The 2023 IACC Europe Knowledge Festival took place at Rungstedgaard outside of Copenhagen, early this month and saw 25% more attendees from across the IACC global network come together. The educational conference was attended by over 120 members from countries throughout Europe (UK, Sweden, France, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands), America and Australia.
We had a strong indication that our members wanted to hone their leadership skills and therefore professional and personal development was at the heart of the festival this year. Share ideas, trends and innovation was also a key part of the festival, which saw the Europe Innovations Session move to a plenary session slot to allow all to be involved. 7 innovations were put forward by members from across Europe and the US, with Swedish venue Fagerudd voted the winning
innovation with their Vegetarian by Default concept.
– Mark Cooper, IACC CEO
The keynote speaker, The Creativity Explorer Fredrik Härén, did not hold back in explaining the mindset needed to be a creative person in the workplace.
Pieter Allaerts, IACC Europe President said,
It has been fantastic hearing first-hand the positive feedback received from our members and their commitment to sharing best practice in the months to come. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event, in the United Kingdom, where we’ll continue to deliver positive action in this area with a packed schedule of learning, networking and top educational opportunities to help effect change.”
Festival attendee, Paul Duffy of Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel commented:
Everyone I met from IACC were very approachable from the board to the CEO. The venue was incredible, the knowledge I have gained, I will be putting into practice over the next year. I am really looking forward to sharing the experience with my team and getting them on board with what IACC is and what it means to be a part of the top 1%.
The event also staged an awards evening, presenting Simon McMahon of Wyboston Lakes with the IACC Europe Regional Ambassador award and Lotta Boman was presented the IACC Europe Distinguished Service Award.
At this year’s event, Global IACC President Nancy Lindemer recognised the immense contributions of Alex Cabanas by awarding him IACC’s highest honour, the IACC Global Distinguished Service Award.
The IACC Europe Copper Skillet culinary competition winners were also revealed during the conference. Ruth Weldegiorgis from Sigtunahöjden Hotel & Conference won the senior category and Rikki Raahauge from Hotel Vejlefjord the junior category. Ruth and Rikki go on to represent Europe in the global final in New Jersey next April.
The 2024 Knowledge Festival was announced at the close of the event, by Alan Corlett, Chief Commercial Officer of De Vere Hotels. Next year’s festival takes place at De Vere Horsley Estate and Towers, Surrey, UK on the 13-15th September 2024.
See more great images captured at the event in the Knowledge Festival Gallery here.
