Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Head, Border Risk Dissemination Management, World Health Organization
Dr Ninglan WANG, MD, MPH, MA, is heading Border Health Risk Dissemination unit in Country Readiness Strengthening department, WHO Health Emergency Program. The unit is mandated to support countries in health emergency readiness for cross border movement, planning and management of mass gathering events.
President & CEO, ProColombia
Flavia Santoro Trujillo is a barranquillera lawyer from Universidad Javeriana, specialist and master in Insurance Rights from the same university, with wide experience in development and management of institutional relations of the private sector, strengthening strategic and commercial alliances for the attainment of funds.
President – ICCA
James has 25 years’ experience in event organisation and major venue management. He began as a conference organiser for UK-based Water Research Centre organising national and international events then made a move into venue management, joining Wembley Stadium Ltd as an event manager across Wembley’s Stadium, Arena and Conference & Exhibition Centre venues, managing international conferences and exhibitions, concerts for artists such as Madonna and Michael Jackson and also the FA Cup. After 3 years he moved into a commercial role, focusing on the exhibition and conference side of the business.
Subsequent roles included London Arena as Sales & Marketing Director then Hilton International as Director of Hilton Direct.
He is now responsible for the Sales & Marketing Strategy for the Conference & Events Division of ExCeL London which has become globally recognised in the congress and convention industry
As a venue owned by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), he is also responsible for helping to promote ADNEC to international event planners to host their events in the Middle East region.
Executive Advisor, Author, Advocate
Katja Iversen is an executive adviser, author, and global influencer on sustainability, leadership, and gender equality.
She is the former President/CEO of Women Deliver and host of several Women Deliver conferences – the world’s largest conference on gender equality with 8000+ participants. Today she is a sought lecturer and speaker, and holds various board and executive advisory roles, including with Women Political Leaders, Kings College Institute for Women’s Leadership, Goal Goals World Cup and Global Health 50/50, just as she sits on UNILEVER’s Global Sustainability Advisory Council.
Katja has a background as a leader in civil society, the United Nations, and as a cultural leadership trainer for Fortune 500 executives. She among other things, has been a member of President Macron’s and Prime Minister Trudeau’s G7 Gender Equality Councils, an advisor to Bill and Chelsea Clinton and the Clinton Global Initiative, and on MIT Solve Challenge’s Women and Tech Leadership Group.
She was one of the original members of 100Women@Davos, was named Dane of the Year in 2018, included in Apolitical’s Top 20 of Most Influential People in Gender Policy in 2019, and appointed a UN Food Champion in 2021.”
President & CEO of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
Michelle Mason serves as the President & CEO of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). She is passionate about the advancement of the professional practice of association management. Prior to ASAE, Michelle served as the President and CEO of Association Forum for seven years; as Managing Director of Strategy and Innovation at the American Society for Quality (ASQ); and Vice President of Strategic and Future Focused Research Programs at ASAE. Michelle currently serves on Destinations International Foundation, and Tourism Diversity Matters (TDM). Michelle is a Chicago Business Journal Women of Influence Honoree 2019, Chicago Defender Women of Excellence Honoree 2019, and the CEO Update Professional Society CEO of the Year 2020. Michelle is a certified association executive (CAE), Fellow of the American Society for Association Executives (FASAE) and a Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA).
Session topic: Reflection of megatrends in an interview style
Director of Innovation, Education and Investments, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Natalia Bayona leads the innovation, education and investments strategy of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations specialized agency for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism worldwide. With a diverse background on politics, destination management and business, she has become the first innovation director at UNWTO, has introduced entrepreneurship and education as key factors for tourism and development, and has positioned UNWTO as an innovation benchmark within the wider United Nations system as recognized in the UN 2020 Mapping of Innovation, Data and Digital Capacities.
Chief Executive Officer – ICCA
Senthil has over 20 years’ experience in the meetings, association and leisure industry. He has held a wide spectrum of positions in the meetings industry, such as CEO of the Convention Bureau of Sri Lanka and Vice President of Kuoni. He moved to Dubai in 2006 and started working for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) arm of Emirates Group, eventually assuming responsibility for wide-ranging business development, sales and operations functions for some of the largest international meetings held in the U.A.E., including the World Diabetes Congress, UITP, and World Economic Forum. He has been involved in winning many Congress bids for Dubai, the U.A.E., and the Middle East region.
Academically, he holds a European Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration and is currently studying for his PhD. Senthil has been working in the global association meetings industry for more than two decades and has in-depth knowledge of global association market development. He was the Regional Director Middle East of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for three years, before being appointed Chief Executive Officer of ICCA, which is headquartered in the Netherlands, in 2019.
Senthil was named Global Business Events Strategist of the Year by PCMA in 2019.
Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
Dame Vivian Hunt is a Senior Partner for McKinsey & Company. Vivian previously served as Managing Partner for the UK and Ireland for seven years and led the Pharmaceutical and Medical Products Practice in EMEA. She advises corporate, public, and third sector clients on the topics of performance improvement, productivity growth and leadership. She has been named “the most influential black woman in Britain”, “one of the top 25 consultants in the world”, and “one of the 30 most influential people in the City of London”.
Vivian has co-authored some of McKinsey’s most influential publications, including McKinsey’s Solving the United Kingdom’s productivity puzzle in a digital age, showing that both human capital and technology are at the heart of improving productivity.
Her pioneering work tying diversity to strong financial performance includes: The Power of Parity (2016), Delivering through Diversity (2018), Diversity Wins: how inclusion matters (2020) and Diversity still matters. More recently, Vivian’s co- authored articles include COVID-19 in the United Kingdom: Assessing Jobs at Risk and the impact on people and places and The case for stakeholder capitalism.
Vivian is on the board of several significant business groups, charitable and education bodies including the Prime Minister’s Build Back Better Council, the Confederation of British Industry, and the Harvard Board of Overseers. Vivian is Chair of Teach First, the UK’s leading education charity, Trustee of The British Museum and sits on the governing board of the Southbank Centre and the US-UK Fulbright Commission.
Vivian is an inspirational speaker and a powerful advocate for non-traditional voices in the corporate world. In October 2020, she delivered a TED Talk on How businesses can serve everyone, not just shareholders.
In 2018, Vivian was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the economy and women in business.
Vivian is an alumna of Harvard College and received her MBA from Harvard Business School.
President and CEO, Talley Management Group, Inc.
Gregg H. Talley, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, brings a broad range of experience from more than 30 years within the Association/Event Management Industry. With a degree from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in international relations, Gregg utilizes those skills to manage national and international organizations and boards. Gregg has personally managed hundreds of events globally for associations, societies, corporations and religious organizations including one of the largest convention events in North America, the 50,000+ attendee International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous, a TMG client partner for more than thirty years.
A recognized professional in the field, Gregg consults, speaks and writes regularly on issues within association and event management and business event strategy for organizations and destinations. Gregg holds both the Certified Association Executive (CAE) and the Fellow of the American Society for Association Executives (FASAE) designations. He is past national chair and current member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and a Board member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA).
Session: Global Association Meetings Protocol update: where we are at now
Ida Jeng Christensen
Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Centre for the New Economy and Society, World Economic Forum
Session: Copenhagen Lecture
Ida Jeng Christensen is Danish national, specialized in international relations, communications and new types of public-private partnerships in support of the Sustainable Development Goals. Ida has worked in New York, Beijing, Nairobi and Copenhagen, and now works as the head of stakeholder engagement for the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society in Geneva. The Centre shapes prosperous, inclusive and equitable economies and societies that create opportunity for all. It provides global leaders with an integrated hub to understand emerging socio-economic trends and to shape the future through new policies, practices and global coalitions. It accelerates impact on four interconnected Missions: 1) Economic Growth, Revival and Transformation; 2) Work, Wages and Job Creation; 3) Education, Skills and Learning; and 4) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice. With 15 years of experience driving and scaling international programmes and teams, Ida has worked for the United Nations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, a tech-nonprofit, a management consulting firm and the media.
Cynthia Kiang
Director General, Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA
Session: Global meetings associations protocol
Cynthia’s experience in the meetings industry:
- Director Genera, Department of International Cooperation, MOEA
- Director General, Department of Commerce, MOEA
- Deputy Director General, Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA
- Chief Secretary, Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA
- Director, Trade Development Division, Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA
- Executive Secretary, Department of Commerce, MOEA
- First (Economic) Secretary Economic Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada
- Section Chief Industrial Development Bureau, MOEA
Unveiling Global Meta Trends
Partner, McKinsey & Company, McKinsey Global Institute
Meta Trend Expert: Future of work- Wellbeing
Anu Madgavkar is a partner with the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm.
Anu’s leads global research focuses on labor markets and human capital; technology’s economic impact; gender economics; digital and financial inclusion; and inclusive growth. She has led research efforts focused on India’s economic growth, labor market, and digital economy.
Chair of the Board, Freeman Company
Meta Trend Expert: Organizational culture
As Freeman continues to lead the brand experience category, Carrie approaches the future with a focus on refining the company’s culture and business approach.
Carrie grew up in the business, and as the third generation of Freeman leaders (her grandfather is founder Buck Freeman; her father is Chair Emeritus Don Freeman), Carrie employs forward-thinking strategies that maintain the company’s reputation as an industry innovator while staying true to its core values.
Carrie has been frequently recognized by her peers and the industry at large for her outstanding contributions and achievements. She is involved with numerous organizations and nonprofits — one passion is her involvement with Girls Inc. — and begins and ends each day fulfilling Freeman’s obligation to positively affect employees, stakeholders, and the community.
Marketing Director EMEA: Strategy & Planning, Chief of Staff, Integrated Marketing, Event Marketing, CISCO
Meta Trend Expert: The Human Dimension and the Impact of Technology
Gerd is a Marketing Director at Cisco, wearing multiple heads, managing multiple teams. Next to leading a Global Centre of Excellence for Events (focused on event strategy, operating models and execution), he is leading Strategy and Planning for the EMEA Growth Marketing Organisation including leading the Integrated Marketing team. He has a passion for events and building and coaching high performing teams. Strong in building strategies and getting them executed. Before his current 11 years tenure at Cisco, he worked almost a decade at Microsoft in various marketing roles. He is also a guest lector for a bachelor degree in Belgium.
Innovation Keynote Speaker and Bestselling Author
Meta Trend Expert: Innovation, agility, collaboration
Josh Linkner is a creative troublemaker. He started his career as a jazz guitarist and then went on to become the founder and CEO of five tech companies, which sold for a combined value of over $200 million. He is also a deeply experienced business leader, venture capitalist, top-rated keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, and professional jazz guitarist. He is a world-renown expert on innovation, disruption, and hyper-growth leadership.
Chilean activist and Founder of Tremendas platform
Meta Trend Expert: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Julieta is an activist for climate justice and gender equity, she is 18 years old and 2 years ago, when she was 15, I founded Tremendas with the conviction that collaboration is the way to hope and that the voice of girls must be heard.
Today Tremendas has presence in 18 countries through more than 1000 activists from all over the world and that is the reflection of perseverance, effort, will and above all teamwork.
In the path of activism she has also had the opportunity to be co-founder of Latinas For Climate and member of the Beijing+ 25 Youth Task Force of UNWOMEN.
Director of Conference Affairs Services, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Meta Trend Expert: Building Community
Laura is the Director of Conference Affairs at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – the UN’s primary body focused on developing and monitoring global policy on climate change issues, based in Bonn, Germany. As Director of Conference Affairs, she is responsible for setting standards and working with host countries to deliver the largest annual meeting in the UN system, known as the Conference of the Parties, or COP, which attracts more than 25,000 participants over a two-week period.
Global Panel Discussions
Educational Programmes Manager for the European Respiratory Society (ERS
Session: Building Community
Educational Programmes Manager for the European Respiratory Society (ERS), a non-profit membership society with over 30,000 members representing over 160 countries worldwide, with an annual congress that attracts more than 22,000 respiratory health professionals each year.
Amy has 15+ years of experience in working in membership organisations, with the last 10 focussed primarily on the strategy, development, implementation and evaluation of a whole range of educational interventions ranging from capacity building, faculty development, events/training (hybrid, online and onsite), to live broadcasted medical procedures.
Chief Director: Innovation and Business Development, University of Stellenbosch
Chief Director: Innovation and Business Development at Stellenbosch University and also the CEO of US Enterprises (Pty) Ltd, the University’s commercial company. Anita is an experienced technology transfer professional with her roots in technology innovation and venture capital stretching as far back as 1998. She started her career in technology with Thawte Consulting, a digital security firm and, transitioning through the company’s acquisition by Verisign in 2000, moved to HBD Venture Capital Fund. At HBD Anita was involved in investing in various technology start-ups before taking up the challenge of joining and restructuring Innovus, the technology transfer office of Stellenbosch University.
Since she started at Stellenbosch University, Anita has grown Innovus to become one of the leading university technology transfer offices in Africa and in the process established herself as a thought leader in the industry. As part of this journey, Anita has established the highly successful LaunchLab Business incubator at Stellenbosch and was instrumental in starting and raising the University Technology Fund (UTF) that provides funding for new technology start-ups at South African universities.
