BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) have awarded the 2025 Incredible Impacts Programme (IIP) Seed Grant to Autism-Europe.
In partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, and Fáilte Ireland, Autism-Europe will host the 14th Autism-Europe Congress (AEC 2025) from 11–13 September 2025 in Dublin.
The IIP celebrates associations that generate long-term societal change through international meetings. Each year, it awards a USD 5,000 Seed Grant and a USD 20,000 Main Grant.
This year’s Seed Grant will enable Autism-Europe and AsIAm to demonstrate best practice in accessibility at AEC 2025, while broadening their advocacy for inclusive employment and public engagement.
“This project embodies everything the Incredible Impacts Programme stands for. It’s bold, heartfelt, and visionary – driven by a genuine commitment to inclusion and advocacy that will ripple far beyond Dublin,” says Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance.
Alongside the Seed Grant announcement, BestCities and ICCA revealed the three finalists for the 2025 Main Grant. The International Federation of Endodontic Associations was recognised for the World Endodontics Conference 2024 in Glasgow; Rural WONCA for the World Rural Health Conference 2022 in Limerick; and the International Papillomavirus Society for its multi-year outreach campaign following the 2023 Seed Grant. The winner will be announced at the ICCA Congress this November in Porto.
“The Incredible Impacts Programme continues to inspire and showcase the power of international associations to create true legacy and change. This year’s programme is one of the strongest we’ve ever seen, with outstanding projects that reflect the heart and purpose of our industry,” said Dr Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA.