Three associations who used their events to
create a legacy will compete for $20,000 after being shortlisted for the 2024 Incredible
Impacts Programme award.
The International Hip Preservation Society (ISHA), European
Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), and World Association of News
Publishers (WAN-IFRA) are in the running.
The programme is administered by International Congress and
Convention Association (ICCA) and BestCities Global Alliance and aims to reward
associations ‘shaping a better world.’
This is how the competing associations measure up:
• International
Hip Preservation Society – Africa’s prevalence of hip issues is a barrier to
economic development, with treatment only available to the wealthy minority.
ISHA’s 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting served as a catalyst for its expansion
across Africa, with a key objective of building hip preservation hubs that are
accessible to patients across the continent – regardless of class, age or
gender.
• European
Academy of Childhood Disability – EACD developed the EACD+ program to improve
quality of life for people with a childhood-onset disability by expanding their
access to sports, culture and technology. Following the success of EACD2024 in
Bruges, Belgium, EACD seeks to expand the programme to future host
destinations, as well as creating an Impact Creation Task Force that raises
awareness of the needs and rights of people with childhood-onset disabilities
and advocate for more inclusive policy making throughout Europe.
• World
Association of News Publishers – News avoidance impacts civic engagement and
the evolution of informed, open societies that are essential to building a
better world. WAN-IFRA initiated the Copenhagen Criteria project in 2024 to
identify “news values” that will help news organizations better appeal to
younger audiences. The association intends to advance the Copenhagen Criteria
at the World News Media Congress in Krakow, Poland in 2025, including other
marginalized groups, such as women and immigrants, to ensure diverse voices
contribute to the conversation about news consumption.
Each associations will present their entry at the ICCA Congress, in Abu Dhabi, later this month. Attendees will vote on the winner, with the final score evenly
weighted between jury and audience.
Caroline Mackenzie, executive director, International Hip
Preservation Society, said: “The creation of hip preservation hubs across
Africa and improving access to hip preservation surgical training, stemming
from needs assessment conducted from this meeting, represents a significant
step towards improving both the training of surgeons and patient access to
life-changing treatments. By empowering local surgeons with the skills and
knowledge to perform hip preservation surgery, we aim to improve patient
outcomes and expand access to specialized care across the region.”
Elegast Monbaliu, meeting president, EACD Bruges 2024, said:
“The nomination of EACD+ as finalist in the Incredible Impact Programme is a
profound recognition of the dedication and hard work of numerous volunteers who
helped to realize a remarkable impact program in Bruges in May 2024. These
exceptional individuals have shown a commitment to creating extracurricular
activities that not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term
growth and independence for people with a childhood onset disability. Their
heartfelt efforts and dedication have significantly contributed to improving
their quality of life. EACD is committed to continue creating lasting positive
change across Europe and around the globe in collaboration with the
International Alliance of Academies of Childhood Disability.”
Cherilyn Ireton, executive director, World Association of
News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) added: “Our project was a rewarding lesson in what
is possible by working together with local and legacy associations and citizens
- in our case with the Danish Medier association, the Copenhagen Legacy Lab and
students from the International People’s College. It is a model of engagement
and collaboration that we want to replicate and share with others.”
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.
