The Iberian ICCA chapter explores new models in the association market

Gran Canaria is in a phase of hospitality with our industry´s associations: After hosting this conference, it prepares to host the congress of OPC Spain 2013.

The island, which has no less than three convention centers (and sponsors the eventoplus Awards) manages well its connection to the professional events, and involvement in the sector.

The event was held at the convention center – Auditorio Alfredo Kraus, whose main auditorium offers a backstage view to the sea, a striking perspective.

Database. The magic word of ICCA (members can search congresses that have gone to other cities and try to get them in their next editions) was the star of the first day, in which ICCA members were trained to fully use this tool.

Followed a CSR activity, in which participants could set free a few sea turtles which had been recently cured in a recovery centre for marine life. This first day ended with a cocktail-casual dinner (better for networking than the seated dinner!) at the Hotel Santa Catalina.

Optimism and new ideas. The second day began with a session full of adrenaline by Linda Pereira urging participants to seize new opportunities: a Latin American market of 600 million people, a Latino community which is is the most influential in the U.S. today.

She also explained a number of trends: the development of core PCO and AMC in associations, or the growing outsourcing activity of business events by corporates.

She also advised to seek innovative models of collaboration, even among apparent competitors, such as developing joint actions between two apparently competing locations, or between headquarters and PCO, for joint promotion.

Inspiration also comes from other industries. Using this idea, Ramon Bustillo, an auto industry consultant, explained a number of changes in automotive, such as the tendency to rationalise platforms and components to reduce costs, and then customize the final product.

Participation. Followed a session with an interesting format, highly participative: two members had suggested topics for discussion and for an hour, these two subjects were treated in a fully participatory mode: everyone in the room could express themselves on the evolution of the commercial workshop or on the saturation of congress centres and its implications. Wisdom is in the room …

Lunch with a view to the sea, assembly and a gala dinner closed this trip to Las Palmas. Next year, Azores!