As a well-respected contributor to the international technology transfer fraternity, Anita currently serves on the ATTP adjudication panel for RTTP applications and holds several directorships on boards of young and upcoming technology companies. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology as well as a post graduate diploma in Education and a Bachelor degree in Science.
Session topic: The Human Dimension and the Impact of Technology.
Managing Partner, The Loudhailer
An innovation engagement strategist supporting executive teams and unlocking new projects.
Founder and MD of GIIG Africa, a pan African innovation network focused on cross border collaboration. Founder and MD of Loudhailer, an African innovation engagement agency focused on raising visibility and building partnerships for next gen technologies. Partner in GIIG Africa Fund, a profit and purpose fund, navigating the global megatrends through an Africa innovation lens and investing in Africa’s future markets.
Caitlin has over a decade of experience in government and currently works in the epicentre of the innovation scene in Africa to elevate the African innovation brand, localise global innovation programmes and products into the continent, and cross-pollinate networks across multiple stakeholder sets to stimulate economic growth and social impact.
Currently, Caitlin is leading the expansion of the Global Startup Awards in 55 African countries to identify and connect the top 1% of digital future shapers in Africa and support these future fit businesses with trade opportunities in both global and domestic markets with a direct link to investment and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Caitlin is known for bringing a level of ambition, creativity and cohesive thinking to projects and partnerships.
Session topic: Building Communities
Executive Director Global Travel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
Jami Stapelmann brings knowledge and experience in strategic planning, project management, and innovation concentrated in the travel/hospitality sector. Ms. Stapelmann began her career as a buyer for Macy’s department stores and has held various management and leadership positions. Her current role at Estee Lauder Companies is Executive Director Global Travel and Meeting Services. She was recently named one of the Top 25 Influencers in the Meetings Industry by Successful Meetings and was selected as one of the Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry by Meetings and Conventions Magazine, October 2017. Jami holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin and GLP designation from the Wharton School.
Session topic: Consumer choice – The Event Experience
Director of Information and Technology, Colombian Ministry of Defence
Global Panellist: The Human Dimension and the Impact of Technology
With a professional career spanning over 18 years, Juanita Rodríguez Kattah has focused on projects and initiatives related to technological innovation, digital entrepreneurship, digital transformation and cybersecurity.
Previously to her role as Counselor at the Colombian Embassy in the US, she held the position of Director of Smart Cities at ProBogotá, where she led projects related to data collection and analytics for city solutions. She also served as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Bictia, a non-profit entity funded by Norwegian cooperation, that supports and invests in technology-based startups in Bogota and Colombia.
As a public servant, she has held several positions including: Deputy Minister for the Digital Economy; Director of IT Standards and Architecture; and Director of Apps.co and Digital Content -the national government’s program aimed at fostering a new generation of digital startups – all positions within the Ministry of Information Technology and Communications.
In addition, she served as Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry of National Defense and Vice-Chancellor of Innovation at University Ean.
Juanita is trained as a lawyer and holds a Master’s Degree in Management and Organization of Information and Communications Systems, as well as postgraduate degrees in New Technologies, Innovation and City Management and in Business International Law.
Manager of Marketing & Communications, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
Kaili Cashin lives and works in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She has worked at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre as the Manager of Marketing & Communications since 2016. She is a self-motivated and dynamic marketer and communicator aiming to use brand and storytelling to bring people together to celebrate and share what is important to them. She is passionate about the outdoors, staying active and looks forward to when the world goes back to normal so we can all meet together face-to-face again. Kaili also forms part of ICCA’s Future Leaders Council.
Acting CEO, Wind Europe
Malgosia joined WindEurope in 2004, working her way up from intern to deputy CEO. She is responsible for all business operations, PR and membership strategy. She was announced one of the Wind’s 100 most influential female power-brokers, deal-makers and influencers in A Word about Wind 2017 report. In 2015, the Recharge magazine has proclaimed Bartosik as one of the 40 under 40, in acknowledgement of her key contribution in driving WindEurope’s successful operations, and a celebration of the decade of outstanding commitment to the development of the wind industry in Europe.
Since March 2020, Malgosia co-ordinates the activities of the RE-Source Platform. The Platform raises awareness on the advantages of renewable electricity sourcing and advocates for the right EU and national energy market legislation to boost green electricity procurement.
She is also Board member of the Global Wind Energy Council and OffshoreWind4Kids, a new initiative aiming at offshore education for children.
Bartosik is a regular speaker at various meeting industry events, advising associations executives and events’ planners on creative marketing, crisis management and communication strategies. She is one of the city of Brussels Ambassadors, actively engaged in promotional activities of Europe’s capital.
Session topic: The Human Dimension and the Impact of Technology
Managing Director, GCB German Convention Bureau e.V.
Matthias is passionate about driving change and innovation, focusing on future-proofing meetings and events as vital platforms for knowledge exchange. With a degree in business administration, he started out in hotel and congress management at Hilton International in Germany and has now almost 20 years of management experience, including as CEO of the World Conference Center in Bonn, which is part of the United Nations Campus. In 2010, he took up his current role as managing director of the GCB German Convention Bureau that represents and markets the German meetings and conference sector on a national and international level, with offices in Frankfurt, New York, and Beijing. Together with industry partners, Matthias has initiated various projects, such as the “Future Meetings Space” innovation alliance, that focus on the opportunities and challenges brought about by the digital transformation.
Session topic: Innovation, agility, collaboration
Global Vice President – Engagement, MCI Group
Session: Building and maintaining global communities for long-term engagement, growth, and cooperation.
A globally connected association professional, business leader, and management consultant, Nikki Walker has more than thirty years experience growing, consulting, and developing associations around the world.
As MCI’s Global Vice President Engagement – Associations & Communities, Nikki is responsible for ensuring MCI’s rich experience, expertise, and innovations are uniquely aligned to solve each client’s needs and optimize growth and engagement with their wider community and eco-system.
She oversees MCI’s regional hubs in Brussels, Dubai, Singapore, Washington, DC, and Sao Paulo serving Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North and Latin America, respectively, as well as many national offices and markets. Her global team of professionals helps associations #createexperiences, through live, virtual, and hybrid events; #designcommunications with strategic and digital transformation and #buildcommunities through consulting, management, and engagement solutions.
President, Simpleview
With more than 20 years of hands-on experience serving destination marketing organizations of all sizes, Rich Reasons works closely with executive leadership, new business development, and account services to help build and maintain strong relationships within the travel and tourism market. Many tourism industry leaders also look to Rich for his vast knowledge in the field, as he is a trusted advisor for several CVB and industry association boards. Advocating for the power and influence of DMOs as a powerful channel in the travel planning process is technically his life’s work, but as Rich explains, “The greatest testament to my colleagues at Simpleview and across this industry is that my job never feels like ‘work’ — it’s just a natural extension of something I love.”
Session topic: Innovation, agility, collaboration
Robin has been in the events industry for 27 years initially with the Scottish Exhibition Conference Centre covering many areas of the business in a commercial capacity. He enjoyed seeing a young business mature into an established, well-respected international venue and was proud to be part of the team that put Glasgow on the map as a world-class facility for hosting large conferences.
In order to further reinforce his cross-cultural understanding, Robin moved to Abu Dhabi in 2012 to join the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as Director of Sales. His principal remit has been to develop the conference and events sectors of ADNEC’s business.
During his time at ADNEC, Robin has overseen the activities of the sales teams who have delivered consistent growth which has established Abu Dhabi as one of the global leaders in major international events. Events of particular note during this period include Worldskills, The Special Olympics, The World Energy Congress, and the World Urban Forum.
Robin is an active advocate for the adoption of Innovation in events venues with a particular focus on how a meeting environment can encourage participation from attendees and in turn enhance meeting outputs.
As a direct output of ADNEC’s Innovation strategy, Robin was instrumental in developing a new style of event space called The Hive which was recognised with two global Innovation Awards. (AIPC & EFQM)
Session: The reality of innovation, agility, and collaboration in our organisations
Wee Min Ong
Vice President Conventions, Marina Bay Sands
Innovation, agility, collaboration
Mr Wee Min, Ong serves as the Vice President of Conventions & Exhibitions at Marina Bay Sands.
Marina Bay Sands is an integrated property with 2,561 hotel rooms, 1.2million sq ft of Meeting & Expo space, 300 retail shops and 60 restaurants. Marina Bay Sands is the leader in the hosting of Business Events and is the main meeting facility in Singapore.
As Vice President of Conventions & Exhibitions, Wee Min is responsible for the success of the Sands Expo & Convention Centre and the 3,600 events held annually at the main Meetings and Tradeshow venue in Singapore.
Prior to joining Marina Bay Sands, Wee Min last served as the Chief Commercial Officer at Suntec Singapore where he oversaw all commercial activities, operations and strategic development for both Suntec Singapore as well as Suntec International (An international venue management consultancy firm that serves convention & exhibition facilities globally).
Wee Min is passionate about the Meetings and Business Events Industry. As part of his continuous efforts to contribute to the industry, Wee Min is the first asian to serve on the Board of Directors of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) and is a key faculty member for the AIPC (The International Association of Convention Centres) Global Academy which trains senior venue managers globally.
Enterprise Vice President, Global and Industry Presence, Maritz Global Events
Global Associations Meeting Protocol
Ben helps lead Maritz’ global efforts, the Maritz Global Meetings Network and Industry Presence efforts. He represents Maritz Global Events with specific responsibility for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and the overall global coordination. He provides counsel and supports global strategic solutions for clients, and contributes to the company’s business development, industry presence and thought leadership efforts. His long-standing career has been in international association management, meeting planning and conference management, industry professionalization and skills development as well as convention center management. He is a well-respected international speaker and involved in a number of global industry associations and initiatives.
Regional Panels
Group Director-Pharma, Informa Markets
Adam is the Group Director of Pharma, Informa Markets, overseeing all the digital and event products, including the CPhI global events and Pharmapack Europe. He previously led Informa’s Natural Products Expos and the SupplySide events in the U.S. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado, Boulder and lives in Amsterdam with this family.
Session topic: Consumer Choice
Head Of Tourism & Conventions
Glasgow Convention Bureau
Paris
Session: Organizational Culture
Aileen is Head of Tourism & Conventions at the award-winning Glasgow Convention Bureau, responsible for the successful positioning of Glasgow as a conference destination for national and international association meetings. In addition, Aileen’s role includes Destination Management, working in partnership with industry, VisitScotland, and Glasgow City Council in collaboration to develop and improve the visitor experience.
As a keen supporter of the meetings industry, Aileen currently sits on the ICCA Board as Destination Sector Co-Chair.
For Aileen, collaboration is key, it’s all about Glasgow’s team approach, where working together, building alliances and successful partnerships benefits the client and ultimately this enhances the delegate and visitor experience.
Alejandra Hernández Zita
Sustainability Consultant, ChangemakerGlobal Destination Sustainability Movement
Regional Panellist: Sustainability
Cartagena
Pioneer in sustainable events in the Latin American region,leads the development of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement(GDS-Movement) across Latin Americaand North America.She has 18 years of experience in the tourism sector, working in DMC agencies in Cancún, Riviera Maya and Los Cabos, and for a large hotel chains at Hilton,Fiesta Americana and JW Marriott. She is certified as a Sustainable Events Professional by the Events Industry Council, with a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Tourism at the UCI, University of International Cooperation of Costa Rica.Since 2017, she has trained more than 400 people in the region as an instructor of the first Sustainable Events Certificate Course in Spanish and is also an assessor and consultant for the GDS-Movement, working with Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and Convention Bureaus to co-create their tourism and events strategies, benchmark and improve their sustainability performance to catalyse regeneration.
Ali Al Shaiba
Executive Director of Marketing Tourism, Department of Culture & Tourism
H.E Executive Director Ali Al Shaiba joined the Department of Culture and Tourism
– Abu Dhabi as Digital Marketing Director in 2018 and was appointed as Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT in 2019. He currently also serves on the Board of Directors of one of the UAE’s largest production companies, Image Nation.
Al Shaiba brings a wealth of experience in marketing and communications to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi that has enabled him to become an effective and innovative leader in this field. Prior to joining DCT, he was the Executive Director of Commercials at the Abu Dhabi Media Company, the top media establishment in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
He has also occupied senior roles in several media organisations across the UAE, including acting as a consultant for the Crown Prince Office – Dubai and Noon.com and acting as the Head of Technical Operations of Dubai Police. He was also the Founder and CEO of Twenty Thirty Media from 2010 to 2015, Tapit Marketing from 2011 to 2014, and was the CEO of the Abu Dhabi Digital Media Establishment from 2015 to 2017.
Al Shaiba specialises in effective marketing management and strategy planning, with a focus on the field of digital marketing. His strong leadership skills, as demonstrated by his extensive track record as a successful marketing director, have made him well-suited to effectively guide the marketing and communications efforts within the Department and Culture of Tourism – Abu Dhabi towards success.
