ICCA has elected Christoph Tessmar, Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau, as its new President, with the announcement made at the association’s General Assembly during the 2026 ICCA Congress in Panama City, Panama.
The election marks an important moment for ICCA and its global community of business events professionals, bringing new leadership to an organisation committed to advancing the value of international association meetings, strengthening its global voice and shaping the future of the industry.
As ICCA continues to expand its role in global advocacy, deepen strategic partnerships and equip members with the intelligence, connections and expertise they need to succeed, Christoph will lead the association into its next phase of development. The new President will work alongside ICCA’s Board, leadership team and international membership to build on the organisation’s achievements and further strengthen its influence across the global business events ecosystem.
Dr Senthil Gopinath, ICCA CEO,welcomed the appointment, highlighting the importance of leadership, collective ambition and the opportunities ahead for the association.
“ICCA’s strength has always come from the people who make up our global community and the connections we create across borders, sectors and perspectives. I am delighted to welcome Christoph as our new President at such an important moment for our association and our industry. Together, we have an opportunity to build on the progress we have made, strengthen ICCA’s position as the global leader in advocacy for the business events industry, and demonstrate even more clearly the value international association meetings bring to economies, communities and society. I look forward to working closely with Christoph and our Board as we turn our shared ambition into meaningful impact for our members and the wider industry.”
The ICCA community warmly welcomes Christoph to the role, bringing together members, partners and industry leaders from across the world in support of the association’s next chapter. With the new President’s leadership, ICCA aims to build on its achievements, pursue greater opportunities for collaboration and advocacy, and deliver even more value for its members in the years ahead.
The appointment comes as the 2026 ICCA Congress brings the international business events community to Panama under the theme “CrossWorlds: The Crossings We Bring, The Crossings We Choose.” With its focus on connecting perspectives, disciplines and industries, the Congress reflects ICCA’s wider ambition to create opportunities for collaboration that extend beyond traditional industry boundaries.
As Christoph takes up the presidency, ICCA looks ahead with confidence and shared purpose, continuing its work to champion the global business events industry and shape the future and value of international association meetings.
