Call for Speakers and Moderators

Call for Speakers and Moderators Education in 2025: Setting the Scene Continuing education is crucial for professionals in any industry. The constantly changing trends since Covid 19, the continuously evolving business environments, and the rapid advancement of technology require businesses and organizations to understand how to find and to keep industry professionals. 6 in 10 employees will require training before 2027, and half of those individuals don’t have access to adequate resources to make that happen, according to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2023. Also, according to the World Economic Forum, 1.1 billion jobs will be radically transformed by technology in the next decade. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is creating new opportunities for the workforce. However, by 2025, half of the global workforce may need reskilling. (source: https://initiatives.weforum.org/reskilling-revolution/home) The business events industry is facing a potential talent crisis due to their changing roles and people leaving the industry to work in other industries. People working in the industry need updated knowledge and skills to work with the newest technologies and innovations. However, the skills landscape is complex and ever-changing, making it challenging to understand what skills employees already have, what gaps exist with the skills they need – and more important still, how to address these gaps. Professionals today require a diverse set of skills in the business events industry. Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for building and maintaining relationships, networking, and fostering trust and empathy. These skills enable effective teamwork and create positive environments. Societal awareness is equally important, as it involves understanding global business trends and social issues, promoting sustainability, and adopting a global perspective. Hybrid skills, which combine traditional event management with modern technology such as AI, blockchain, and virtual/augmented reality, are essential for creating engaging and secure experiences in future business models. Collaboration between the industry stakeholders and cross-sector alliances to tackle these reskilling and upskilling challenges is essential to transform event management education. In short, ongoing education is not only a personal investment but also a necessity to keep up with fast-paced changes and maintain professional relevance. ICCA aims to craft a dynamic lifelong learning strategy that empowers its members to stay ahead, continuously upskilling, and reskilling throughout their career journeys, and to offer them the tools to adapt to the rapid pace of change. Embracing modern technologies, industry trends, and innovative ideas becomes more manageable for those who prioritize continuous education. Profile Speakers/Moderators We are looking for individuals who are passionate, open-minded, and eager to share their ideas and experiences. If you’re someone who thrives on learning, embracing creativity, and thinking boldly, this is the perfect opportunity for you. We want people who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of the meetings industry. Whether you’re looking to drive innovation, spark new conversations, or redefine what’s possible in the world of meetings and events, we welcome your energy, your ideas, and your willingness to explore new horizons. The Requests for Proposals THE FUTURE OF ASSOCIATION MEETINGS ICCA Latin America & Caribbean Summit ICCA Middle East Summit Association Expert Seminar – America ICCA ASSOCIATION EXPERT SEMINAR ICCA Global Association Forum ICCA Future of Healthcare Meetings 64th ICCA Congress The Speakers Industry Experts These speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience from within the core sectors relevant to the respective conference as outlined per event. Innovators & Thought Leaders These individuals are at the forefront of innovation, whether in technology, sustainability, or creative solutions within the event industry. Academic & Research Professionals These speakers bring an analytical and research-focused approach to the conversation, offering data-backed insights and evidence-based strategies. With expertise in the latest industry trends and deep dives into research findings, they provide the theoretical underpinnings that support best practices in event planning, sustainability, and technology integration. Practical Practitioners These speakers have years of hands-on experience in event management, planning, or logistics. Often having worked on both large-scale events and niche projects, they offer practical advice on the real-world challenges event professionals face, from budget management to on-the-ground coordination. Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders With a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the disruptive forces within the industry, these speakers offer insights on how to scale, pivot, and stay agile in an ever-changing market. Cultural & Community Leaders These speakers bring a deep understanding of local cultures and communities. They highlight how events can have a lasting social and cultural impact, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement. Soft Skill Trainers & Motivational Speakers These experts focus on the human side of event management, offering guidance on communication, emotional intelligence, leadership, and personal development. Their sessions help attendees build the interpersonal skills required to lead teams, manage client relationships, and foster collaborative environments. Each speaker profile is designed to provide a comprehensive view of the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of events. Their collective insights create a rich learning experience for all attendees, from young professionals to seasoned experts. The Moderator A moderator’s profile highlights not only their professional experience but also their approach to facilitating engaging, informative, and balanced discussions. Whether they are overseeing a panel of experts or managing a complex debate, the goal is always to foster a safe, inclusive and productive environment that benefits both the speakers and the audience. Key Expertise: Expert Communication: Exceptional verbal and non-verbal communication skills, enabling them to clearly articulate questions and ideas while managing conversations with ease. Facilitation Skills: Experienced in guiding panels, discussions, and Q&A sessions in a way that promotes active participation, encourages audience engagement, and balances diverse perspectives. Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of [specific industry, e.g., event planning, tech, sustainability, finance], providing relevant context and insights to keep conversations grounded in real-world applications. Audience Engagement: Proven ability to keep an audience engaged, whether through asking thought-provoking questions, managing time effectively, or creating an interactive atmosphere during sessions. Roles and Responsibilities Pre-Event Preparation: Collaborates with speakers and event organizers to understand the session’s objectives, structure and participants. Research topics, speaker backgrounds, and audience expectations to prepare relevant questions and talking points. Facilitation During the Event: Guides the flow of conversation, ensuring that each speaker has an opportunity to present their views while keeping discussions on track. Handles audience interactions, moderating Q&A sessions and managing time to ensure all topics are covered. Maintains a neutral and unbiased tone, ensuring that all panelists are given equal speaking time and that discussions remain respectful and constructive. Post-Event Engagement: Summarizes key takeaways from the discussion and ensures that any follow-up actions or insights are clearly communicated to the audience or stakeholders. Provides feedback to the event organizers for future improvements. Recognized for enhancing audience engagement through [specific strategies or techniques, e.g., live polling, audience Q&A].

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