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SPAIN – THE ICCA COMMUNITY GATHERS IN COIMBRA FOR A RECORD-BREAKING EDITION
Every meeting in our sector and among its many associations has its own unique flavor. And it must be said that the ICCA Iberian Chapter Congress has something truly special. The DNA of the association is coopetition: in the congress world (where once you have hosted an edition, you are unlikely to see that congress return for several years), the destinations and venues that make up ICCA share information about these congresses. Perhaps for this reason, a collaborative and open atmosphere permeates the entire congress. Many people speak of the “ICCA family,” and we had the honor of participating in this latest edition in Coimbra, in central Portugal.
This was a record-breaking edition in terms of attendance, with 92 participants from five countries. It took place in Coimbra, a beautiful medieval city in central Portugal with Roman origins, formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Portugal, a university city (its university was founded in 1537), and a leading cultural destination (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Beyond the great hospitality of Turismo de Centro de Portugal, what did we experience there?
Young talent. As always, ICCA used this congress as an opportunity to connect with young talent and invited local students to learn about our sector in a session prior to the congress—an interesting example of local impact. The students session hosted the largest number of participants since it began: 90 students from the University of Coimbra.
Social events in privileged venues. A historic city is an environment that organizers must take advantage of—and they certainly did. From a city tour during the welcome, to a reception at the famous university (the oldest in Portugal), a gathering in the botanical garden, a dinner at Casa das Caldeiras, and another at the Convent of São Francisco, the event became a journey through a city that has so much to tell.
Natural decoration. What if nature were the best decoration of all? Several venues were decorated with plants creating a striking visual impact. For the sessions, the Convent of São Francisco was chosen and decorated with plants, creating a very unusual and warmer meeting environment. A reception was held in the city’s botanical garden. The dinner on the second day featured large bamboo arrangements and incredible centerpieces—actual trees placed in the middle of the tables. A decorative theme that worked beautifully.
The classic business exchange. This session, which is “purely ICCA,” consists of several destinations, venues, and PCOs sharing information about the congresses they are aware of, making it easier for others to bid for and attract these congresses.
Coimbra on the map. This destination in central Portugal is clearly gaining visibility and used this session to present its latest developments. It is currently very active in the events sector: for example, it will host the Michelin Gala and the impactful Manifesta Art Biennial (which took place in Barcelona in 2024). A destination that uses events to bring its gastronomic and cultural traditions to life.
Tribute. Belén Mann from Ifema will retire in April, and the ICCA community paid a beautiful and emotional tribute to this outstanding figure in our sector during the dinner on the second evening—an emotion that confirmed the true sense of the ICCA Iberian family. The evening continued with a surprise performance by a tenor in one of the convent halls, followed by a lively live band that got much of this joyful family dancing.