The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at nurturing the next generation of professionals in the international association meetings sector.
The agreement, signed by ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath and ESAE managing director Ioannis Pallas, will raise awareness among students and young professionals about the various career opportunities within the association meetings space.
As part of the MoU, ICCA will expand its well-established ICCAUni programme, which connects universities and emerging talent with industry leaders. With support from ESAE, this outreach will be amplified to engage more academic institutions globally and facilitate meaningful mentorship and career-building opportunities for students.
"This partnership is about creating pathways for young people to enter and thrive in our industry,” said Gopinath. “Together with ESAE, we are investing in the future by opening doors for students and equipping them with the knowledge, connections, and insights they need to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
ESAE’s involvement will include exploring practical contributions to the initiative, such as supporting student events, participating in joint educational programming, and connecting ESAE members with students and early-career professionals.
“ESAE is proud to support this crucial effort,” said Pallas. “By working with ICCA to empower the next generation, we are not only promoting professional development but also ensuring the continued relevance and resilience of associations in an ever-changing global context.”
In addition to student engagement, the MoU outlines ongoing collaboration in research and professional development, reinforcing the role of both organisations as catalysts for knowledge exchange and innovation in the association meetings ecosystem.
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Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
