Insights from the 64th ICCA Congress

From 9 to 12 November 2025, the This is Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau team participated in the 64th ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal. As the flagship event for the International Congress and Convention Association, the gathering brought together 1,514 delegates from 81 countries to discuss the future of the international meetings industry.

A Multi-Venue Approach

This year’s congress adopted an inventive multi-venue model offering varied settings for the sessions. While centred at the Alfândega Congress Centre, the programme extended across eight additional iconic locations throughout Porto. This format facilitated a dynamic environment for networking and demonstrated how a destination can integrate its diverse infrastructure into a cohesive delegate experience.

Key Themes and Education

The congress programme was structured around five thematic pillars: Innovation, Sustainability, Leadership, New Business Models, and Creativity.

For the This is Athens CVB team, the sessions provided updates on the trends currently reshaping the MICE sector. High on the agenda were discussions regarding the practical application of Artificial Intelligence, approaches to circular economy principles in event management, and the continued importance of accessibility and inclusion.

Strategic Value for Athens

Our participation focused on strengthening Athens' position as a competitive destination for high-demand professional events. The congress offered a platform to meet key decision-makers and international association representatives, exchange knowledge through workshops and support ongoing strategic planning.

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