Big data, social networks and CSR, on the menu of ICCA

Ahhhh … the ICCA database … This association rules the congress world thanks to the access to congress leads it offers to its members, with opportunities for exchange of views, experiences, and leads between them (once you´ve had a congress, it is unlikely to return in several years, due to the rotation of cities, thus it is no problem to comment a lead to another industry player, even a competitor in another city). So a highlight of the annual congress of ICCA was coaching sessions related to this database and moments of exchanges between members on leads.

Industry hot topics were also on the menu. Rafael Oliver, head of the research department at Barceló Congresos explained big data. Whoever investigates to get or plan a congress has online access to a wealth of data from linkedin profiles to youtube videos, or tweets of the latest edition or of the association which helps understand who is influential, what problems exist in this sector, and contact people from the association. The next few years will help learn to be selective in this ocean of data. Following in the world of online data, Toni Mascaro of eMascaró explained the power of social networks to create a brand, communicate messages, with increased effectiveness thanks to joint presences in several social networks. Diogo Assis from TLC explained his Brazilian adventure since he opened his agency in this high potential market but also delicate one. Eric Mottard from Grupo eventoplus issued a series of tips to focus presentations in fewer messages but communicate them more effectively (less is more!), followed by a workshop in which participants had to make their own Pecha Kucha or Elevator Pitch. Finally, three corporate clients, Damm, Sorin group y Celsa Group talked about “How to take the decision / how to value results”.

Yolanda Perdomo, Director of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme, presented the entity´s latest Tourism Barometer which shows international tourism on the rise, sparking opportunities and challenges for its players. She also reminded of the UNWTO Affiliate Members Programme which recognizes the importance of meetings for the tourism industry. The sacred CSR activity also took place: Girona and its congress centre chose to dedicate it to the support and awareness of autism. This topic was the link in a series of activities that took place every day of the congress. The graphics of the congress included blue balloons, following the image of the World Day of Autism Awareness. Upon arrival, the City Halls´s facade was lit blue. At the end of the welcome cocktail, a giant blue globe where all participants expressed their desires and illusions on this subject was inflated. And on Friday morning, CSR activity was conducted in Autism Foundation Mas Casadevall, where participants helped craft products that will be sold during the Sant Jordi celebrations. They also painted and personalized T-shirts people living there to use in their outlets outside the center.