2 minute read
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES OUT OF CRISES
from The PCO Q3 2020 - News from the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO
by IAPCO
When crises strike – and let’s face it, we have never before had to cope with a crisis such as COVID-19 – innovation and the ability to quickly adapt come to the fore. These qualities are what will enable businesses to develop and surmount the current challenges.
ICS CONNECTS: THE FUTURE OF EXCHANGE IS IGNITED BY DISRUPTION
IAPCO Member: International Conference Services, Canada Author: Hope Mikal, Marketing Co-ordinator
The unprecedented changes brought about by the events of 2020 have forced event planners and others in the MICE industry to deal with the disruption that has affected meetings and conferences across the globe. But the term ‘disruption’ does not have to be perceived negatively. In the PCO industry, it can be viewed as an opportunity – to discover a new way to engage with colleagues and to find answers to the questions that 2020 has presented to us.
Mathias Posch, President of International Conference Services and Immediate Past President of IAPCO, found himself being asked a similar question by clients, peers and employees alike: ‘What does the future of exchange look like?’. Mathias decided the best way to tackle this question was via genuine, unscripted conversations with key players in the MICE industry. Thus, a videocast, ICS Connects: The Future of Exchange, was launched shortly afterwards on 17 June. Initially, these conversations focused on deviating from the buzzword ‘pivot’ and looking into innovating virtual, hybrid and in-person meetings moving forward. This is certainly the case with PCOs, as IAPCO members reinvent their businesses, open new divisions and strive to lead the industry forward – into the new normal!
ICS Connects focuses on unscripted insights gleaned from genuine conversations with global meeting experts, trending topics and 360-degree meeting views. The goal is to bridge the connection between associations, convention centres, tourism bureaux, destination marketing organisations and thought leaders in the meetings industry. All guests encourage the exploration of emerging ideas, challenges and strategies as the industry navigates its current uncharted waters. Each episode tackles major issues that we all face as industry professionals, from leadership challenges to mental health and the important topic of inclusion.
The question ‘What does the future of exchange look like?’ is a difficult one to answer. However, it is the goal of ICS Connects to find the answer in the same way that the MICE industry always has – together.
Listen in weekly! ICS Connects is available on YouTube and your preferred podcast platform. Follow #ICSConnects on your favourite social media platform.
