Meeting Program

_{Please note that the full detailed program and the session content will be published in the coming days.}

wednesday

11 March

Thursday

12 March

friday

13 March

Surgery / Clinical Sessions

Research / Science Sessions

Breakout Sessions

calendar23^rd October,2024

09:15 - 09:30

Welcome Introduction

08:30 - 09:00

Room

Break

It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout.

09:15 - 09:30

Students Session

10:00 - 12:00

Convento São Francisco

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Transfers from Sá Carneiro airport (Porto)

^(optional)

13:00

Convento São Francisco

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Open Registration

14:00

Convento São Francisco

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

Optional Coimbra Tour

^{(excluding University)}

15:00 - 17:00

Champalimaud Auditorium

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Transfers to the University of Coimbra

18:30

Champalimaud Auditorium

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Welcome Reception

19:00 - 19:30

Botanical Garden

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Night Guided Tour

19:30 - 20:00

University of Coimbra

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Bairrada Dinner

20:00 - 22:00

Casa das Caldeiras

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Conference Dinner

19:30

SUD Lisboa

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

Surgery / Clinical Sessions

Research / Science Sessions

Breakout Sessions

Welcome Reception

Subtitulo

24th October

17:00 - 18:30

Main Auditory

Speakers

Nome

Cargo/Entidade

Nome

Cargo/Entidade

Nome

Cargo/Entidade

calendar23^rd October,2024

09:15 - 09:30

Transfer hotels Vila Galé & NH Coimbra Dona Inês to Convento São Francisco

09:00

Sala Mondego

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Welcome

09:30 - 09:45

Sala Mondego

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

AI in action: Smarter tools to elevate performance in the meetings industry

09:45 - 10:30

Sala Mondego

Break

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend—it is a competitive advantage. Continuing with the success of last year presentation, this session will showcase how innovative AI tools are transforming the meetings industry by simplifying event planning, enhancing destination management, and accelerating decision-making. Attendees will explore practical use cases, prompt engineering techniques, and ready-to-apply strategies that turn AI into a powerful productivity partner. Join this session to discover how to work faster, smarter, and more strategically—while positioning your organization at the forefront of industry innovation

‍

Speaker:

Alejandro García Fernández

Software Engineer and Researcher

09:15 - 09:30

Case Studies

10:30 - 11:15

Sala Mondego

Case Studies

Designing Legacy: Creating Long-Term Value Through Events

Anna Llumà

Legacy Projects Coordinator, Barcelona Convention Bureau

‍

Sustainable construction and technical solutions for events

Ivan Toronell

Business Development & Sustainability-Quality Director, Servis Complet

‍

Our human capital as a main sales driver

Daniel Martinez

GM, Visit Gijón

‍

Leading the Way in Sustainable Events – FOOD4FUTURE 2025

Leticia Stanculescu

Sales Manager

Bilbao Exhibition Centre

‍

Moderator: Phil Cross

09:15 - 09:30

Coffee Break

11:15 - 11:45

Champalimaud Auditorium

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

The strategic role of associations in the Business Events industry: advancing the profession and the sector across Ibero-America

11:45 - 12:30

Sala Mondego

Case Studies

The session examines the role of industry and membership-based associations as key institutions for strengthening a field of practice and amplifying its impact on society. Such associations foster shared standards, ethical frameworks, and a collective identity, while providing structured spaces for knowledge exchange, skills development, and sector-wide representation. The session highlights how these organizations contribute to building public trust, influencing policy, and addressing societal challenges through coordinated, collective action. Participants will gain insight into why active engagement in associations is essential not only for individual career advancement, but also for the long-term sustainability, legitimacy, and social responsibility of the field as a whole.

‍

Panel

Eva Garde (Moderator)

Deputy Chair, ICCA Iberian Chapter

‍

Juan José García

Co-Chair ICCA Meetings & Events Management Sector, ICCA Board of Directors

‍

Joaquim Pires

Member, ICCA Iberian Chapter Executive Committee

‍

Paola Piza

Head of the Madrid Office, Bnetwork

09:15 - 09:30

ICCA Headquarters update

12:30 - 13:00

Sala Mondego

Case Studies

Efi Koudeli

Senior Regional Director Europe

09:15 - 09:30

Lunch

13:00 - 14:15

Sala Conventual

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Redefining Bids: A New Era in Association Congress Bidding

14:15 - 15:15

Sala Mondego

Break

The rules of congress bidding have changed — but have we?

Association decision-making is no longer driven by great presentations, financial incentives, or long-standing relationships alone. Power has shifted. Expectations have intensified. Scrutiny is deeper. And the definition of value has fundamentally evolved.

‍

Today, associations are asking harder questions: What legacy will this congress leave?

How does this destination advance our mission?

Who are the knowledge partners behind the bid?

What measurable impact will this event create?

If you are still bidding the way you did five years ago, you are already behind.

