Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Under the slogan "Tomorrow Starts Today," the 63rd Congress of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) will take place from 20 to 23 October 2024, in Abu Dhabi, bringing together professionals connected to the international meetings and events sector.

As we know, ICCA is one of the most significant organizations in the global event industry, representing the largest companies involved in the professional servicing and organization of international events.

The event will be held in the heart of Abu Dhabi at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, located near the famous Grand Canal and the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

This three-day conference aims to rethink industry practices and identify new trends that will shape the future of the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.

The event will bring together industry suppliers, meeting and event professionals, and emerging innovators in MICE to network, share knowledge and experience, gain insights into the latest ideas and strategies in the MICE market, find inspiration for new projects, and explore new opportunities and venues for the meetings industry.

Today, MICE is in high demand, covering a broad range of activities, whether individual trips for negotiations or corporate outings, attendance at exhibitions, seminars, congresses, and conferences—essentially everything the business community cannot do without.

The MICE industry is one of the fastest-growing and leading sectors globally. MICE events facilitate knowledge exchange among people who unite their efforts and share ideas to achieve common goals during event preparations. MICE-related activities influence innovative processes in the economy and society, fostering the development of new technologies at regional and national levels.

Uzbekistan places particular emphasis on developing this sector, improving the legal framework for its sustainable growth, organizing services for foreign guests in line with international standards, and implementing targeted infrastructure improvement programs. The country is rapidly enhancing international cooperation and establishing relationships with relevant organizations in other countries, regularly initiating collaboration in this promising direction.

A notable example is that on May 15 of this year, Uzbekistan, represented by GUP "InterForum," became a full member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).

Joining ICCA provides "InterForum" with an opportunity to connect with a global business platform that unites thought leaders and key players in the MICE industry worldwide. This membership allows participation in the association’s annual congresses, learning best practices and solutions, and strengthening business ties with international partners.

The participation of GUP "InterForum" in the current 63rd ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi marks the beginning of a new chapter in cooperation, providing access to the global network and resources of ICCA, along with opportunities for capacity building and developing the MICE market in Uzbekistan.

The program for the GUP "InterForum" delegation includes participation in panel sessions where world-class speakers and experts will assess trends and prospects for industry development, propose development strategies, and share valuable advice and innovative ideas.

Notably, the delegation’s visit will involve several negotiations, including discussions with ICCA President Marta Gómez and CEO Senthil Gopinath, covering a wide range of bilateral interaction topics, establishing closer global contacts, and signing a "Memorandum of Understanding" between GUP "InterForum" and ICCA.

The purpose of signing this "Memorandum of Understanding" is to develop and strengthen cooperation in the following areas:

- Exchange of knowledge and experience from ICCA in the event and meetings industry.

- Joint promotion of Uzbekistan as a global platform for hosting international congresses and conferences through ICCA events.

- Support for expanding Uzbekistan’s capabilities in hosting international events.

Cooperation under this Memorandum presents a unique opportunity for Uzbekistan to expand its activities on international platforms and become the organizer of many significant events, as well as attract major international activities to the country.

By exploring new avenues for development, interaction, and dynamic collaboration with international associations, GUP "InterForum" aims for ambitious and far-reaching goals: to promote Uzbekistan as an international venue for major business events, increase the flow of business tourists, support local professional communities, and solidify the country’s status as a favorable destination for hosting large-scale events.

These goals instill hope that, while carefully preserving its uniqueness and invaluable heritage and adhering to the principles of tolerance and hospitality, Uzbekistan will become a global platform for many significant high-level events, including flagship meetings and events in the MICE industry.