ICCA has elected Christoph Tessmar, Managing Director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau, as its new President.
His election was announced at ICCA’s General Assembly during the 65th ICCA Congress in Panama City, where the international association meetings community is gathering from 8 to 11 November. Tessmar succeeds outgoing President Marta Gomes, whose four-year term included the development of ICCA’s Strategy 2030.
The appointment gives ICCA new leadership as it seeks to strengthen its global advocacy, build strategic partnerships and demonstrate the wider economic and societal value of international association meetings.
Before standing for the presidency, Tessmar served on the ICCA Board and was appointed Treasurer in 2025. His election followed a contest with Eyal Halevy of Paragon Global.
ICCA CEO Dr Senthil Gopinath welcomed the result, saying: “I am delighted to welcome Christoph as our new President at such an important moment for our association and our industry.”
He added that ICCA now has an opportunity to reinforce its position as a global advocate for business events and show more clearly how international meetings benefit economies, communities and society.
The leadership transition comes as the Panama Congress explores the theme “CrossWorlds: The Crossings We Bring, The Crossings We Choose,” reflecting ICCA’s push for greater collaboration across regions, sectors and disciplines.