Young professionals are the future of the business events space, and need to be nurtured and their viewpoints included in decision-making to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape, say industry players.
Speaking on the sidelines of ICCA Young Professionals Forum 2023 on November 11, 2023, Stephanie Cheung, director of strategy and insights at Market D, said: “It is important to continue to develop new talent.
“But more than that, it is also about allowing the new talent to build their own networks of peers on an international scale, rather than just within their organisation.”
Frances van Klaveren, ICCA’s community engagement officer, said to further foster young professionals, ICCA launched the Future Leaders Council in 2021. The aim is to develop the next generation of meeting professionals.
“That’s the only way you can stay relevant as an association. To adapt to what is happening in the world, you need to have the next generation’s viewpoints, especially as AI and other technologies move to the forefront,” she noted.
Klaveren added that she would like to see more young professionals serving on international boards. “You don’t see that much of that, but I think it’s coming.”
Thomas Reiser, representing the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis, said he continues to be impressed by the innovation of younger industry players.
“The ideas, innovation, dialogue and energy among the young is what we need. We need to be challenged,” he remarked. “If today’s young are the future of our industry, the future will be great.”
