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Geneva International Association Forum A GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR KNOWLEDGE SHARING Earlier this year, The Geneva International Association Forum (GIAF ) was launched by the Association World Foundation, in collaboration with the Geneva Convention Bureau and Congrex Switzerland. The two-day event brings together representatives of international and European associations, nonprofit organisations, federations, professional societies, NGO's and universities. Its primary goal is to establish an annual global leading platform for knowledge sharing in one of the world's flagship host destinations for associations, Geneva. Kai Troll is the President of Association World and spokesperson of GIAF: “The Covid-19 pandemic remains highly active and unpredictable. We have carefully analysed the situation and worked closely with all relevant stakeholders and partners to consider a range of possibilities. We can therefore inform that due to the given latest rise in numbers in the Geneva
area especially, we have decided to move GIAF to 5–6 November 2020. “Whilst most delegates are Geneva-based attendees, or from the area, the health and safety of our association's peers and friends as well as of our speakers is the utmost importance. People should feel comfortable to attend a public event such as GIAF. Given the developments, we couldn't guarantee that, and a timely decision is therefore necessary. Running GIAF virtually would theoretically be an option. However, our philosophy has always been that GIAF shall be the, or one of the very first events, to bring back association friends and colleagues together again.” The congress in November will be a hybrid event, and people from outside Switzerland can join from wherever they are. The Geneva International Association Forum is promoting a #RiskFreeRegistration, and
according to that motto, they have offered all registries who are unable to join the event a full refund and have communicated that to each individual in a personal message. “We offer a programme, which will remain as much as possible, perhaps with slight adjustments here and there, if necessary. Together with our hospitality partner, the Intercontinental Geneva, we go beyond the standard measures and procedures to ensure your health and safety at the congress. In our mind, each attending will make a positive difference to other association peers. Benefitting from a valuable exchange, sharing our experiences and learnings, establish new partnership and hopefully creating more of an association community that remains aligned. Each and everyone attending will make GIAF complete,” says Kai Troll.
2020
No. 15
MEETINGS INTERNATIONAL | BIR
| 39