Ali Al Shaiba holds an Executive Leadership Degree in Business Administration and Management from the University of Oxford, as well as a High Diploma in Computer Networking from the Higher College of Technologies, Dubai.
Session topic: Future of Travel and Tourism
Chief of Publications and Conference Management Section, United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC-AA) – UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)
Ali Todaro leads a large multidisciplinary team of conference management professionals at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa (UNCC-AA) at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. During a career at the UN that has spanned more than 30 years, he has served in various roles at progressively higher levels of responsibility, building an enviable track record of proven experience in socio-economic development and programme management. Mr. Todaro’s leadership philosophy, which combines both top-down and bottom-up elements, has inspired the UNCC-AA team to strive for efficiency, effectiveness and synergy. Firmly believing in the adage “all for one and one for all”, he focuses on the achievements of the team rather than those of individual members, with an emphasis on fixing problems rather than assigning blame.
In his present role, Mr. Todaro has rolled out numerous innovative initiatives at UNCC-AA, ranging from optimizing physical access for those with disabilities, to introducing technologies to minimize printing and paper wastage, to pioneering solutions for virtual and hybrid events during the COVID-19 pandemic, all in an effort to create a fully inclusive conference environment.
Session topic: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Founder and owner, El Colegio del Cuerpo
Regional Panellist: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Cartagena
Álvaro Restrepo is one of Colombia´s Contemporary Dance pioneers. He studied Philosophy, Literature, Music and Theater, before dedicating his life to Contemporary Dance. In 1981 he received a scholarship from the Colombian government to study in New York with Jennifer Muller, Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham and Cho Kyoo- Hyun, his most important master.
In 1986 he founded his own company Athanor Danza and began his international career as choreographer and performer of his own creations.
His work has been seen in more than 50 countries across the globe. Amongst other awards, in 1992 he received the Pegasus Prize in Hamburg Internationales Sommer Theater Festival for his piece Rebis. His work reflects a constant search for the ritual atmosphere and the sacred character of the scenic act.
Since 1995 he lives and works in Cartagena de Indias (Colombia), where in 1997 he founded El Colegio del Cuerpo – eCdC (The School of the Body) with French dancer, choreographer, and pedagogue Marie France Delieuvin. Mr Restrepo often refers to eCdC as a four – legged creature (arts, education, society and politics) with a heart in Nature. More than 9000 kids from the most deprived areas of Cartagena, have lived the experience of eCdC in its two main programs: education FOR dance and education WITH dance…. Mr. Restrepo is also a prolific author and contributor to many magazines and newspapers around the world with articles about artistic education, society and politics. He was awarded in 2007 the Colombian National Journalism Award Simón Bolívar for this chronicle “”Llora et Labora: Memories of the Flesh”” .For the professional company of eCdC he has created numerous works and has toured with his dancers internationally, giving them the opportunity to become also citizens of the world. Mr Restrepo is also a frequent lecturer in universities, dance and arts centers.
Regional Director Latin America and the Caribbean, ICCA
Internationalist. ICCA’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. A decade working on destination marketing and promotion, event bidding, investment attraction, and business development for multiple industries. Working towards (1) reaffirming the importance of the meetings industry for the development of our cities, (2) identifying challenges and opportunities in our journey to the future of events, and (3) exploring emerging technologies to strengthen the value we offer our clients/members/community (as a compliment, not a replacement).
Session topic: Consumer Choice
Lab Senior Manager, Copenhagen Legacy
Paris
Session: Impact and legacy of global events
For the past decade, Annika has been involved in designing, building, validating, and communicating new sustainable services bridging people, organizations, and sectors.
Today she is responsible for building and driving Copenhagen Legacy Lab forward – an initiative that was launched in 2019 in order to identify and capture long-term positive impact from congresses supporting national goals and strongholds. Copenhagen Legacy Lab connects international associations, business society, research communities, and citizens to benefit society at large.
Chief Executive Officer, IMEX
Paris
Session: Creating, adapting, and re-aligning organizational cultures
Carina has been working in the meetings and events industry for over 20 years. Today, she is the CEO of IMEX Group, which operates with worldwide exhibitions for incentive travel, meetings, and events. Carina is an Oxford University graduate and cultivates her passion for the events industry also on a voluntary level. In fact, she occupies prestigious roles within boards and committees in various associations that operate in the meetings, events, and travel industry.
Association Relations Director Latin America, MCI Group
Graduated in Business Administration and in Advertising, as well as a Mastering Commercial and Marketing Management. He is a professional with 31 years of experience in commercial and sales, marketing, operation, and production of events, and as managing director. During his first 8 professional years worked in Luxury Companies related to jewelry (De Beers, Ebel, St Dupont). Since then, has been involved in the Meetings and events industry, with a special focus on congresses, many scientific/medical subjects, so he ́s updated on health and pharma/medical device fields. Started in this Industryinhe ́s family company in Madrid, Spain.TILESAOPC specialized in the organization of congresses and events. After going through operations and commercial positions for 8 years, he took over as Managing Director and maintained this position for 12 years. In 2009 they merged with an international company(Kenes Group), and he continued as Managing Director for Spain and Latamuntil2019, as he also assumed the role for the expansion of the Group in Latin America. Along with his career, Carlosparticipated in the achievement of more than 900 national, regional or international events between 200 and 14.000 participants. Since 2019, based in Bogotá, is the association Relations Director for Latinamericain a multinational corporation(MCI Group)known as one of the most important companies worldwide in engagement and marketing, which also produces events of all kinds and sizes.
Session topic: Consumer Choice
Chan Lee
Professor, Seoul National University
Chan Lee got a Master & Doctor degree in HRD(Human Resource Development), Ohio State University, USA. And he continuously studied HR importance in all industry areas. Based on this experience, he is leading HR field with extensive consulting work as Co-chairman of The Korean Society for Human Resource Development, Head of SNU Career Development Center, and Adjunct Professor of National Human Resources Development Institute.
Session topic: Organizational culture
Solutions Architect Manager, Amazon Web Services
Cheon Gu Park has made experience persistently in various fields And he had to develop and running an IoT platform based on the cloud until a recent date. Furthermore, he is leading a field with his work of developing ‘Download & streaming paid music service based on device’ and ‘Video chatting service based on WebRTC’. Also he in an effort to sharing his experience through published and translated several books for the public and relative industry officials. Present, he working in Amazon Web Service for consumer goods and manufacturing industry clients who want to set up an optimal cloud architecture.
Session topic: Organizational culture
Managing Director, IFALPA (International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations)
Born in Northern Germany, Christoph Schewe started his professional career in 1985 in the German military. 14 years as an active officer in the German Air Force in various assignments, including earning a diploma in business administration, shaped Christoph’s planning, leadership, and training skills. Subsequently, he expanded his experience in the private sector in a two-year trainee program at the Allianz Insurance.
Passionate about aviation safety, in 2002, Christoph decided to return to this field and became Technical Director of the German Air Line Pilots’ Association/ Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) in Frankfurt, a non-profit professional organization; his responsibilities included coordinating national working groups of pilot volunteers, organize their meetings and external engagements, and to advocate for aviation safety. In addition, he served as Head of Personnel of VC for several years.
Since July 2013, Christoph resides in Montreal, Canada, and assumed his present position as Managing Director of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Association (IFALPA). In this international non-profit organization, he oversees the personnel, organization, finances, and activities of the Federation with its almost 100 member associations and over 140,000 airline pilots; Christoph has also a leading role in arranging the Federation’s annual international conference and about 20 working group size meetings around the globe.
Topic session: Organizational culture
Director, Barcelona Convention Bureau
Christoph Tessmar, new director of Barcelona Convention Bureau as of March 2012
Christoph Tessmar was born in Heidelberg (Germany) on 3rd of May 1964. After his education he started the professional career (always in the pharmaceutical industry) in Boehringer Mannheim as area manger for some countries in South America. In January 1990 he moved to Boehringer Mannheim in Barcelona where he started with organization of some events and congresses. In 1999 he joined Sanofi-Aventis Spain as congress manager; he was in charge of the organization and coordination of all the events of the company (national and international congresses, product presentations, symposia, sales conventions and booth design) nearly 500 events per year, where he worked for until January 2012. Since March 2012 he is the Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau. Since April 2019 he is president of the ICCA Iberian Chapter and member of the PCMA European Advisory Board.
Session topic: Sustainability/the Environment
General Manager
Paris Tourism Office Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau
Paris
Session: The Metropolis has a new constituent and it’s changing everything – cities talk sustainability
Corinne Menegaux, graduated from the Ecole supérieure des sciences économiques et commerciales (ESSEC – 1989), is Managing Director of the Paris Convention & Visitors Bureau (OTCP) since 2018.
She has extensive experience in the trade show and event industry and worked at Reed Expositions France (worldwide show organizer) as Division Director (hotel and catering trade shows) (2009-12), Division Director (hotel and catering, retail, communication, training, art, and culture) and Member of the Executive Committee (2012-18), before taking over the management of OTCP.
Corinne Menegaux is also President of IREST (Institute for Research and Advanced Studies in Tourism), a member of the International Skal Club, and Member of the Club des gourmandes Angelina.
Since 2021 Corinne Menegaux is vice-president of Paris Capitale de la Création, an association created in 2006 and dormant since 2011, re-launched in 2021 in collaboration with the CCI Paris Ile-de-France and representatives of fashion and design fairs.
She is passionate about gastronomy, arts, pop culture, entrepreneurship, and sports (skiing, tennis, table tennis).
Deputy Mayor of Paris and President of Eau de Paris
Session: End of the line for our old ways: creating sustainable cities for citizens of the future
Paris
Dan Lert holds a postgraduate degree in public law and economics and worked as a legal advisor at Parisian Public Hospitals, (APHP).
Since 2001, he has been active in Parisian community life, combatting unhealthy housing and lead poisoning, and promoting legal rights and citizenship for foreign residents.
First elected in 2014 in the 19th arrondissement, Dan Lert is since July 2020 Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of ecological transition, the Climate Plan, water, and energy.
Executive Director for Global Policy, One
Regional Panellist: Diversity, equality, inclusion
David McNair is ONE’s Executive Director for Global Policy leading a global team of policy advisers to ensure our campaigns are rooted in and supported by robust evidence. Previously he was ONE’s Director of Transparency where he worked to secure flagship anti-corruption policies and laws. These policies are helping people to follow the money and ensure revenues, particularly from natural resources, are spent on fighting poverty. He also led ONE’s policy work on data and internet connectivity.
Previously David held roles at Save the Children and Christian Aid where he worked on high impact campaigns that helped secure billions of dollars for nutrition and put economic justice issues on the agenda of the G8, G20, and UN. He holds a PhD from the Queen’s University of Belfast.
Virtual and Live Master of Ceremonies, Speaker on Positive Influence and Presentation Skills Coach at Darren Isenberg Presents
Darren Isenberg is one of Australia’s leading corporate MC’s and Speakers because, for over 25 years, he has brought warmth, humour, and personality into a Conference Room … or Zoom.
He uses the role of MC to help create the ideal educational atmosphere that allows delegates to not only learn more but also remember for longer.
He is renowned for his speaker introductions as well as his razor-sharp, on-message, ad-libbed comments at the end of each presentation, which offer a mix of fascinating facts, witty wordplay, and a light sprinkling of refreshing humour … all aimed at helping connect you, the delegate, with the speaker and keeping everyone’s brains fresh and involved.
In his time he has introduced and interviewed prime ministers, politicians, ambassadors, business leaders, sporting legends, and many other interesting people at conferences, congresses, symposiums, and summits.
He loves making business events better places to learn, and thoroughly enjoyed being one of the International Moderators at the 2019 ICCA Congress in Houston … and he is quite humbled by the fact that you are reading all the way to the bottom of his bio as, to be honest, he’s the kind of guy who would probably have glossed over yours.
Moderator
Chief of Technology and Innovation Officer, Smart Africa Secretariat
Didier Nkurikiyimfura is the Chief of Technology and Innovation Officer of Smart Africa Secretariat, a pan-African organization mandated by African Heads of State and Government to create a single digital market for Africa.
Aside from his official Smart Africa duties, Didier currently serves in as Chairman of the board of Directors of Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (www.rcaa.gov.rw) as well as Irembo Ltd (www.irembo.gov.rw), a Rwandan company that has deployed over 100 Government-to-Business and Government-to-Citizens e-services through a single portal since 2015. He also serves as a board member of the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (www.rba.co.rw).
At Smart Africa, Didier is leading a team in charge that is in charge of policy and regulatory harmonization, organizational strategy, programme and project management, operations, partnership and resource mobilization. He also leads the implementation of several cross-border tech projects in Africa, such as the intra-African cross-border fiber connectivity, increasing Africa’s Internet affordability and accessibility, regional Data Centers, Smart Cities, African entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems strengthening, interoperable pan-african Digital ID and the Smart Africa scholarship fund among others, with the ultimate goal of contributing to Africa’s economic growth and job creation. His primary focus is Africa’s socio-economic transformation through investments in technology, innovation and strategic partnerships.
