The ICCA Congress is perhaps the world's most important meeting place for the meeting industry. This year, the Norwegian participants had to exchange a plane ticket to somewhere in the world with Oslofjord in Sandefjord. Which turned out to be a very good congress experience.
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has over 1,100 member companies and organizations, in over 100 countries. Their yearly congress is the most important meeting place for the members, and many of the world’s largest companies participate. The congress has taken place every year since 1963, but as for the rest of the world, ICCA needed to think alternatively during these special times, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year's congress was held over a 6-week period from September to November, and with the main event from 01 - 03 November as a global hybrid experience. The main elements were broadcasted directly from Kaohsiung, in addition to regional "hubs" in Cape Town, Kuching, Luxembourg, Malaga, Riyadh and Seoul, but also several "hubs" in Latin and North America.
“When things are as they are, this is the solution, but it is demanding to keep up. It was all arranged over 6 weeks, which makes it difficult to get into the right mode. You will not be able to keep up with everything and end up missing a lot. If we had not met physically, I believe I would have missed out on most of it,” says Frode Aasheim, Director of Meetings and Event at Innovation Norway.
Signed the «Kaohsiung-protocol»
The entire global ICCA community came together to explore new ideas and technologies and share their experiences through this difficult time. Together, the participants created and signed the "Kaohsiung Protocol", a framework that identifies key trends and strategies that will enable the international meeting industry to thrive, now and in the future.
“This years’ ICCA Congress is the best I have participated in”, says Aasheim.
Presented an innovative event solution for the ICCA Congress
Earlier this year, Oslofjord developed the solution Oslofjord Hybrid Event. In a studio, meetings and conferences that combines physical attendance with live TV can be held. The viewers can participate interactively via PC, mobile or tablet – from anywhere in the world. Based on this innovation, the CEO, Stian Fuglset, was invited to give a digital speech during this year's ICCA Congress, broadcast live from the studio. Recordings of the post can be seen here
“Innovative, creative and tough. This ICCA Congress could with great advantage and success have been held at Oslofjord and in their studio,” Aasheim adds.
