The 64th ICCA Congress concluded on Wednesday after a dynamic four-day event in Porto that brought together 1,514 delegates, from 81 countries. Drawing on the theme “Charting the Course,” this year’s Congress featured an ambitious new multivenue format, intentional design for participation, and a focus on sustainability, innovation and legacy.
Setting the record for the largest Congress ever to be held in continental Europe, the dynamic, immersive experience serves as a blueprint for future multivenue congresses, and further solidifies ICCA’s place as the global leader in global business events.
Held across 9 iconic locations, including the historic Alfândega Congress Centre and stunning venues in the heart of Porto’s cultural districts, the Congress offered delegates the opportunity to explore five distinct content tracks, including Impact & Sustainability, Future Leadership & Resilience, Purposeful Business Models & Start-Ups, Innovation & Technology and The Creative Edge.
The immersive Congress programme allowed participants to chart their own course and design their own experience, with five content tracks that allowed for individual exploration of key topics and interactive sessions with bold-name leaders across the business events space. Highlights of the event included:
Multi-venue engagement model: Delegates moved among diverse spaces throughout the city, transforming the congress into an immersive, city-wide experience.
Interactive and participatory design: The agenda emphasised peer learning, networking, and storytelling rather than passive presentations, reflecting evolving expectations in the meetings industry.
Sustainability and legacy built in: Sessions on future-focussed models, inclusive design and industry impact underscored ICCA’s commitment to responsible business events.
Global networking in action: With delegates from all corners of the globe, the event reinforced ICCA’s position as a premier platform for association and business-events professionals.
