The second edition of the Geneva International Association Forum (GIAF) is set to take place on September 16-17, it has been announced.
Organisers ASSOCIATIONWORLD and Congrex Switzerland have revealed that GIAF 2021 is now planned as an in-person live event taking place from 16-17 September at the InterContinental Genève. The first edition of GIAF was supposed to be launched last September and turned into the all-year-round GIAFvirtual series.
“We are very much looking forward to finally gathering associations and association leaders back together again to innovate and tackle common challenges,” said GIAF spokesperson Kai Troll. “Experiential learning is now more needed than ever before. This second edition of GIAF will provide a community building platform for international and European associations and non-profits and will enable us to create a deeper sense of belonging amongst our association industry. I want to acknowledge and send out a special thanks to our GIAF partners who, despite of difficult times, are committed to support association education and capacity building.”
GIAF is in collaboration with the Barcelona Convention Bureau, Geneva Convention Bureau and Singapore Tourism Board, the InterContinental Genève, idloom, Open Social, Congrex Switzerland and ASSOCIATIONWORLD.
The aim of the forum is to gather representatives of international and European associations, non-profits, federations, societies, NGOs and universities for a knowledge-sharing event. The two-day event will be the first international association live event after the lockdowns.
Depending on the current international travel restrictions and Covid-19 measures, the vast majority of associations are expected to primarily join from association hubs such as the Geneva metropolitan area and across Switzerland, France and the Benelux.
GIAF 2021 promotes a ‘risk free registration’ and a 100 per cent refund policy related to Covid-19 to all participants in case of the cancellation of the GIAF live event due to Swiss government restrictions, should they come into effect.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
