ICCA’s Kigali Decision Puts Inclusion in the Spotlight

As ICCA heads to Kigali in 2027, the move is putting LGBTQ inclusion in the spotlight. ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  

View in browser Unsubscribe Saturday February 14, 2026 Dear Reader, ICCA's decision to bring its 2027 Congress to Kigali marks a defining moment for Rwanda's fast-rising meetings sector. At the same time, it has sparked industry debate about LGBTQ inclusion and what due diligence should look like as planners prepare for the event. In addition, another mid-sized destination in the U.S. is expanding its convention district to help attract new groups  Industry News   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor Pixabay/Portraitor ICCA's Return to Africa Raises Inclusion Questions Ahead of 2027 Kigali Congress As global associations expand into fast-growing destinations, inclusion and human rights are becoming as critical as infrastructure and airlift.  Destinations   Andrea Doyle Executive Editor Envato/Sean Pavone Cincinnati Expands Convention Capacity With $264 Million Renovation A convention center overhaul and a long-awaited headquarters hotel aim to strengthen Cincinnati's ability to compete for larger national meetings as mid-sized destinations invest to capture shifting event demand.   Backstage Briefing       How Data Turns Events into Strategic Assets In this webinar, we'll explore how data transforms events from cost centers into growth drivers. We'll discuss how to define ROI across multiple stakeholders, measure brand visibility beyond impressions, and connect event activity directly to pipeline and revenue outcomes.  REgister Now Events | September 22 (New York) Skift Meetings Forum 2026 Skift Meetings' flagship event will bring together event leaders for a deep-dive on how the business of events is reinventing itself. This game-changing gathering gives event professionals the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly shifting business and geopolitical landscape. More info Venues   Barbara Scofidio Editor Unsplash/Yoav Aziz New at Planning International Meetings? 10 Things You Should Know Planning international meetings requires you to bring your A-game to handle everything from cultural differences to anxious attendees.   SKIFT IDEA AWARDS       get recognised for your accomplishments Are you innovating in Meetings and Events? The 2026 Skift IDEA Awards are open for submissions  - Apply now and get your meetings and events innovation in front of a global industry audience. Apply Now Popular Content Industry News Naboo Raises $70 Million to Scale AI-Powered Events Procurement Platform Unlike many event tech startups that treat AI as a feature, Naboo is building it into the backbone of enterprise event procurement — automating sourcing, negotiation, and payments at scale. - Andrea Doyle   Destinations What's Behind a Rare Destination Alliance That Endured Co-opetition between destinations sounds ideal, but it rarely survives budget season. One alliance has defied the odds for 25 years and counting. - Miguel Neves   Venues ICC Sydney Launches Content Studio as Convention Centers Expand Into Media Production Sydney's convention center has created an in-house content studio to help clients expand the reach of their events, turning them into multi-platform content engines. This is part of a broader industry shift as venues compete on storytelling, not just space. - Andrea Doyle Defining the future of events. Skift. 35 W 31st St., New York, NY, 10001, USA Follow Us: LinkedIn   |  X   |  Facebook   |  Instagram   |  YouTube You received this because you are subscribed to Newsletter | Skift Meetings Stand-Up from Skift. For Gmail users: If you are using the tabbed inbox, Skift emails may be pushed to the 'Promotions' tab. To get updates from Skift direct to your primary inbox, drag and drop this email to that tab.