BestCities Global Alliance, in collaboration with the
International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), has announced the
finalists for the 2023 Incredible Impacts Program and the recipient of the Seed
Fund Grant.
The International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) won the US$5,000
Seed Grant for its 'extraordinary commitment' to advancing the impact of its
association meetings. The society’s dedication and vision in contributing to the
elimination of papillomavirus-related diseases, particularly cervical cancer,
earned it the Seed Grant.
The 2023 Incredible Impacts Program will present one international association with a US$20,000 prize fund as recognition of its efforts in creating lasting impact beyond tourism.
The finalists, selected by a judging panel of their association peers, are:
Associated Country Women of the World - ACWW
Women’s Empowerment Summit, Khovd, Mongolia 2023
ACWW’s Women’s Empowerment Summit programme reached a
milestone by extending its reach to Khovd Province, Mongolia. The initiative
brought together more than 300 women survivors of domestic violence from nomadic
communities, reflecting their aim to empower rural women who often go unheard
in legislation, promoting community transformation. ACWW's dedication to
driving positive change through their association meetings is truly
commendable.
British Society of Soil Science - Environmental
Education: Leaving a long-lasting impact, locally and globally 2022
The 22nd World Congress of Soil Science, hosted in Glasgow,
UK, in 2022, raised the bar for environmental responsibility at international
scientific congresses. The British Society of Soil Science engaged local
residents in soil education and conducted the first-ever environmental impact
assessment of such an event. These outstanding achievements set a new standard
for sustainable practices within the scientific community.
European Cyclists' Federation - Velo-city 2023
Leipzig: Boosting the development of active mobility in the host city and
beyond
The annual Velo-city conference was held in Leipzig, Germany
in 2023 with the goal of catalysing active mobility at the local level while
also extending its impact nationally and globally. The global cycling community
convenes at this conference to elevate cycling's position on the political
agenda, resulting in positive environmental and health benefits. Working for
more and better cycling for all, ECF has been dedicated to creating a more
sustainable and liveable future for over 40 years.
Finalists will present their submissions at the Incredible Impacts session on 14 November at the ICCA Congress in Bangkok. Delegates from ICCA will have the opportunity to vote for
the most impactful project. The results will be tallied, and in tandem with the
judgement of the expert panel, the winner will be announced during the closing
session of the ICCA Congress on November 15th.
“We are delighted to unveil the finalists of the Incredible
Impacts Program, an initiative that not only celebrates associations showcasing
innovative thinking but also serves as an inspiration for others to integrate
legacy initiatives into their future events," said Loren Christie, managing
director of BestCities Global Alliance. "Additionally, we take great pride
in extending our support to associations who have an interest in implementing
legacy programs”
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA added, "We aspire to
shine a spotlight on the absolute best, elevating the stakes to a 'winner takes
all' scenario, because the stories these associations share, and the enduring
legacies they forge, truly deserve a dedicated moment in the limelight.”
For more information about BestCities Global Alliance, visit
bestcities.net. For more information
on Incredible Impacts, visit incredibleimpacts.com.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.