“The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is one of the most prominent meetings organisations in the world. We are delighted to host the ICCA Youth Forum at AIME and to continue our long association with this prestigious global meetings organisation,” said Rosemarie Sama, AIME Event Director.

Sandra Chipchase, Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau, event partner of AIME, commented that Melbourne has a fine track record in nurturing young talent.

“The ICCA Youth Forum is an excellent opportunity for our young leaders to talk to others at a similar level and of course to gain insights from more experienced industry colleagues from around the world. As Australia’s leading convention city and a founder partner of BestCities Global Alliance, Melbourne is proud to host this forum.”

The intensive educational program is for young professionals under 30 years of age or those new to the industry with less than 3 years experience who are keen to further their careers by increasing their industry knowledge and networks. The Forum is free to ICCA member employees and available at a nominal cost to other young professionals.

The Forum program is held on Sunday 17 February and Monday 18 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

Participants also attend the AIME Welcome Reception on Monday evening and the AIME 2008 exhibition on 19 and 20 February.

“ICCA offers a rare opportunity for new and young professionals wanting to learn more about the global meetings industry. We take advantage of the presence of leading ICCA practitioners from around the world at AIME and include them on our program faculty. They offer invaluable insights and advice to newcomers,” said ICCA Youth Forum Manager, Elizabeth Rich.

“Participants also enjoy the opportunity to widen their industry network to include peers from around Australia and Asia.”

“We are particularly keen to see more Asian employers use the ICCA Youth Forum as an incentive for their young employees,” she said.