Prior to joining Smart Africa, Didier served as Director General in charge of ICT at the Ministry of Youth and ICT of the Government of Rwanda from 2012 to 2016, Head of ICT Security at the Rwanda Development Board, Director of the National Computing Center (NCC) and Director of the National Data Center (NDC) at the Rwanda Information Technology Authority.
Didier has more than 18 years of experience in the ICT Sector. A national of Rwanda, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and a Masters of Science Degree in Software Engineering.
Session topic: Consumer choice
Dr Ay-Woan Pan
Committee Member of the Board of Managing Directors, The Garden of Hope Foundation
Regional Panellist: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Congress Hubs Asia Pacific
Dr. Ay Woan Pan is a committee member of the Board of Managing Directors of the Garden of Hope Foundation in Taipei, Taiwan. She’s served as a Foundation board member for 12 years. Additionally, Dr. Pan chairs the Committee of International Affairs and serves as a board member for the Garden of Hope Foundation in New York, USA.
Dr. Pan is a faculty member of the School of Occupational Therapy of National Taiwan University. For many years, she has advocated for persons with disability or other needs to (re)enter the workforce. Her expertise has contributed to the establishment of the return-to-work task force in the Garden of Hope Foundation which advocates for employment opportunities for women who have been unable to secure jobs and maintain economic stability.
After graduating from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of the National Taiwan University, Ay Woan Pan obtained her master degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Illinois, Chicago, USA, and her PhD. in the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Executive Director – Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel, Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau
Dr Edward Koh leads the Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel division of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau, a group under the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), since 2019. He provides strategic counsel to attract quality association congresses and corporate-driven events to Singapore, maintaining its position as a leading International Convention and Meetings destination. Edward also oversees local industry growth to further entrench Singapore as a business events destination.
In his previous appointment, Edward assumed the position of Executive Director,
Southeast Asia since January 2015. Edward led the overall operations of STB in
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Philippines and
Brunei. Prior to that, Edward was the Executive Director for Strategy & Planning and Research & Incentives in November 2011, responsible for the provision of economic analysis, consumer insights and market trends to the tourism sector.
Edward brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the China market.
He previously served as Deputy Regional Director for STB Greater China (2006-2008), He subsequently assumed the role as Regional Director for STB Greater China (2008-2011)
Before joining the STB, Edward spent 13 years at the Ministry of Manpower, where he
held various positions.
Edward graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1993 with a Bachelor
of Science, and Beijing University in 2003 with a second Bachelor’s degree (Chinese
Language & Literature). He also holds a Master degree in Public Policy & Management
(2007) from Tsinghua University, and a doctorate in Hotel & Tourism Management
from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, School of Hotel & Tourism Management. He
is a Visiting Professor at Bangkok University, and also sits on the editorial review board of the International Journal of Tourism Cities
Session topic: Impact of Technology
CEO, Proactive Health Solutions
Regional Pannellist: Future of Work
Seasoned health- entrepreneur who 21 years ago founded Proactive Health Solutions (Pty) Ltd {PHS}, one of the leading Employee Health and Wellness service providers in South Africa. Currently the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PHS
Alumni of the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN where he obtained his undergraduate MBChB degree (1989), and a post graduate Masters in Family Medicine in 2000.
In 1999, before he set sail on his bigger entrepreneurship journey, he obtained Advanced Management Programme (AMP) business qualification in Healthcare, from the University of Manchester, Business School. Over the past 21 years, he has established himself as one of the health industry thought leaders and regularly comments on various health industry issues like National Health Insurance (NHI), 4IR and the Healthcare industry and Competition Commission’s Health Market Enquiry.
Regular guest expert on various ‘Health Talk’ TV shows (SABC Channels; Etv, and Newzroom Africa), Resident guest expert on Radio 702FM Saturday Weekend Breakfast Show’s ‘Health Feature’.
Very active on the social media space (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram), sharing his views on topical health current affairs & disease awareness topics. Founder, owner and host on his own ‘Dr Fundi’ health channel.
Vice President, Director Scientific Affairs and Public Health, GSK Vaccines
Paris
Dr. Leonard Friedland, Vice President, Director of Scientific Affairs and Public Health, GSK Vaccines, is a pediatrician and research scientist who is passionate about vaccines. He spends his days helping people understand the science of vaccines and complex ideas about how vaccines help to improve public health and the lives of patients. He is also a licensed pediatrician in the state of Pennsylvania.
Following a rewarding academic career in teaching and patient care, he joined GSK in 2003 to focus his efforts on vaccination and public health. Dr. Friedland has held many positions in clinical research and development with GSK since 2003, specializing in infectious disease vaccination.
Prior to his work at GSK, Dr. Friedland was Division Chief, Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine. Dr. Friedland studied medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and conducted his residency in pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and his fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, also in Philadelphia.
He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles during his career, and many book chapters on healthcare and vaccination topics.
He is an active volunteer as a pediatrician with teams that perform pro bono cleft lip, palate, and other reconstructive surgeries to improve the lives of children and their families around the world. Twice a year his team now works in Guatemala City, where over the course of 5 days of surgeries, 75 children get new smiles and their lives transformed! He also volunteers as a pediatrician at Puentes de Salud, a nonprofit organization that promotes the health and wellness of South Philadelphia’s rapidly growing Latino immigrant population, and with the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps. He is a member of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Life Sciences Advisory Board.
He is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, served as the Alternate Industry Representative to the FDA Vaccines and Related Biologics Product Advisory Committee and currently is a member of the FDA Allergenic Product Advisory Committee, and is currently the Industry Representative Member on the Department of Health and Human Services National Vaccine Advisory Committee.
At GSK, Dr. Friedland is involved in the development of vaccines for use in children, adolescents, adults, the elderly, and pregnancy; including vaccines for the prevention of flu, meningitis, whooping cough, rotavirus, hepatitis, measles, RSV, shingles and COVID-19. He is privileged to be GSK’s medical and public health representative and spokesperson for US vaccine topics at CDC, other public health venues, congresses, and media outlets.
Project Management Congresses, Messe Frankfurt
Session: The future of gender equality
Paris
Being a part of the meeting industry for more than nine years now, I gained various experiences from managing small to big-sized event formats, from all types of clients, and from guests originating from all over the world representing lots of different sectors. This variety of our business is exactly the cause the meeting industry fascinates me every day. After working directly in touch with our clients as an operational project manager for six years, my current tasks are dealing with holistic, global, and strategic topics for the conference sector to further strengthen Messe Frankfurt’s awareness within the market. Thinking strategically and out of the box, implementing new ideas as well as being curious and ambitious, best describe me and my daily motivation. I am a person who likes to get things done. Ideas should not simply remain visions but be translated to specific tasks.
International keynote speaker and Managing Partner of CCM Consultancy
Edward is an international keynote speaker and Managing Partner of CCM Consultancy. He is an experienced leader that has spent 25 years working in human capital empowerment, culture transformation, and sales enablement.
Prior to moving to Dubai to establish CCM Consultancy, Edward lived in Toronto and was Regional Director for Canada’s largest financial planning firm. In 2010, he moved to Dubai to open up his consulting company. What started as humble beginnings with a team of one, has now grown to a well-respected firm with a diverse and multi-cultural team of over 30 Consultants, Associates, Coordinators, Coaches and Specialists, and offices in Dubai, Montreal, Toronto and New York.
An accomplished public speaker and TV commentator in Canada (for the national news station CP-24), Edward meets with clients regularly to consult on their issues and deploy effective solutions, as well as speak at conferences on memorable customer experience and organizational culture.
Moderator:
Future of Travel and Tourism
Dimension and the Impact of Technology
Consumer Choice – the Event Experience
Secretary-General, Philippine Retailers Association
Ms. Evelyn B. Salire has over 30 years of experience in association management work — starting with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) where she immediately rose from the ranks to become a Manager handling Publications and Business Assistance and Information Services.
In 1994, she joined the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) as Project Manager to handle the 1st Philippine Franchise Expo. It was a big success and paved the way for the annual Philippine Franchise Conference and Expo (PFCE). In 1995, together with leaders in the Philippine franchise industry, she helped organize the Philippine Franchise Association as its Founding Secretary-General.
As Secretary-General of the PRA, Evelyn has grown the organization both in membership as well as in staff support. To date the PRA represents almost 80% of the local retail industry and counts among its members all the major retail players and shopping centers in the country. Under her leadership, the PRA was the first trade organzation to have its own website in the early 1990s and the first association to have and implement a CRM program to monitor member engagement.
She has been advocating for the professionalization of the Secretariat for all organizations by showcasing the PRA as an example — with its Board working side by side with the Secretariat and letting their professional association executive — its Secretary-General — do what she knows best —-i.e manage the association and make it continually relevant to its members and the industry it represents.
Evelyn’s passion for her work as an Association Management Professional shows thru her work both in the association and in the regional arena. She earned the distinction as the Philippine Council of Association and Associations Executive (PCAAE) 1st Association Executive of the Year Awardee in 2015. She was also named as Association Executive of the Year during the 1st ever APAC Association Awards in 2017 and won it a second time in 2019.
Session topic: Building Communities
Eun Joo Yoon
Professor, Hallym University of Graduate Studies
Eun Joo Yoon is a veteran of MICE industry who worked for over 15 years. Now, she works as Head of Institute of Convention & Exhibition Management, Director of Suwon Convention Center, Director of Gangwon Tourism Organization. Also, she has an effort to professional manpower training at Hallym University of Graduate Studies. On the academic field, she advises and consults for continuous shift & challenge of MICE industry as Vice-president of Korea MICE Tourism Society, Vice-president of Academic Society of Event & Convention and Editor of Global MICE Insight(Mice industry magazine).
Session topic: Consumer choice – The Event Experience
Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Ottawa Tourism
Glenn Duncan joined the Ottawa Tourism team in early 2011 bringing with him, to Canada’s Capital, extensive industry knowledge and experience. Previously employed by Edmonton Economic Development Corporation / Edmonton Tourism, Glenn has dedicated over 30 years to the tourism, hospitality, and customer service industries in various management and sales capacities. Mr. Duncan’s current role as Senior VP & CMO sees him leading a team of dedicated professionals within the Meetings & Conventions, Sport & Cultural Event, and Travel Trade sectors while overseeing & contributing to all marketing initiatives for the organization.
Throughout his career, Mr. Duncan has been active on many boards and committees and a contributing member of several industry-related associations and societies, including his current role as the North American representative for the ICCA board of directors. Glenn’s passion for sports and major event marketing has also seen him lend his energy and expertise to many sports organizations and events, including being involved in the inception of EEI (Edmonton Events International), implementing Ottawa’s Major Event strategy, as well as previously sitting on the board of the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA).
Mr. Duncan continues to be a champion of and passionate spokesperson for Canadian tourism, perpetually building knowledge of products as well as global tourism industry trends and conditions.
Session topic: Future of work
Managing Director and Chief Changemaker, Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS Movement)
For the last 15 years, Guy has been delivering award-winning consulting services focused on helping cities, governments, associations and the hospitality industry step up, scale up and speed up their sustainability programmes and operational practices.
Guy is a recognised expert on creating sustainable and regenerative destinations, communities and events. He is the founder and Chief Changemaker of the Global Destinations Sustainability Movement; a transformation platform that inspires, educates and enables destinations to become more regenerative, flourishing and resilient places to visit, meet and live in.
Previously Guy was the President of the Green Meeting Industry Council, and from 2006 to 2018 was the Sustainability Director of MCI, the world’s largest association management, communications and events agency. Guy’s pioneering work has been recognised with 22 sustainability awards including the prestigious Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, the IMEX-EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award, the UNWTO Innovation Award. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment and teaches Regenerative Leadership at the Esade Business School in Barcelona.
Session topic: Sustainability
Manager, Conference & Convenings Women Deliver
Regional Panellist: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Cartagena
Gretchen (she/her) joined Women Deliver in 2018 as 2018/2019 Global Health Corps Fellow, in which she managed the development of 115 concurrent sessions for the Women Deliver 2019 Conference, while participating in a year-long leadership develop program. She is currently managing the program development and strategy for the Women Deliver 2023 Conference.
Prior to Women Deliver, she spent seven years as a fundraiser in both individual and corporate philanthropy for The George Washington University. A passionate advocate for human rights and social justice, she has worked for the Human Rights Campaign, EMILY’s List, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
Gretchen earned a B.A. in Women’s Studies, a Masters of Public Health with a concentration in global health, and a graduate certificate in LGBT Health Policy & Practice all from The George Washington University.
Hee Jeong Choi
Professor, Cha University
Hee Jeong Choi is both nominally and virtually expert in Wellness, Recreation Medicine, and Well-being. For more than 20 years, she experienced Member of Wellness & Beauty Association, Professional Director of Korea Anti-Aging Association and Head of Chaum Terra Spa Center. In recent, she work as a Professor of Cha University, Research Director of Wellness & Spa Institute, Chairperson of Wellness Tourism Committee, and Evaluation Staff of Korea Tourism Organization (Recommendation of wellness tour spots). In addition, she developing various alternative medicine programs for people can experience it. And also she make effort to consulting and professional manpower training.
