The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has announced a strategic partnership with the Strategic Alliance for the National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE) to launch a pioneering joint study aimed at bridging the gap between industry needs and academic offerings in the European business events sector.
This collaboration was unveiled during SANCBE’s semi-annual meeting in Athens, where leaders from across Europe convened to discuss the future of the meetings industry. The partnership underscores ICCA’s commitment to shaping the future of the industry by driving progress in destination marketing and knowledge development for its global community.
The centerpiece of this initiative is a comprehensive survey designed to assess the current state of educational programs within the European business events industry. The study aims to provide a data-driven overview of existing academic offerings, identify critical skill gaps, and explore evolving industry needs. This will enable ICCA and SANCBE to develop targeted educational programs that align with the industry’s requirements, fostering a more skilled and adaptable workforce.
Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “By aligning with SANCBE, we are not only expanding our reach but also creating new opportunities for learning, innovation, and sustainable growth that will benefit our entire community.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industry professionals, ensuring that educational programs are responsive to the dynamic needs of the business events sector. The findings from the joint study are expected to inform the development of curricula that better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities within the industry.
As the business events industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this strategic partnership between ICCA and SANCBE play a crucial role in aligning academic training with industry demands, ultimately contributing to the sector’s growth and sustainability.
