Francesca Manzani, Board Member of the International Congress & Convention Association ICCA, welcomed in Italy the President of ICCA, Arnaldo Nardone from Uruguay and her ICCA Board Member colleagues coming from Denmark, South Africa, Spain and the Netherlands.
The
reason of the visit was the annual meeting of the ICCA Board
restricted to financial matters of the association. ICCA is
back to Italy after the great 2009 ICCA Congress
held in Florence, whose success brought to the election of Francesca
to the Board of the Association.
The
occasion was propitious to Francesca Manzani, Head of the Florence
Office of AIM Group International to realize a Round Table event with
topic "International
Conferences: extraordinary opportunities for
development for the whole country " which was attended by
authorities and politicians as well as business operators and
organized in collaboration with the Icca Italian Committee and the
host city, the MiCo of Milan.
Results
went beyond any expectations. At the end of August as many as 120
congress operators attended the event to discuss the
economic value and impact of the congress sector;
why politicians should pay more attention to bidding for scientific
conferences; the competitiveness of Italy in the segment; the future
of medical meetings and the changes occurred in recent years.
The
exchange of experiences and opinions with the international panel
raised important issues for politicians, whose support is essential
for the survival and development of the sector.
"Problems
are common to many nations. Italy should stop thinking that
difficulties exist only here in your country and should open up and
look across the border. " suggested the President of ICCA "You
may be surprised to discover that perhaps other ICCA members in other
countries have already found the solution to your same problem. It
may be much easier to imitate positive experiences. This is the added
value of our association" continues Arnaldo Nardone.
"The
event was useful to raise in national institutions the awareness
on the economic impact that the congress sector might have
and to give courage to the shareholders. “ affirms Francesca
Manzani. “In Italy, we do have facilities, infrastructures and
professionals to aim at a great success on the international market.
Teamwork, political support and long-term visions are the elements to
make the difference. ICCA is and will be at our side to help us in
such a qualitative leap: It’s up to us deciding how to treasure it.
