More than a hundred professionals will meet from 7 to 9 July to discuss event management from a more sustainable perspective.
From today until 9 July, the city of Granada will become the international epicentre of meetings, congresses and events tourism (MICE) by hosting the ICCA Global Association Forum, the main annual forum of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). This event will reinforce the positioning of Andalusia, and in particular Granada, as a reference destination for international associative congresses.
For three days, the Palacio de Congresos de Granada will bring together a hundred professionals representing multiple world associations, congress organisers and suppliers. The forum is presented as a unique opportunity to strengthen the attraction of future conferences and events in the region, as well as offering international visibility to a selection of 10 small and medium-sized Andalusian tourism companies.
The ICCA Global Association Forum is the result of a candidacy promoted by the Granada Convention Bureau and the Junta de Andalucía, with the collaboration of the Provincial Council, the Granada City Council and Turespaña. The Junta de Andalucía is the main sponsor, with an investment of more than 152,000 euros.
Programme and highlights
The event opens with a Seed Bombs workshop for ecological restoration and collaborative sessions on sustainability in RFP processes, as well as business matchmaking. The second day will include “ignite” sessions on bold actions, practical workshops on European legislation and carbon footprint measurement, along with pre-scheduled business networking. The closing session will feature laboratories on food waste, carbon calculation methodologies and a “Collaboration Lab” to design sustainable action plans tailored to each organisation.
In addition, attendees will enjoy cultural dinners, a private visit to the Alhambra, interactive mentoring and one-to-one sessions using matchmaking technology to connect partnerships and suppliers.
Institutional statements
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “It is an honour to hold the Global Association Forum in Andalusia, a region that combines beauty, cultural richness and a strong commitment to sustainability and regenerative event management. This forum will empower professionals from around the world with transformative methodologies for a sustainable future in the events industry.
For his part, Antonio Granados, delegate of the Andalusian Government, highlighted the importance of MICE tourism for the regional economy, underlining that “this segment allows us to maintain employment in times of lower activity and has a very relevant direct economic impact”. Granados was confident that the participants will be “impressed with the offer and attractions of Andalusia and Granada”, which will help to consolidate the region in the international market.
Marta Nievas, deputy for Tourism and Heritage, pointed out that “the natural and cultural diversity, together with the hotel and leisure offer, make Granada an ideal destination for MICE tourism, which generates income, promotes the international image and fosters social cooperation”.
Eva Garde, Director of the Granada Convention Bureau, stressed that “hosting the ICCA Global Association Forum is a strategic opportunity to show the world our potential as a venue for major international congresses and to promote intelligent, transformative and sustainable tourism”.
Juan Ramón Ferreira, Granada City Councillor for Tourism, thanked the institutional collaboration and joint work that have made this event possible, highlighting that “Granada is much more than a perfect setting, this forum comes at a key moment for our candidacy to become European Capital of Culture 2031, strengthening our positioning in the MICE sector”.
Finally, David Rodríguez, territorial delegate of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Junta de Andalucía in Granada, stated that “this congress is a clear example of strategic alliances that improve the internationalisation and professionalisation of the Andalusian MICE sector, boost the local economy and promote sustainable practices”.
A showcase for sustainable meetings tourism
The ICCA Global Association Forum 2025 is an ideal opportunity to showcase the organisational capacity of Granada and Andalusia, consolidating their reputation as destinations capable of hosting top-level MICE events and attracting future international congresses, with an innovative approach to sustainability and social responsibility.