Future of Work
Manager, Sales & Marketing, PACIFICO Yokohama
Ms. Hiromi Murayama started her career in the editorial section of a music publisher and a software company. After worked as an A&R (Artists & Repertoire) and A&C (Artists and Curation) director in the classical music section of Japan’s longest-established record company, she turned to meetings business and joined PACIFICO Yokohama, one of Japan’s largest convention complexes, in 2015. First, she served as an on-site coordinator, and then she took up a position in Sales and Marketing. Since then she has been involved in many winning bids for the international/domestic association meetings, the promotional activities for the PACIFICO Yokohama’s newly developed convention center North, as well as in the project planning of the Yokohama Global MICE Forum which PACIFICO Yokohama organised its first edition in February 2020.
She served as a Promotion Committee member of the 2nd ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter Summit in Yokohama, which was successfully held in December 2020.
Session topic: Impact of Technology
Private and Public sector leader
Hussein is a Private and Public sector leader with more than 20 years of experience in the service industry, his prior experience includes being CEO of Fetchr the tech logistics company, and UPS where he served as the Managing Director for the Middle East, Prior to joining UPS, Hussein served as a full-time advisor at the UAE’s Prime Minister’s Office and before that he used to Lead Aramex International in the Gulf region, where he spent almost 17 years of his career.
Hussein is a passionate public speaker and a very active member of the entrepreneurship community. He has completed the Exponential Leadership Program from Singularity University, US, and Advanced Strategic Management program from IMD, Switzerland.
CEO, Uniquegood Company
In Hyuk Song, CEO of Uniquegood Company, is working to develop and running a strengthening reality metaverse platform Real World. After He was granted a master’s degree of computer science in KAIST, work as Samsung digital-media SW developer. And he organized several TED local events such as TEDxSeoul/TEDxSamsung. furthermore, he received the Tour-venture of this year in 2019,2020 (prize of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister) and a grand prize of Seoul Tourism Start-up. Now, he is a trend leader leading a social trend and future.
Session topic: Sustainability
Session topic: Hybrid Events
Iris started in the congress business in 1987 working as a PCO in The Netherlands on international congresses, exhibitions and governmental meetings. In 2004 she switched to working at a scientific association dedicated to the science and treatment of disorders of the brain, the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP).
At ECNP she has been responsible for taking in-house the complete organisation of the yearly meetings and congresses formerly outsourced to PCOs. Iris is a member of the management team and her current focus is on the future strategy of ECNP and giving shape to its hybrid congresses and meetings.
Iris was president of AC Forum from 2016 to 2018 and served on the board as treasurer since 2011.
European Society of Cardiology, CEO
Isabel Bardinet started her career in the meetings industry in 1988 when she entered SOCFI, a French PCO company, where she organized national, international and governmental congresses, presented many international bids and learnt association management.
In 2002 she took over as Executive Sales Director at the Palais des Congrès in Paris and actively participated in the creation and development of the “Leading Venues of Paris”.
In 2005, she joined the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) to become the Congress Division Director. The ESC organises over 12 congresses a year, including the largest medical congress in Europe and biggest cardiovascular disease congress in the world with over 35 000 participants.
In 2009 Isabel became CEO of the ESC which currently gathers 7 sub-specialty associations, 15 working groups, 57 national cardiac societies and 6 councils in addition to the main cardiology association, with just over 100 000 members in over 90 countries.
Isabel Bardinet was president of the AC Forum (Association of Associations) from 2010 to 2012, creating the Association management chapter. She served as Vice President of the Club des dirigeants of the technopole Sophia Antipolis from 2012-2014. In 2014, she obtained the Certificate in Corporate Governance from INSEAD. Ms Bardinet received the 2015 Professional Convention Management Association Chairman’s Award, for her creative involvement of the community in advancing the ESC’s mission at ESC Congress 2015, in London UK, the 2017 JMIC Power & Profile Award and the 2019 ‘Lifelong Achievement‘ award from IBTM. She has been named one of the 25 most influential people in the meetings industry.
Session topic: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Founder of Intellectual Capitals and The Iceberg presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC)
Session: Building communities
Paris
James Latham is an advocate of the business and professional events sector. He co-created a platform with industry called The Iceberg (www.the-iceberg.org) which is presented by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – promoting and curating the mission, purpose, outcomes, and legacies of business and professional events – in trade, science, professional development, and subsequent job creation with the emphasis being on these outcomes and legacies rather than the tip of the iceberg, the travel and hospitality consumption associated with attending them. James also co-founded
www.IntellectualCapitals.com which is now owned by Northstar Media and forms part of www.amimagazine.global serving the international association meeting planner.
Ji Hye Choi
Researcher, Seoul Tourism Organization
Session topic: Forward to Our Future
Jihyun Kim
Director, Seoul Tourism Organization
Being in the tourism industry for 30 years, Jihyun Kim was able to gain background knowledge and experience to bring practical improvement to Seoul Tourism Organization since 2008. With this understanding and knowledge from Ph.D. in Tourism, she revised the MICE support program and initiated branding marketing for it by giving it a title, PLUS SEOUL support program when appointed as a director at Seoul Convention Bureau in 2019. She has dedicated her work towards bringing innovative working environment in MICE industry and strengthening SCB’s capabilities in the digital world, especially in response to challenging climate due to pandemic, based on the past working experience in Tourism Marketing and Information department as well as Smart Tourism department.
Session topic: Building Communities
Managing Director, Culture Counts
John Knell is a strategy consultant who works widely across the private, public and third sectors, and he has an international reputation as a cultural policy consultant, analyst and writer.
John has worked with a wide range of corporate clients, including Microsoft, Tesco, Astra Zeneca, Eversheds, Lloyds TSB, Manpower, and Siemens. John’s recent client work has ranged across highlevel public policy work particularly in the arts and creative economy sphere, strategic reviews and strategy development, thought leadership development, top team facilitation, executive advice and support, and a wide range of public speaking and event facilitation activities.
John is a frequent public speaker and media commentator on cultural, workplace and public policy issues, and is represented by London Business Forum (https://www.londonbusinessforum.com/event/the-80-minute-mba-5 ) for his public speaking work in the UK.
John began his career as an academic at the University of Leeds where he successfully undertook his doctoral research in political economy; he retains strong links with leading research centres; and is a fellow of the RSA.
Session topic: Organizational culture
Jorge Dias
Professor at Khalifa University with research activities in the Center of Autonomous Robotic Systems from Khalifa University – KUCARS.
Jorge Dias has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Coimbra, Portugal. He is a Full Professor at Khalifa University with research activities in the Center of Autonomous Robotic Systems from Khalifa University – KUCARS.
His expertise is in the area of Artificial Perception (Computer Vision and Robotic Vision) and has contributions to the field since 1984. He has been principal investigator and consortia coordinator from several research international projects and coordinates the research group on Computer Vision and Artificial Perception from KUCARS.
Jorge Dias published several articles in the area of Computer Vision and Robotics that include more than 300 publications in international journals and conference proceedings and recently published a book on Probabilistic Robot Perception that addresses the use of statistical modeling and Artificial Intelligence for Perception, Planning, and Decision in Robots.
He was the Project Coordinator of two European Consortium for the Projects “Social Robot” and “GrowMeUP” that were developed to support the inclusivity and wellbeing of the Elderly generation.
Session topic: The Human Dimension and the Impact of Technology
Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Convention Bureau
Julia is a passionate and driven tourism and business events professional with over 20 years of experience.
Since joining MCB in 2010, Julia has led the business development, bidding, convention servicing, research, and Government relations teams on the successful acquisition and delivery of some of the world’s largest and most prestigious business events. She has personally led the bids for some of the most highly acclaimed global medical conferences including the International AIDS Conference 2014, World Congress of Cardiology 2014, and the World Congress of Nephrology 2019.
In August 2021 Julia was appointed Vice President of the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), a demonstration of her leadership and expertise in the business events industry in Australia. She is also currently on the Board of the BestCities Global Alliance.
Prior to MCB, Julia held the role of Area Director of Sales and Marketing VIC/SA/WA with IHG (InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn hotels) overseeing the sales and marketing performance for 8 hotels as well as new hotel openings across the region.
Julia holds a Bachelor of Business (Catering and Hotel Management) and a Masters of Business (Hospitality and Tourism Marketing). Her sales experience includes 13 years of experience in a number of international hotel chains.
Session topic: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Executive Director of the San Francisco Bay Area-based nonprofit Ecocity Builders
Kirstin Miller is Executive Director of the San Francisco Bay Area-based nonprofit Ecocity Builders — keepers of the longest-running conference series on sustainable cities, Ecocity World Summit. In addition to stewarding the Summit and its sister series, Ecocity Forum, Kirstin supports the city and regional initiatives developing ecologically healthy, low-carbon built environments. She specialises in catalysing teams and tools for ecocity design and implementation that boost citizen participation and prioritise principles of urban ecology. She leads the International Ecocity Standards initiative, is an organisational member for the UN Environment Program’s Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities, and serves on the Technical Committee for the Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation.
Session topic: Sustainability
Regional Director North America, ICCA
Ksenija Polla, CMP is Regional Director North America at ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association. She has been working in the field of international association meetings for almost 30 years and her experience ranges from membership recruitment and retention, product development, event management, sales, marketing, and relationship development.
Ksenija started her career in Croatia, in the Congress department, one of the leading travel agencies at the time moved to the Zagreb Convention Bureau, where she worked on bidding and site inspections and joined ICCA in 1997, where she started in the Membership Department and has been building the Association Community from September 2013 until December 2020. As of January 2021 Ksenija, is heading the Regional Office for North America.
She has also been part of the ICCA 2020 Global Hybrid Congress organizing committee which was coordinating all activities including the education programme, marketing, sponsorship, logistics, and activities and programme of the local hubs.
In her free time, you can find Ksenija on the golf course following her twins’ rising college golf careers.
Session topic: Organizational Culture
International Bids Manager, Tourism New Zealand
Leonie was a founding member of the Tourism New Zealand, Business Events team set up in 2011. This role gives her the opportunity to work with people who are passionate about what they do and eager to share their experience and expertise with others around the world.
In 2021 a key focus for her team is on conferences that have a long-lasting, positive impact on both their attendees and the host community. This team is committed to demonstrating how meetings help improve the social, cultural, economic, and environmental wellbeing of New Zealanders.
Leonie’s experience, and the respect she has from the New Zealand conference & events industry, have enabled her to provide support and advice as we navigate the challenges of 2020 – 2021, the evolving health guidelines, and focus on the delivery of business events to the highest professional standards.
With a strong background in customer service and loyalty, Leonie is focused on building relationships, growing new partnerships, and ensuring the sustainable growth of this industry both within New Zealand and around the world.
Session topic: Diversity, equality, inclusion
Owner, Tasa Worldwide Colombia
TASA fue fundada en Suiza en 1970 y posteriormente llegó a Colombia en 1976. A través de más de 40 años nos hemos transformado constantemente en el mercado de la búsqueda y selección de ejecutivos en Colombia. Como expertos head hunter, trabajamos a partir de la estrategia de las empresas, valores y cultura requeridos, para aportar a nivel de estructura organizacional, en la búsqueda de talento, desarrollo y alineación con los objetivos estratégicos. Hemos contribuido con las empresas al recomendar ejecutivos que logran resultados en el negocio y un impacto positivo mediante un liderazgo participativo.
TASA Worldwide, miembro de la red mundial Agilium Worldwide – Executive Search Group, que cuenta con cobertura local y alcance global en los cinco continentes y se encuentra listada en el ranking Hunt Scanlon Global 25 Executive Search Review, presta sus servicios a numerosas y reconocidas empresas nacionales y multinacionales, que incluyen un buen número de las más importantes empresas industriales, comerciales y financieras de Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Centro América y Caribe.
Session topic: Future of work
CEO and Founder,Unleash Group
Regional Panellist: Future of Work
Europe Congress Hub – Paris, France
Marc Coleman is Founder & CEO of UNLEASH, the world’s #1 destination and marketplace for human resources, recruitment and learning leaders globally. Marc is passionate about building global communities that imagine, create and power the new working world. UNLEASH has served as a strategic transformation engine for the most powerful network of human resources leaders in the world. They represent the world’s leading employers and range from the Fortune 2000, public sector organizations, NGO’s to innovative start-ups and everything in between.
Marc has worked with UNLEASH contributors that include Sir Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, Edward Snowden, Stephen Fry, Esther Perel, Simon Sinek, Baroness Susan Greenfield, Sir Bob Geldof, Rachel Botsman, Gary Vaynerchuk and many more. In 2019, UNLEASH was listed on the Inc. 5000 – the world’s fastest growing companies with 212% yoy growth over 3yrs. Prior to UNLEASH, Marc worked in the US for Microsoft and Philips Sonicare and in Asia Pacific he worked across a portfolio of successful business and sporting events that included; FIFA World Cup, F1, The Rugby World Cup, The America’s Cup, APAC CEO Summit and World IT Congress.
Educated in Ireland, Marc has a Higher Diploma in Quality Control Management, Applied Biology & Physics, a BSc in Microbiology and an MSc in Biotechnology.
Deputy Director Commercial Division, ViParis
Vice President, ICCA
Marta has worked nearly twenty years in the meetings industry, and has worked with professors, association executives and destination partners to attract international congresses to Paris, one of world’s most popular cities for association meetings. She is charge of sales and business development for Viparis, who hosts nearly 1,000 events a year in 10 venues in the Paris region. Marta is also a citizen of Europe, having grown up in Portugal, studied in the UK and now living in France. She represents the European region on the ICCA Board, where she currently serves as 1st Vice President, after leading the France-Benelux chapter for several years beforehand. International cooperation, innovation, collaboration with our clients and education are key factors that will contribute to a bright future for the business events industry.
Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director at Department of Culture and Tourism
Mubarak Al Shamisi has over 15 years of experience in the travel and meetings industry. Since joining the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau as Director in 2014, he has strengthened the Bureau’s presence in Abu Dhabi and facilitated growth in the congress and conferences sector. In his role, he is responsible for the overall Business Events strategy and market positioning for the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Mubarak was elected Chairperson of the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA) Middle East Chapter from 2018 to 2019. He is also elected as the ICCA Board Member since October 2019 to date. Recently he has been elected as a board member of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) MENA Chapter.
Opening
Managing Director, African Association Management Company
Nicanor Sabula is an accomplished Association executive with more than 15 years’ experience leading national and regional membership associations in Africa.
He is the immediate former CEO of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and has previously held CEO positions at the East Africa Association of Grantmakers (EAAG) and the Association of Professional Societies in East Africa (APSEA).
Currently, he is the Managing Director of Africa’s first and only Association Management Company, called (AFAMCO)- the African Association Management Company. AFAMCO has an active portfolio of 5 African Associations whom it provides with a wide range of management services and advises on expansion into the African continent.
Session topic: Consumer choice
Member of the AC Forum Board in the capacity of Education Officer
Nicole Kaijser serves as a member of the AC Forum Board in the capacity of Education Officer, organising all educational activities, workshops, and the Annual Meeting programme as Chair of the Education Group. Nicole has worked in various event and programme capacities for higher education institutions in the UK. She currently works at the European Association for International Education (EAIE) in Amsterdam overseeing and designing all online and in-person learning activities for the association, with member and non-member virtual engagements reaching the high thousands in 2020/1. Passionate about learning design, she trains and provides instructional design support for all contributors to the training programmes, webinars, and Annual Conferences and is always on the hunt for the newest participant engagement methods.
Session topic: Hybrid Events
Management Committee Member, Event Greening Forum
Nomaswazi Tinus is currently the Founder & Director of African Mamas Crafts – a social enterprise based in Johannesburg but operates across 3 different provinces in South Africa to create urban-rural linkages and support rural livelihoods. Her background and experience are in the fields of Cartography (Mapping), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Geography – with almost 20 years experience in the property and telecommunications sectors. She is passionate about community development that is sustainable and inclusive.
African Mamas celebrates the beauty and creativity of African women who use their gifts and skill of their hands – passed down from generation to generation – to provide for their families by crafting beautiful handmade products. The brand exudes the warmth, generosity, strength, and resilience of African women who over the years have done much with very little. We focus on recognising assets people already have – and hence the slogan “WHAT IS IN YOUR HANDS?”
Session topic: Sustainability
Head of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Oisin has a twenty-year record of accomplishment working in communications, B2B media, and events. Since 2018 he has been Head of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week working in the Brand and Strategic Initiatives Division of Masdar.
He moved to the Middle East in 2007 to take up a role with MEED, the regional business information publisher, and then worked for Streamline Marketing Group for seven years.
Session topic: Consumer Choice – The Event Experience
Legacy Team at Paris 2024, the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
Paola Farber-Garcia works within the Legacy Team at Paris 2024, the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games responsible for planning, organising, financing, and delivering the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024. She is responsible for Equality, Solidarity, and Inclusion programs, and is part of the Paris 2024 Endowment Fund team. The Games are a dream opportunity to make progress on the environment, employment, the economy, education, and more. Paola will share the Committee’s will to build and leave a strong legacy, harnessing sport and the excitement generated by the Games for the greater good.
Session topic: Impact and legacy of global events
Secretary-General, Goyang Convention Bureau
Peter Lee is a MICE expert with various experiences in the convention industry for about 20 years. Based on many experiences such as educational program planning for training experts in MICE industry, and field practice: event planning and operation, he is Secretary-General of Goyang Convention & Visitors Bureau and a director of the Korea MICE Association. Also, he is making great efforts for the sustainable development of the MICE industry.
Session topic: Sustainability
Prof. Solomon Tshimong Rataemane
Secretary General: World Association for Psychosocial Rehablitation
Regional Panellist: Future of Work
Prof. Solomon Tshimong Rataemane (President: African Association of Psychiatrists and Allied Professions 2014 – 2017) • Chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health in South Africa 2015-2020 • International Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association • Chair of department of psychiatry at SMU 2003 – 2019 • Secretary General of World Association for Psycho-social Rehabilitation from 2014 -2020 • Central Drug Authority of South Africa (Deputy Chair 1995-2000; Chair 2000-2005) • WPA Zone 14 Representative and Board Member (2008 – 2014) • Chair of Conflict Management and Conflict Resolution Section of WPA (2011 – 2017) Secretary General: World Association for Psychosocial Rehablitation (2015 – 2021).
Chief Editor The Boardroom Magazine
Paris
Session: The future of work: key trends for 2021 and beyond
A specialized journalist in the association management field, Remi has been working for more than twelve years in the meetings industry. In 2017, together with Cecile Koch, he launched Boardroom, which has become the global reference point for the world of associations. Targeting associations based the world over, Boardroom doesn’t deal with the meetings industry per se but, instead, covers a wide spectrum of issues of interest to the associations. It also gives voice to destinations, venues, industry organisations, etc., who can help and partner with these associations.
Country Manager – Asia Pacific, Higher Logic
My first association job at 19 years old kicked off a career in association management spanning 20+years, three countries and multiple associations including Surf Life Saving Australia and Fitness Australia.
A husband to Nicole and father to Lockyer and Keeley I live in the southern beaches area of Sydney, Australia. Surfing, dirt bikes, snowboarding and wake-boarding dominate any spare time I get outside of work.
I published my first book – a children’s picture book titled Benjamin Allsorts Likes All Sorts of Sports.
In 2020 I received my Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives being one of only two Australians to gain this credential.
Under my leadership as country manager Higher Logic has grown 30% YoY over the last three years welcoming 15 full-time employees servicing close to 150 customers across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and UAE.
Session topic: Building Communities
![Rosariobcasas[93]](https://icca2021.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/170/2021/10/Rosariobcasas93-scaled-200x250.jpg "Rosariobcasas[93]")
Co-Founder & CEO – XR Americas, CoFounder & Partner – BCPartners Tech, Co-Founder – Brooklyn2Bogota
Award-winning women-in-tech advocate. Colombian born entrepreneur with over seven years of hands-on experience in data and technology-driven platforms & 20+ in Executive roles. Spatial Computing expert and developer. Co-Founder at XR Americas, BCPartners Tech, Brooklyn2Bogota Digital transformation community, Co-founding Member at Dreamers & Doers, and Co-creator of the 4 Dimensional Quotient guide.
Rosario is a member of the Advisory Board of SXSW Pitch, XR In Learning, The World Innovation Network – TWIN Tech, and a member of the Board of Directors of Artizen Premium VR Grant.
She has been a Business Mentor at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, Mentor of Mujeres Tech – Accelerator of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce – and the NYC WE program, Founder Institute, Mentor Makers of Nasdaq, and entrepreneur in residence (EIR) Spring 2021 at Harvard Ventures.
In 2017 she was named one of the 100 World Disruptors in New York City by the World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, in 2019 she was named one of the 5 “Legendary Women 2020” in Innovation/Technology by the Ford Motor Company and selected by the OBO Movement as one of the 100 Innovators 2020.
Session topic: Innovation, agility, collaboration
Executive Director, Greater Medellín Convention and Visitors Bureau
Sandra Howard is the Executive Director of the Greater Medellin Conventions & Visitors Bureau. For almost 5 years, she was the Vice-minister of Tourism of Colombia, between 2013 and 2018.
Sandra is a journalist and a specialist in Cultural Management, she also holds an Honoris Causa in Management of Tourism and Hospitality, known for her strong commitment to the promotion of competitive sustainable tourism, based on the appreciation of natural and cultural heritage, with a community-centered vision. As Senior Consultant at Beyond Green Travel, Viveajar & Eco Corp Group, she promoted sustainability best practices for Tourism and community development through tourism.
She has been a guest speaker in many countries sharing her experience on the transformation of Colombia through Tourism. As Vice-minister of Tourism, she focused on developing Colombia’s true potential as the new tourism destination the world should know about. Over 600 projects supporting competitiveness, promotion, and new tourist infrastructure were executed during that period.
Her commitment to the most sensitive issues of this industry took her to be part of the International Sustainable Tourism Year-2017 Committee to promote the 2030 SDGs and a member of the International High-Level Task Force against Children Exploitation. Her work has been recognized by many local and national institutions from the public and private sectors and in 2018, during ITB Berlin, she was granted the Empowered Women in Tourism award for the Tourism and Peace program designed and executed in Colombia during her administration.
Session topic: Organizational culture
Chief Economist & Managing Director, Oxford Economics Middle East
Scott Livermore is the Chief Economist of Oxford Economics Middle East and is based in Oxford’s Dubai office. He is also Managing Director of Consultancy in the Middle East and Asia, as well as a member of Oxford Economics’ Senior Management Team. Scott leads many of the major projects in the GCC and Asia which have recently included capacity building, macroeconomic modeling, and policy impact assessment engagements for government institutions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, and IFRS 9 and Stress Testing engagements in Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
After completing a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford University, and an MSc in Economics at University College London, Scott joined Oxford Economic Forecasting in 1997. During his initial five years at OEF, he worked as a country analyst for a number of European countries and participated in numerous consultancy projects for a variety of international organisations, governments, and multinational companies using both Oxford Economics’ Global Economic Model and bespoke economic models.
Scott rejoined Oxford Economics in 2005 as a senior economist after spending two years at the Ministry of Finance in the Slovak Republic assisting with the government’s medium-term macroeconomic framework and developing the analytical capacity of the ministry to prepare such forecasts. He has also held the positions of Managing Director of Macro and Industry Services, Managing Director of Macro Consulting, and COO of Oxford Economics USA.
Session topic: New Standards for Governance
Steen Jacobsen
Assistant vice president at Dubai Tourism
Steen Jakobsen is assistant vice president at Dubai Tourism where he oversees Dubai Business Events & City Operations – the official convention bureau of Dubai. Prior to joining Dubai Tourism in 2013, Steen held a role as director of Copenhagen Convention Bureau for 8 years.
Steen served on the Board of Directors of the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) from 2008 – 2014. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC). From 2003 – 2007, Steen was chair of BestCities Global Alliance and today he serves on the Board of Directors of BestCities Global Alliance.
Steen sits on the Executive Committee of Dubai Association Centre which is an initiative between the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Dubai World Trade Centre supporting international associations establish themselves in Dubai.
Steen holds a Master’s degree in Commerce and Commercial Law from Copenhagen Business School and the University of Sheffield.
Session topic: Future of Travel and Tourism
Head of Event Operations, SAP
Stephanie leads the Event Operations team at SAP, in charge of executing and delivering all operational workstreams for both in-person and digital experiences on a global scale. Her tenure has included leading the extensive SAPPHIRE NOW team, to design and deliver the company’s flagship event, as well as the most exclusive customer experiences with SAP Select.
She thrives on team success and creating an environment of trust and mutual support, where innovation is encouraged through mitigated risks, and individuals can be at their best. Stephanie is keen on diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, and makes sure the events she produces reflect these values.
Session topic: Consumer Choice
Executive Vice President, Ungerboeck
Steve has 37 years of experience within the Hospitality and Events industry, 28 years focused on the technology side of the business.
He worked in some of the most luxurious resorts in the world before establishing himself as a world-leading expert in the event technology field, holding management roles in tech companies such as Micros-Fidelio, Ungerboeck Software, Aventri and is currently Executive Vice President at the newly announced merger between EventBooking and Ungerboeck, the world’s leading venue management software companies.
Currently, Steve is the North American Chair for the International Convention & Congress Association (ICCA), is also Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Strategic Leadership & Resources Committee, on the Board of Regents (and an Instructor) for IAVM’s Venue Management School, a member of IAVM’s Cyber Security committee, and an instructor at the Venue Management Association’s (VMA) Australian Venue Management School.
Over the past 25 years, Steve has spoken in over 20 countries on topics related to the industry, with a focus on technology.
Session topic: Consumer Choice
Chief Talent & Culture Officer, ACCOR
Paris
Session: The future of work: key trends for 2021 and beyond
Steven Daines is a French and British national. He is graduated in Economics and holds an MBA in Hospitality Management from ESSEC.
Steven Daines started his career in Florida as a Purser on cruise ships before joining Accor in 1994. For 10 years, Steven worked in Accor’s subsidiary for Train services, Compagnie des Wagons-Lits, in France, the UK, Spain and eventually in Italy where he was Country Manager for 5 years. Steven then switched to the Hotel Business and held several positions in regional hotel operations, in France and South America. In 2012, he was appointed General Manager for Formule 1 and ibis Budget for France.
He was appointed at the Executive Committee in 2014, as Regional CEO in charge of Northern Europe and Russia. He was afterward in charge of the Middle East and Africa and of the New Businesses division until the end of 2017, joining then Affidea, the European leader in the operation of Diagnostic Centers, in the healthcare business.
In November 2019, he was appointed Chief Talent & Culture Officer and member of Accor’s Executive Committee.
Chief Operating Officer, Tourvest IME (Incentives, Meetings & Events)
Armed with a Communications Degree from the University of Fort-Hare, Thembi’s tourism career took off in 1994, when she was appointed Public Relations Officer for OR Tambo International Airport (then known as Jan Smuts Airport).
She went on to become the first and youngest black female to manage an airport in South Africa, when she took over as Head of George Airport, in the heart of tourism – the Garden Route, Western Cape in 1997 after South Africa’s historic first democratic elections.
Thembi has since worked as an Executive at South African Tourism, the Tourism Grading Council, Cape Town Tourism as well as RETOSA (Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa – a SADC Body). Thembi acted as the CEO for Brand South Africa, the custodian of the nation’s brand prior to her appointment as Chief Operating Officer of Tourvest IME in July 2019 .
Being appointed by the then Tourism Minister Martinus van Schalkwyk as the Founding Chairperson of the Lilizela Tourism Awards, and tasked with the responsibility of launching South Africa’s inaugural premier tourism awards in 2013 was one of her industry highlights.
Session topic: Organizational Culture
Director of Tourism, Conventions & Major Events
London & Partners
Paris
Session: The Metropolis has a new constituent and it’s changing everything – cities talk sustainability
Director of Tourism, Conventions, and Major Events, at London & Partners, the capital’s global marketing organisation, focused on attracting discretionary business, cultural & sporting events to the capital; and working with city stakeholders and member organisations to develop and build London’s leisure and event tourism offering.
Over 30 years experience in senior sales and marketing positions in the hospitality industry, recipient of the Eventia Outstanding Achievement honour in 2013; 2015 was named one of the top 25 women in the meetings industry by US based M&C magazine; and Eventix 100 most influential people in the events industry.
Tracy was awarded an MBE for services to business tourism in 2014.
Chief Operating Officer, Oraclis
From early roots in the tech industry, Victor got involved in the events industry as a project manager for the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). He fell in love with the industry and started a company that worked on hundreds of events all over the world. Since then he consulted with companies on their organisational culture, leadership development, and business strategy. Victor has post-graduate qualifications in Management Practice (Events Management, cum laude), Futures Studies, and a Masters degree in Management Coaching and Leadership Development (cum laude). His dissertation explored the impact of the future on team dynamics.
Session Topic: Organizational Culture
CEO, Seoul Business School
William Choi, the CEO of Seoul Business school, is an expert in corporate organizational cultures such as collaboration and human resource management. He has had more than 100 lectures at many companies. And He provided practical advice on points that tourism companies should focus on and try to change as Advisory Committee Member of Tourism Business Support Center.
Session topic: Organizational culture
Yeong-Hye Yoon
Professor, Dongduk Women’s University
Yeong-Hye Yoon is granted a master’s degree in International Conference in Ewha Womans University and a doctoral degree in Convention & Exhibition Management in Kyung Hee University based on a passion for MICE. Now, she works as an assistant professor of Global MICE in Dongduk Women’s University and Secretary-general of Korea MICE Tourism Society. Furthermore, She is an effort to figure out, makeup, and develop advantages & disadvantages of local MICE industry work as advisor of Busan Eco-friendly MICE and Organizer of Go-yang Sustainable MICE.
Session topic: Sustainability
Yoon Jeong Kim
Samsung
Yoon Jeong Kim is working for exhibition & overseas promotion in Samsung Electronic marketing group. Also, she experienced more than 90 business & public exhibition, conference, marketing and organized 60 conferences in global IT enterprise as an expert in she’s field. Based on this experience, she organizing and managing various exhibitions & conventions with a wide perspective.
Session topic: Organizational culture
Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand and Marketing, Etihad Airways
Terry Daly was appointed Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand & Marketing for Etihad Aviation Group in November 2020, having joined Etihad in March 2020. In this role, Terry is responsible for leading the Guest Experience & Service Delivery department, the Marketing, Brand & Sponsorships department, Etihad Guest, the airline’s award-winning loyalty programme, and Etihad’s global Contact Centres.
Since joining Etihad, Terry has played a leading role in steering Etihad through the pandemic, resulting in a highly regarded, industry-leading response, including the delivery of the acclaimed Etihad Wellness programme. Terry has also been instrumental in shaping the future of Etihad’s guest experience through technology and innovation.
Prior to joining Etihad, Terry has held senior leadership roles in other major airlines. Terry holds an MBA from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom.
Session topic: Future of Travel and Tourism
Chief Executive Officer, Durban International Convention Centre and ICCA Board member
Ms Lindiwe Rakharebe took the reins at the Durban International Convention Centre as Chief Executive Officer at the beginning of April 2015. Over the years she has spearheaded the collaborative efforts of the Durban ICC with strategic partners and industry stakeholders, produced impressive financial results, and seen the company make immense economic contributions to the provincial and national economies.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Leadership (Free State University), a Diploma in Management Development Programme (Executive Education), and a number of professional development programmes including the Financial Services Training Programme (International Training Solutions).
Prior to assuming her position as CEO at the Durban ICC, Ms. Rakharebe served as the Regional Executive for Absa KwaZulu-Natal where she oversaw the strategic leadership of the organisation and facilitated the growth of Absa/Barclays Africa Group’s footprint in the province.
Ms Rakharebe has served in a management capacity for all four of South Africa’s major banking institutions. Over her 30 years in the corporate environment, she has repeatedly proven her ability in strategic management and leading high performance teams.
She is the African representative on the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Board which is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.
Session topic: Organizational Culture
Lisa Jeller
Deputy Chair, She Means Community
Lisa is a tech enthusiast, passionate event professional and creative. As Head of Events & Sponsorship at event tech service provider EventMobi, her certified expertise has helped partners and clients meet the challenge of virtual events with courage & creativity and passes on this knowledge in expert lectures and interactive workshops. As a founding member and Deputy Chairwoman of the association She Means Community, she is currently working on the creation of a community platform and mentorship program to advance diversity and female empowerment in the industry and beyond. In 2019, Lisa has been selected for PCMA’s “20 in their Twenties” leadership programme.
Session topic: Diversity, Equality, Inclusion
TAKAMIYA Shigetaka
Deputy Mayor of Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Session: Nagasaki Presentation
In April 1990, started employment at the Ministry of Construction (currently Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism). After working in the Ministry of Construction and for the Nagasaki Prefectural Government, etc., took current position in July 2019. Oversees the Urban Development Department, Tourism and Culture Department, and Industry and Commerce Department, etc. Currently supervising the renovation of Nagasaki Station and its surrounding areas due to the construction of the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen Line, as well as the construction of the Dejima Messe Nagasaki. Involved in a variety of initiatives such as those to increase the appeal of the urban area, increase the non-resident population through improving urban functionality while maintaining municipal resident ease-of-living, as well as initiatives that promote activity and prosperity.
MAKISHIMA Masahiro
Policy Manager of Culture and Tourism Department, Nagasaki City (Overseer of MICE Affairs), Nagasaki
Session: Exploring Dejima Messe Nagasaki
Started employment at Nagasaki City Hall in April 1988. Became assistant director of the Tourism Policy Division (Department of Tourism and Culture, Economics Bureau) in April 2013. In April 2016, after promotion to director of the Exchange Promotion Office (Department of Tourism and Culture), was involved in MICE affairs, such as the purchase of the land on the western side of Nagasaki Station, conducting surveys regarding the construction and administration of facilities for MICE, and recruitment of business for the Nagasaki City’s MICE Construction and Administration Project (tentative title). Promoted to current position of Policy Manager in August 2018. Currently supervising construction of the Dejima Messe Nagasaki and incentivization of MICE tourism as well as the hard and soft aspects of reception. Also currently promoting prosperity of the city through encouragement of MICE tourism.
BUNYUU Hideyuki
COO of Nagasaki International Tourism and Convention Association, Nagasaki
Session: Future of Work
In April 1998, started employment at Kyushu Railway Company. After working not only in different positions in the company such as a railway planner, hospital secretary, construction site manager but also serving as an executive of CATERPILLAR KYUSHU Co., Ltd., and the other companies, took current position in April 2019. As COO of the Nagasaki version of DMO which is promoting tourism and convention business in Nagasaki City and its surrounding areas, revitalizing the region as well as contributing to the development of the industrial economy and the rise of culture and leading to the welfare promotion of society and public ad international goodwill, currently leading the organization. In addition to the position as COO, serving on the board of Japan Congress Convention Bureau（JCCB） which is promoting development of domestic and international convention and engaging in activities related to human resource development for convention workers.
Kotoyo Minakuchi
Section chief of Japan Tourism Agency(JTA), Nagasaki
Session: Future of work
Kotoyo Minakuchi, section chief of Japan Tourism Agency(JTA) has been working to promote overall MICE from both the public and private perspectives. Minakuchi has been engaged in research work on the state of MICE after the convergence of COVID-19, MICE gross spending survey project, research project to promote the use of concession schemes in MICE facilities. Before working at JTA, Minakuchi gained experience in many departments of major transport company in Japan. Minakuchi also holds a master of science in agricultural economics from Tokyo University.
Toru Nakano
Professor of the Department of Paghology, Osaka University Medical School, Nagasaki
Session: Future of work
Toru Nakano is a Professor of the Department of Paghology, Osaka University Medical School, Osaka Japan. He received his M.D. from Osaka University Medical School in 1981. He started his scientific career by transplantation experiments of mast cells and hematopoietic stem cells. From 1989, he joined to European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) as a visiting scientist and was involved in the viral leukemogenesis of chicken. As a staff scientist, he next went on to work, first as an assistant professor (1990) and then as a lecturer (1991) at the Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, on a project studying the molecular mechanisms of hematopoesis using his unique in vitro differentiation induction method from mouse ES cells. He took a professor position at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University in 1995 and started his study of germ cell development. In 2004, he was appointed as a professor at the Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences and Medical School, Osaka University. His major interest is “How various kinds of cells are produced from single totipotent cells, zygotes?” Based on the interest, he has been studying epigenetic modification, especially DNA methylation, in spermatogenesis and in early embryogenesis. To be more precisely, his recent and major scientific themes are de novo DNA methylation of male germ cells by germ cell specific small RNA, pi-RNA (piwi interacting RNA) and the regulation of DNA methylation in early embryogenesis.
Keiko Nishimoto
Lecturer of Ristumeikan University- Senior researcher of MICE Research Institute (Congrès Group), Nagasaki
Session: Future of work
Keiko Nishimoto is a lecturer of Ristumeikan University and also a senior researcher of MICE Research Institute (Congrès Group). She has been working as a meeting planner at PCOs for 20 years.
Keiko was awarded Doctor of Management Science from Kyoto University in 2020, with the research titled “Value creation over time: the application of IIRC integrated reporting framework to demonstrate the value of MICE business”. She is the first PhD with solid background in meetings industry in Japan, and will teach MICE management at several universities from 2021.
As an ICCA member, Keiko currently represents Ristumeikan University, and has been served as a Deputy Chair / Treasurer of Asia Pacific Chapter since 2016. She also serves as a member of academic advisory committee for ICCASkills from this year.
Shiomi Asako
Manager MICE Promotion Section, Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau, Nagasaki
Session: Future of work
Currently she is the Manager (international sales) at Convention Promotion Section of the bureau. In this position Shiomi has being involved in several international conferences like, the International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering (INTER-NOISE), Sibos, G20, IEEE Virtual Reality and Devcon.
Between 2001 and 2005 Shiomi Worked as a staff (international sales) for Leisure Section of Osaka Tourism Association – former Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau).
After that experience during 5 years Worked as a staff (international sales) at Convention Promotion Section of Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau.
From 2012 to 2016 Worked as a coordinator (international sales) at Convention Promotion Section of the bureau, later Worked as Assistant Manager (international sales) at Convention Promotion Section of the bureau for 3 years.
Masahiro Tsutsu
Senior Manager, Revenue Management / Corporate Administration, Avatarin Inc., Nagasaki
Session: Customer Choice
Joined avatarin Inc. in July 2020, after working for a National research institute, RIKEN (Institute of Physical and Chemical Research), in charge of promotion open innovation through industry-government-academia collaboration.
In avatarin Inc., as a senior manager of the Revenue Management Department, worked on project management of functional design and new functions within the avatar service platform, and also in charge of internal / external company collaboration projects by effective use of avatar robots.
Currently, developed concept of “avatar MICE”, active to build up a new way in which everyone can participate from all over the world.
Tomonori Haba
Sales and Marketing Division, Senior Manager, Sales Department 3 CRIWARE Evangelist , CRI Middleware Co., Ltd., Nagasaki
Session: Customer Choice
Joined (former) CSK Research Institute after graduating from college. After working as a game designer, Joined CRI Middleware Co., Ltd. from the time of establishment. Tried to deployed technology widely to other business field and release SFA system to a major pharmaceutical company, and got No. 1 market share in the industry. Focused to booming of video utilization, newly launched a web streaming solution 『LiveAct® PRO』 to realize comfortable audio visual experience, and succeeded to install to more than 600 companies like Toyota Motor Corp., BEAMS Co., Ltd., Shueisha Inc., and so on.
Currently, in August 2020, released new software product 『CRI DXExpo®』 for exhibition industry to help digital transfor-mation and coexist with COVID-19, and succeeded to install several firstly online holding events like 「ET&IoT Digital 2020」「Super City/Smart City OSAKA 2021」.
Keisuke Matsuo
Vice Manager of Marketing Department, Product Marketing Manager Sansan, Inc., Nagasaki
Session: Customer Choice
Joined Sansan, Inc. in 2014. After working in sales position, in charge of launching the inside sales department. After that, in the marketing department, as a manager, worked on a wide range of projects such as digital marketing, offline marketing, TV commercial strategies.
Since 2017, worked as an organizer of large-scale events, and most recently mobilized 20,000 people at online events. Currently, in charge of marketing for large companies, and also active as a product marketing manager for new Event Tech services.
Hatsumi Tanaka
CEO, Welltool Co,Ltd, Nagasaki
Session: Customer Choice
Born in Tokyo. Public relations officer of Pinky & Dianne, Novespazio and private labels at an apparel company called “Sanei-International Co., Ltd.” After that, active as the top narrator at “Flash Corporation”.
1977: Established “VENUS8 Co., Ltd.”, which handles temporary staffing, education and training, and costume production for companies. It accurately responds to client needs and boasts quite a high number of repeat customers owing to quick response and service. Acted as MC as well, leading events of various genres to success, and became one of the industry’s best MCs.
2010: Started a business to support total beauty at the Company. Also involved in food manufacturing and has won numerous awards at home and abroad. March 2015: Established “Well Tool Co., Ltd.”, an IT system development company that develops software applications for communication services that are provided across national borders and language barriers. 2017 & 2019: Made a presentation on Welltool technology at Pacific Telecommunications Council (“PTC”) in Hawaii. Selected as one of the finalists out of 260 applications in the PTC Innovation Awards. September 2017: Gave a speech at International Telecommunications Union (“ITU”) Telecom World in Busan, South Korea. April 2019: Gave a speech at World Summit on the Information Society (“WSIS”) in Geneva, Switzerland. May 2019: Received the Encouragement Award from ITU Association of Japan.
September 2019: Received “Recognition of Excellence Certificate” for the best innovative exhibitors at ITU Telecom World in Budapest, Hungary. December 2020: Received the “Special Award” and also the “Governor’s Special Award for Promotion of Women’s Advancement” at the “Going-Global Innovations Competition 2020” organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Across the language barriers and towards the world peace, we at Welltool are endeavoring to make a social contribution and to revolutionize world telecommunication field from various angles.
Hirokazu Tanaka
Corporate Officer, Strategic Business Development, Congrēs Inc., Nagasaki
Session: Customer Choice
Worked for all sorts of MICE business, including prestigious inter-governmental meetings of high-level officials, academic and industrial conferences of international organizations, corporate meetings, and so on.
Currently, along with handling in sports business field and in exhibitions, engaged to expand business networks outside MICE industry and in charge to develop of MICE-tech, some new products and services.
Tsubomi Nishikawa
Planner Strategic Business Development ,Congrēs Inc., Nagasaki
Session: Customer Choice
Joined Congrēs Inc. in December 2010, after working on salesperson at character goods manufacturer and on planner for new business development at web services company.
After working as a conference director, planner and salesperson in several medical congresses, joined on Strategic Business Development, in January 2019. Since then, in charge of planning and organizing hosted events(exhibition & conference), and work for Japan Convention Manage-ment Association Secretariat.
Since July 2020, in charge of coordinating in MICE Innovation Society after joining the launch.
Currently, striving to innovate MICE industry under difficult conditions by COVID-19, through technical and business resource matching or collaboration between start-up and existing companies.
Mike Williams
Destination and Convention Bureau Specialist
Session: Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion session for both Nagasaki and Seoul hub.
Mike is a destination and convention bureau specialist with 30 years’ experience in the industry. He has consulted in Australia, Africa, China, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Middle East, Thailand, South Korea, Serbia, South Africa, UK & USA. Mike was the lead consultant for establishment and capability strengthening for the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau and also for the Japan Global MICE Cities Programme. He oversees GainingEdge’s in-market sales representation and has also been providing consultancy services for destination, convention bureau and convention centre developments globally.
Mike served as General Manager Sales & Marketing for the Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau. He also worked in senior marketing roles with Tourism Australia helping establish their presence in the Asia market and overseeing travel trade development in the United Kingdom and Ireland. He was also instrumental in the development of AIME as the Asia Pacific’s largest business events trade show and the world’s first BestCities Global Alliance. Mike is also a past National President of Meetings and Events of Australia.
Prof. Kiyoshi Kiyokawa
Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST)
Kensuke Momoi
Director for Meeting and Events Promotion, Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and Visiting Professor at the Research Center for Social Systems, Shinshu University
Pre-Congress Programme
Angela Rogalla von Bieberstein
Senior Congress Manager Cardiovascular, BAYER
Angela R. von Bieberstein is a senior congress manager at BAYER currently working in the Cardiovascular field.
As project lead for global congress projects, she is in direct contact and collaboration with major societies and
associations continuously investigating new ways and strategies with regards to future virtual/ hybrid scenarios.
She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for more than 15 years, with extensive experience in compliance
topics and an academic background in law.
Angela has been representing BAYER AG for several years as an active council member within IPCAA.
Session topic: Health Care- Session
Divisional Director Engagement, Associations and Communities MCI UK, MCI Group
Barbara Calderwood is Divisional Director Engagement, Associations and Communities MCI UK, MCI Group. Barbara leads a team of 20 specialists providing holistic solutions for associations, from redefining and designing international association congresses to transformational engagement consultancy that supports societies redefine their organisations and shape their tomorrow. Barbara is a member of MCI UK’s Senior Leadership Team, a member of MCI Group’s Global Coordination Committee, sits on the Council of IAPCO and is currently co-chair of ABPCO in the UK.
Session topic: The future of Healthcare
Vice President , Corporate Development for ISSA
Dianna Steinbach is the Vice President of Corporate Development for ISSA – the worldwide cleaning industry association, a 100-year-old, US-based organization.
Steinbach grew ISSA’s international operations from two people to expanded operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Oceania, including new offices in Europe and Australia, as well as joint ventures in China, Italy and Korea and a global events partnership with Informa Markets. The ISSA portfolio of events now includes the US, Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, Mexico, Thailand and Russia.
Steinbach specializes in developing, commercializing and diversifying member programs and revenue streams. For the last 19 years, she has focused on helping ISSA and related industry associations and exhibition providers identify new trends, strategically plan, develop business alliances, connect with customers and position themselves for the greatest success. Most recently, Steinbach worked with a variety of societies, associations, federations and destination organizations to help their members return to business safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She is a member of the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) Board of Directors, a faculty member of the Membership Marketing School, has been a member of the IBTM World Association Leaders Forum Steering Committee and has spoken on association and event management topics for The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), IMEX Association Forum, International Congress and Convention Association, and Dubai Association Forum. Steinbach worked on the team that first enabled ISSA’s US show to enter the Trade Show Executives Gold 100, has presented at the Lippman Connects Large Show Roundtable in the US, been a member of exhibition committees for RAI Amsterdam, and participated in customer-based strategy sessions for the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Session topic: Associations Session
Head, Healthcare Compliance Office, Roche Pharma
As a member of the Roche Pharma Healthcare Compliance Office, Martin is currently the Head of Compliance for Roche’s Global Functions, and co-lead of the Compliance Chapter“ “Coaching & Advi” ing”. He leads the Global Function Support team since 2016 and initiated the setup and implementation of a compliance business partnership model with key stakeholders.
Martin joined Roche in 2008 as Senior Global Event Manager, where he assisted a number of Roche’s Disease Areas in positioning the organization strategically and implementing event and congress-related deliverables. In addition, Martin supported the integration of a group-wide congress accommodation management platform and led the implementation of a global event management software thereafter, before moving into Healthcare Compliance in 2014.
He is an active member of IPCAA, deeply involved in the organization’s f IPCAA’s Annual Seminar on Compliance, and represents Roche on the IPCAA council.
Session topic: Health Care- Session
Congress Manager, World Physiotherapy
Natasha is congress manager at World Physiotherapy. With over 10 years in the association and event management field, she uses her skills of problem-solving, collaboration, and flexibility to produce and manage the World Physiotherapy Congress and related events. Natasha leads on project planning and overseas bidding, supplier RfPs, venue logistics, social programmes, exhibition services and online congress platforms.
Session topic: The future of Healthcare
Chief Executive, British Pharmacological Society (BPS) and Managing Director, BPS Assessment Ltd.
Rachel Lambert-Forsyth is Chief Executive of the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) and Managing Director of BPS Assessment Ltd. In collaboration with the BPS Council and senior leadership team, Rachel is responsible for delivering the vision, mission and strategy of the Society and its subsidiary companies.
Previously, Rachel held various positions at the Royal Society of Biology, including Director of Education and Training and Director of Membership and Professional Affairs. Rachel has influenced national policy including advising the government on the 2012 National Curriculum Review and was appointed as a panel member of the Technical Level (T-Level) panel in healthcare science. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, and a master’s degree in Sustainable Environmental Management from the University of Plymouth. She conducted research at the National Marine Laboratory and Plymouth Marine Laboratory in seahorse husbandry techniques and fisheries modeling.
Rachel is passionate about removing barriers to inclusion and champions the importance of building equitable spaces for everyone to achieve their potential in the workplace and beyond. She has more than 13 years of experience working in the professional body sector and is an elected Chartered Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (CBiol FRSB). She is a Trustee of the Royal College of Nursing Foundation, where she is currently Chair of their Grants Committee, and Trustee Equality Champion and Vice-Chair of the Science Council. She has previously been a Governor of two Good Lower schools in Bedfordshire. She is a mother of two young boys.
Session topic: Associations Session
CEO, CIMATRI
Rick Bawcum is the CEO of CIMATRI (www.cimatri.com), a professional services firm specializing in association technology strategy. He serves multiple associations as their virtual CIO/CTO and technology leader. He has been a member of the leadership team in organizations ranging from start-ups to Fortune 500. Rick has a proven track record as a member of the senior management team, consultant, and board advisor.
Rick is a certified information security professional (CISSP), and regular speaker on disruptive technologies ranging from the Internet of Things to Cloud adoption.
Rick has balanced his career across corporate leadership, entrepreneurial pursuits, and consulting engagements which has provided a unique perspective on transformation via disruptive technologies. His early career as a machine-level programmer provided a solid technical foundation while nurturing his interest in organization effectiveness and strategic planning.
His network includes technology thought leaders, venture capitalists, and educators. Rick is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
Rick completed his undergraduate studies in Finance, Business Administration and Human Resource Management with honors from Regis University in Denver, CO. He is a huge fan of lifelong learning and has completed coursework towards his MBA in Information Technology Management at Western Governors University, and is currently a candidate for designation as a Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Session topic: Associations Session
Facilitation and Coaching in the Meetings/Hospitality Industry
Theresa Breining, CMP, CMM, CED is the president of Breining Group Inc, whose focus is facilitating, coaching, and consulting in the meeting industry. Terri has been involved in the industry for several decades and was responsible for producing meetings around the globe.
Considered by many to be a thought leader, Terri is an activist working tirelessly on the continuous advancement of the level of professionalism in the meeting industry and has served as adjunct faculty for meeting management programs for universities for many years. She is a sought-after speaker, presenter, and moderator for training and educational workshops for a variety of business entities.
She has been acknowledged frequently over the years. Among these acknowledgments are her inclusion several times as one of the “Most Influential People in the Meeting Industry”, induction into the Event Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders, and most recently, Meeting Professional’s International Industry Leader Award.
Session topic: Health Care- Session
Online community manager , the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Tirza Austin is an online community manager for the American Society of Civil Engineers. She is a passionate community builder who has launched a variety of programs to support the Society online community. These include a portal with curated content for students and younger members, a mentoring program, and a virtual roundtable series.
She enjoys studying member engagement and looks forward to the challenge of improving membership retention.
She is a member of CMX Pro and a CMX Communiteer, President of her Toastmasters International Club, and a member of the American Society of Association Executives. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her eight-year-old daughter, Pearl.
Session topic: Associations Session
