ICCA, the International Congress and Convention Association, is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Global Influencer Award was presented to Mohamed Mezghani, President of the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) and Secretary General of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).
Mr. Mezghani stated: "I’m truly honoured to receive the ICCA Global Influencer Award 2025. Thank you to ICCA for this meaningful recognition. Throughout my journey at UITP and ESAE, I’ve always believed in the power of associations and events to bring people together — not just to exchange ideas, but to build trust and understanding. In today’s polarised world, connecting minds and building bridges is more important than ever. I’m proud to be part of a global community that works every day to make that possible.”
Each year at the IMEX Gala Dinner, ICCA announces the winner of the Global Influencer Award, which recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to — and influence on — the global meetings industry. On the evening of 21st May at The Alte Oper, Frankfurt, ICCA President Marta Gomes was delighted to present the 2025 award to Mr. Mezghani. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to join the event, so Ioannis Pallas, Managing Director of ESAE, accepted the award in his place.
With more than 35 years of international, multidisciplinary experience, including more than 25 years dedicated to the association sector, Mr. Mezghani has led a wide range of membership-driven initiatives. He has spearheaded global efforts across more than 70 countries, delivering advocacy, technical assistance, and educational programmes in collaboration with international organisations, government leaders, mobility experts, and academic institutions.
ICCA CEO Dr. Senthil Gopinath stated: "It's a great privilege to present this year's Global Influencer Award to Mohamed Mezghani, whose reputation in the international business events industry is unparalleled. Mr. Mezghani is truly an example of a changemaker, and everyone at ICCA is excited to see what he does next."
The ICCA Global Influencer Award goes beyond the usual category confines of associations, sectors, and meeting professionals to recognise a true powerhouse in the industry — a professional who has made a profound difference through their contributions.
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For more information or media enquiries, please contact Claudia.b@iccaworld.org
NOTES TO EDITOR:
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry. Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association and governmental meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, education, and communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities. Today, ICCA is one of the most prominent organisations in – and advocates for – the world of international meetings. Initiatives such as the ICCA Association Community offers associations across the world education, connections, tools, and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings with the global network of ICCA member suppliers.
About the Global Influencer Award
The ICCA Global Influencer Award recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to and influence on the global meetings industry. This is an all-inclusive award that goes way beyond the usual category and confines of associations, sectors and meeting professionals. The ICCA Global Influencer is someone truly unique making a profound and impactful difference in whatever area they are working in. It could go to someone with a vast array of experience, an industry veteran using their expert knowledge. Or it could be someone relatively new, full of energy and big ideas. It might be someone who has found a passion project and brought it to a wider audience. It could be someone who just does what they do brilliantly without any fuss. It just needs to be someone who stands out for all the right reasons.