The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) welcomed the Xiamen convention and exhibition affairs bureau as its latest member, according to an announcement on the ICCA's website on Feb 16.

Joining the ICCA will give the bureau access to the organization's global networking of industry-related companies and organizations and allow it to stay informed of the latest industry news.

The ICCA was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It has a membership network of more than 1,000 suppliers in the international meetings industry, covering 90 countries.

The organization aggregates the best meetings service providers, venues, accommodation providers and governmental organizations related to tourism and convention and exhibition affairs worldwide. It represents professionals in the meeting industry.

Joining the organization will help the bureau gain access to global markets and widen its networks by participating in the ICCA's general assembly, themed seminars, and training and refresher courses.

The bureau plans to send a delegation to the ICCA's 55th general assembly, held in Malaysia in November, to promote Xiamen's convention and exhibition industry and introduce its business environment and industry policies.

The bureau hoped to reach out to targeted, potential business partners and negotiate to secure more high-end, large-scale meetings in Xiamen.