A campaign to get children thinking about their brains - and
another highlighting the importance of water security – have been recognised for
the role they played in improving people’s lives.
The International
Society for Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism and the International Water Resources
Association were unveiled as 2022 Incredible Impact Winners.
The annual
awards scheme is run by ICCA, the meeting industry suppliers’ association, and BestCities
Global Alliance, a partnership of destination management organisations.
The University
of the Faroe Islands was also honoured for its innovative Football is
Medicine conference, which gathered experts to explain the health benefits
of the game.
All three
winners were given a grant of USD$7,500 towards further projects.
The Incredible Impacts Programme is committed to legacy building
– in other words encouraging organisations to run conference programmes whose
benefits to society are enduring.
A spokesperson said: “As we move into a post-pandemic world and
rediscover the power of what can be achieved when we come together in a shared
space, this year’s Incredible Impacts winners are some of the most innovative
we’ve seen since launching the awards six years ago. We are thrilled to
celebrate three outstanding Associations who’ve set the industry standard in
the last 12 months and driven real change through passion, education,
creativity, and fun.”
The spokesperson added: “All our nominees deserve credit – and the judges faced
a difficult task – but our three winners were dedicated to delivering change
from the very heart of their geographical and cultural communities. From
protecting our most precious natural resource to delving deep into the human
brain, to using the beautiful game to improve health and well-being… we believe
these three excellent examples of public engagement merit widespread
recognition.”
The winning entries:
The International Society for
Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism
How do you bring the mystery and the intricacies of the human brain to life?
And in doing so, remind people that good brain health equates to good health in
general? You plan a series of interactive city-wide events bringing together
experts, artists, students, and the public. Glasgow went ‘brain mad’ across May
and June when schools and the public discovered what makes the grey matter
tick. Kids were encouraged to build brains – "It’s like a marshmallow”-
delegates were encouraged to explore brain installations, and Glaswegians
empowered to become advocates for brain health and lead healthier, smarter
lives.
International Water Resources
Association (IWRA)
Our most precious resource – water - is under threat and growing pressure from
everywhere and anywhere around the world. IWRA’s innovative World Water
Envoys Programme sought out five global ambassadors to represent their local
communities operating on the front line of water security issues. From
sanitation and homebuilding in the Dominican Republic to the safe access to
surface and groundwater in New Delhi and Nepal. From water access rights
in Zimbabwe to agrochemical pollution on The West Bank. Five individuals stepped
up to share their stories during a major international water event - IWRA's
World Water Congress - and detailing their remarkable efforts to find adequate
responses to these local challenges on an international stage.
The University of the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic - where 10 per cent of the population
is a registered footballer – and the perfect place to host an event showcasing
the many benefits of playing soccer. Experts from all aspects of sports
medicine, nutrition, and training delivered a compelling programme detailing
how football can be used to enhance and enrich the lives of people everywhere.
This is the world game as societal gamechanger; shaping physical and mental
responses to recovery, ill-health, and well-being by using football as a way
for us all to live happier and healthier lives.
- The winners will be speaking about their initiatives at the ICCA
61st Congress in Krakow, in November.
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.
