James Rees elected as new ICCA president

James Rees has been elected the new president of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) as announced at the annual ICCA Congress currently taking place in Dubai. Rees became a vice president in 2017 and was first elected into the board in 2012.

Also competing alongside Rees for the title was Juan José Garcia and Eric Bakermans, both of whom are long-term members on ICCA’s board. All three candidates ran extensive campaigns for members’ votes.

“What we can do, with the right leadership, is to use ICCA’s strengths to drive that innovation, creativity, and incentive for improvement. And this is what I am going to deliver,” said Rees on his win. “As ICCA President, I will be a true advocate for our business, a champion of our sector and ensure that ICCA’s voice is heard by government, in a language they understand.”

Rees will take over from Nina Freysen-Pretorius who has served as president since 2016.