Meetings Industry representatives and communications / advocacy experts are gathering in Barcelona this month to explore new strategies for advancing industry profile with key audiences.
The day-long session which will take place as part of the wider EIBTM (www.eibtm.com) event programme, will combine presentations on political, professional and media perspectives and practical case studies on successful communications initiatives with workshops in which participants will review communications and advocacy initiatives currently underway, exchange information on individual strategies and consider opportunities to better align and promote key industry messaging.
“As an industry, we have a strong argument about the value of the industry and a growing body of research-based evidence that documents this, but have had very limited success in delivering this message where it really matters, namely amongst government and community audiences who are shaping the future of the industry” said JMIC President Philippe Fournier. “Through this conference we will be able to compare strategies amongst a variety of industry organizations and accelerate the development of a more consolidated approach to addressing influential groups like government who need to see this if they are to take us seriously”.
The session has been organized by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), an organization that represents the combined interests of 15 international Meetings Industry associations that are its members. JMIC has provided a forum for information exchange amongst industry groups for over 50 years and has in recent years become more engaged in the process of articulating and delivering industry messages as well as the mechanisms for documenting the value of the industry.
“Success in communicating demands a sustained and consistent initiative, and that is what we are now encouraging and supporting as an organization”, said Fournier.
The active member associations who comprise JMIC today are:
AACVB, the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus
AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres
ASAE, the American Society of Association Executives
Cocal, the Latin American Confederation of PCO and Related Companies
DMAI, Destination Marketing Association International
ECM, European Cities Marketing
EFAPCO, the European Federation of Associations of Professional Congress Organisers
EVVC, European Association of Event Centres
IAPCO, the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers
ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association
IFES, the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services
MPI, Meeting Professionals International
PCMA, the Professional Convention Management Association
Site, the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
JMIC is supported by the CIC (Convention Industry Council).
