insights to reinforce its strategic relevance.
