Gilbert appointed to ICCA Board

Now representing Africa and the Middle East on the ICCA board, Gilbert has been involved in the association since 1993. In 1998 he won ICCA's Best Marketing Award. At ICCA's annual congress in Cape Town last year he was elected chairman of its Africa chapter (a non-board position).

In congratulating Gilbert on his achievement, SAACI chairman Denise Kemp said it is an indication that the expertise of South Africa's conference industry is being recognised internationally. "Alec is without a doubt one of our top industry experts in South Africa and his standing in ICCA will definitely be to the benefit of our industry."

ICCA has over 700 members in almost 80 countries across the world, with offices in the Netherlands, Malaysia, the USA and Uruguay.

Gilbert says the Africa / Middle East region now has the opportunity to promote its profile and perhaps arrange ICCA events that are more suited to its own needs. "We are two quite separate regions condensed into one because of the size of our individual ICCA memberships and the ball is now in our court to make it work for us.

"I believe we have to increase membership in less traditional destinations and learn to understand the needs and challenges of these members. As a region we should also make a positive contribution to the gathering of up-to-date industry statistics."

ICCA board members serve for a period of two years.