Association executives should expect to see more politicians making bids for their conventions in future, a meeting of industry stakeholders was told.

The concept of politicians as ambassadors was reinforced at a meeting in Milan of 120 congress operators, politicians and business owners to discuss the opportunities international conferences offer for development of a whole country.

Organised on the occasion of an ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) board meeting, Francesca Manzani, head of the Florence Office of AIM Group, outlined why politicians should pay more attention to bidding for scientific conferences; the competitiveness of Italy in the sector; the future of medical meetings and give an overview of the changes which have occurred in recent years.

"The event was useful to raise awareness in national institutions of the economic impact that the congress sector might have and to give courage to the shareholders,“ she said.

“In Italy, we do have facilities, infrastructures and professionals to aim at a great success on the international market. Teamwork, political support and long-term visions are the elements to make the difference. ICCA is and will be at our side to help us in such a qualitative leap. It’s up to us deciding how to treasure it."

Meanwhile Arnaldo Nardone, president of ICCA, suggested Italy should stop feeling sorry for itself. "Problems are common to many nations,” he said.

“Italy should stop thinking that difficulties exist only here in your country and should open up and look across the border. You may be surprised to discover that perhaps other ICCA members in other countries have already found the solution to your same problem. It may be much easier to imitate positive experiences. This is the added value of our association".

PIC: The ICCA board