‍

Panel

Bianca La Placa

Executive Manager World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC)

‍

Christopher Tessmar

Director Barcelona Convention Bureau

‍

Jorge Vinha da Silva

CEO and Board Member at MEO ARENA & Congress Centre

‍

André Vietor

Managing Director BCO Congresos

‍

Moderator:

Carina Montagut

Director of Events Department, Feria Valencia

09:15 - 09:30

“A Sea of Perplexities – Coimbra 2026, 2027 and 2028
Where Gastronomy, Contemporary Art and Events Converge”

15:15 - 16:00

Sala Mondego

Case Studies

The session will explore how cultural and gastronomic events (Michelin Gala and Manifesta) can be curated together to create immersive experiences that strengthen Coimbra and the Center of Portugal as a meeting and incentive destination, generate regional economic impact and build a forward-looking narrative that speaks to innovation, identity and responsibility

‍

Panel

Miguel Antunes

Deputy Mayor of Coimbra (TBC)

‍

Carlos Antunes

Director of Círculo de Artes Plásticas de Coimbra (CAPC) nd Anozero Biennal

‍

Diogo Rocha

Chef, Mesa de Lemos

‍

Cláudia Seabra

Coordinator, PhD Programme in Tourism, Heritage and Territory, University of Coimbra

‍

Moderator:

Carlos Martins

Specialist in gastronomy and cultural and artistic events

09:15 - 09:30

The Evolving Landscape of Sponsorship and Partnership

16:00 - 16:45

Sala Mondego

Case Studies

This session explores how sponsorship and partnership models in association meetings are evolving in response to changing market expectations, member needs, and economic realities. It will examine innovative approaches to creating greater value for sponsors, building long-term, results-driven partnerships, and aligning commercial objectives with the strategic mission of associations.

During the session, Eva López, CEO of Grupo Punto MICE, will present the key conclusions of the “Analysis of Sponsorship Management” published in Congresos magazine, supported by real-world examples and practical insights. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how associations and industry partners can move beyond traditional sponsorship frameworks to develop more strategic, sustainable, and mutually beneficial collaborations that deliver measurable impact.

‍

Panel

Eva Lopez

Funding & CEO en Grupo PUNTO MICE

‍

Moderator: Juan José García

09:15 - 09:30

“Center of Portugal Experience”

16:45

Sala Centro e Sala Conventual

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Transfer to hotels Vila Galé & NH Coimbra Dona Inês

17:30

Champalimaud Auditorium

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Transfer hotels to Convento São Francisco

19:30

Champalimaud Auditorium

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Gala Dinner & ICCA IBERIAN Party

20:00 - 22:00

Sala D. Afonso Henriques

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

“Center of Portugal Experience”

21:30

Sala Centro e Sala Conventual

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Transfer to hotels Vila Galé & NH Coimbra Dona Inês

00:00

Champalimaud Auditorium

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

Surgery / Clinical Sessions

Research / Science Sessions

Breakout Sessions

Welcome Reception

Subtitulo

24th October

17:00 - 18:30

Main Auditory

Speakers

Nome

Cargo/Entidade

Nome

Cargo/Entidade

Nome

Cargo/Entidade

calendar23^rd October,2024

09:15 - 09:30

Transfer hotels Vila Galé & NH Coimbra Dona Inês to Convento São Francisco

09:00

Sala Mondego

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

Parallel Sessions

Business Exchange

09:30 - 10:30

Sala Sofia

Parallel Sessions

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

Parallel Sessions

BI Data base training

09:30 - 10:30

Sala Inês de Castro

Parallel Sessions

Emmi Korhonen

Parallel Sessions

From insight to impact: Sreamlining bussiness Events through smarter CRM use

09:45 - 10:15

Sala Almedina

Break

Tracy Ryan

Director, EMEA Marketing at Granicus

Parallel Sessions

The 2026 Events Market Study

09:45 - 10:15

Sala Mondego

Case Studies

The Eventoplus annual study explores the year's trends and projections, providing relevant information for making strategic decisions and ensuring success in this sector.

‍

Eric Mottard

Founding Partner & CEO, Grupo Eventoplus

09:15 - 09:30

Coffee Break

10:15 - 10:45

Convento São Francisco

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Teaching AI to Skip Stones: Context Engineering from a Neuroscience Perspective

10:45 - 11:15

Sala Mondego

Case Studies

Artificial Intelligence is often discussed in terms of models, tools, and performance. However, one of the least explored — and most decisive — factors in AI effectiveness is context: how it is constructed, maintained, and evolved over time.

The session explores how humans naturally process context through attention, perception, and sensory prioritisation.

Rather than focusing on prompts or specific AI tools, the talk reframes AI as a dynamic cognitive partner. This perspective is particularly relevant for industries that operate in high-density human environments — such as events, meetings, destinations, and cultural experiences — where attention, engagement, and interpretation are constantly in flux.

‍

Matias Kamelman

Consultand Developer @Thoughtworks

Master in Music Therapy & Music Coaching, Neuroscience & Music

09:15 - 09:30

How to Turn an Event into a Legacy Platform for the Host Destination: A Framework to Activate Social, Economic and Environmental Value Before, During and After the Event

11:30 - 12:15

Sala Mondego

Case Studies

Events inevitably generate social, economic and environmental impacts on the destinations that host them. Whether intentionally designed or not, these impacts shape local ecosystems, relationships and resource flows. This roundtable presents a practical framework for transforming events into platforms for destination legacy by activating value before, during and after the event, moving beyond short-term visibility or isolated post-event actions.

‍

Panel:

Natalia Ayelen

ESG Manager at 4foreverything

‍

David Noak

Director, Madrid Convention Bureau

‍

Kiriakos Liolios

Senior Sales Lead, RX Global

‍

Cláudia Seabra

Coordinator, PhD Programme in Tourism, Heritage and Territory, University of Coimbra

09:15 - 09:30

Iberian Chapter Meeting

12:15 - 13:15

Convento São Francisco

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Farewell Lunch

13:15

Sala Conventual

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Transfers to Porto Airport

15:00

Room

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal

09:15 - 09:30

Conference Dinner

19:30

SUD Lisboa

Break

Markus Büchler, Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre, Lisboa, Portugal