James Mwaura, CEO of the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, has been elected chairperson of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) – African Chapter for a two-year term following a competitive selection process. This marks the first time Kenya has secured this position.
ICCA is an international organization representing leading suppliers in managing, transporting, and accommodating international meetings and events.
It comprises 1,100 member companies and organizations worldwide, specializing in the international association’s meetings sector in 100 countries. The African chapter includes about 50 members and plays a crucial role in developing the local meetings and events industry and enhancing the continent’s global competitiveness.
As the new chair, Mwaura will collaborate with his ICCA Africa chapter colleagues to promote Africa as a prime business conferencing destination and highlight the continent’s potential for hosting significant events.
According to a statement from KICC on Thursday, Africa has substantial potential in the meetings and conference business, and Mwaura’s efforts will focus on helping chapter members leverage this potential to increase the number of meetings hosted in Africa.
Kenya anticipates benefiting from Mwaura’s strategic influence in hosting rotational conferences. Mwaura expressed gratitude to the Africa Chapter members for their confidence and votes.
Commenting on his new role, he stated that he intends to use this influential position to further establish Kenya as an attractive destination for conference tourism, also known as Meetings, Incentives, Travel, Conferences, and Exhibition (MICE) Tourism.
“Key will be to showcase Kenya and the continent’s capabilities to host large conferences and events. Africa is ready to do business with the world. With the right in-country partnerships, member countries are able to host major events and as ICCA Africa Chapter, we will work to ensure we raise this profile,” said Mwaura.
He further commits to deliver on his promises to grow the Chapter.
“I will push for strategic Chapter involvement that provide valuable business and learning opportunities for Africa, develope initiatives that foster greater participation and networking among Africa Chapter members, as well as mobilise new members to the chapter,” Mwaura said.
The position will enable Kenya to gain access to valuable industry data, research, and insights to inform the country’s MICE strategic decisions. Additionally, it will provide increased global visibility and recognition through strategic business speaking opportunities at international ICCA forums.
Mwaura has committed to leveraging his role to influence the growth and development of Kenya’s meetings and conventions industry on a global scale. He noted that Kenya would have the potential to successfully secure leads for conventions to be held within the country.
Furthermore, the position will give Kenya an advantage in collaborating with experienced professionals and receiving support from ICCA’s resources and infrastructure.
The objectives of the African Chapter, as the voice of Africa in the global meetings industry, include increasing Africa’s market share of the global meetings sector. It also focuses on generating more business between countries on the continent, nurturing industry professionals, and creating a positive image of Africa as a unique and inspiring destination for international meetings and events.
