Business Exchange Registration for the Business Exchange has closed. ICCA's success over four decades has been built on the principle of members exchanging commercial information with one another about recently hosted events. This is the foundation of ICCA's Association Database, and will be a central component of this year's congress. Upon registration each delegate will be requested to provide data on one major international event they have recently been involved with, and to be willing to share their insights and inside knowledge about this event with other delegates throughout the congress. ICCA Data will support delegates in ensuring that an unprecedented amount of commercially important data will be exchanged during the congress, turning the event into a massive intelligence gathering opportunity. The format is designed to ensure that commercial confidentiality issues are respected whilst encouraging interaction between the different categories of ICCA membership. Adequate time and space will be scheduled during the congress to enable pre-set and ad hoc meetings and information exchange to take place between delegates. It’s all about sharing leads about non-repeat business. You don’t have to be afraid of losing business because as soon as a piece of association business is yours, it won’t come back for 15 years or so. Verbal sharing of information is a purely voluntary matter; confidential data can be held back. All written material is included longer term in the online association database and is accessible to all members.   All BE delegates are asked to give additional information in advance to events which were inputted into the database online. This is information regarding the decision making process, government support, matters relating to the budget and details on gala dinners, for instance. A pdf file containing this data is then sent to all persons involved, asking them to do their homework and be prepared when the time comes when they meet the persons they wish to speak to.   Business Exchange Optional Introduction Session On Saturday evening a Business Exchange Optional Introduction Session will be held. In this session you will find out how to get the most out of the Business Exchange, in addition to finding out how the Spotme device supports the exchange of information.    Business Exchange Optional Practice Session For those of you who need more time to prepare, Business Exchange Optional Practice Sessions will take place on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.    Business Exchange Room A Business Exchange room (set up with tables and chairs only) will be available throughout the whole congress. The room can be used as space to exchange information only.   Business Exchange Session On Tuesday and Wednesday Business Exchange Sessions will be held. The exact format will be confirmed at a later stage.   Spotme and Meeting Point Business Exchange The more high-tech approach is using the Spotme device which enables delegates to make a short list of people they wish to talk to. This requires a considerable amount of "homework" to be done as well as a good follow up. A very useful function included on the ICCA database is the possibility to make searches for potential business zooming in on leads that will be presented at the congress.   The Spotme device will allow you to search for other Business Exchange participants. You can send messages, set appointments when and wherever you want.