Following a thorough one-year global exploration for the ideal candidate, the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) announced the appointment of Mark Cooper of Warwickshire, U.K. as chief executive officer.
Cooper brings to the table 25 years of seasoning in the global meetings industry, working for both U.S. and European-based organizations. He has worked in a number of leadership roles with an emphasis on sales and marketing, and has held senior posts with established conference center operators that include Dolce Hotels & Resorts, Sundial Group and Warwick Conferences. Cooper has also been a member of IACC for some 15 years.
“What has become apparent over recent times is that meeting planners worldwide seek experiences for their events which involve the use of increasingly innovative environments, facilities and meeting technologies with the aim of invigorating and motivating delegates,” Cooper told Meetings Focus East. “Many examples of these can be found at IACC member conference centers around the world, and our vision will see IACC sharing and promoting these best practices in the coming months. A recent initiative to create truly global IACC member committees is an example of how different best practices from around the world can define the new ‘IACC Meeting Experience’ beyond that of physical facilities, and this will benefit existing IACC members and attract new members. Ultimately, we strive to run programs and events which have the objective of helping us meet the ever-changing needs of meeting planners.”
He added that while venues themselves may change, IACC’s service levels will always equate to memorable event experiences, serving as a foundation for the association.
“Although the design of venue facilities will forever evolve and change, the exemplary service standards IACC members provide remain the very best in the industry,” Cooper said. “And it is this unique IACC meeting experience that new members around the world will join IACC to become recognized for.”