BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) are pleased to announce Autism-Europe as the recipient of the 2025 Incredible Impacts Programme (IIP) Seed Grant. In partnership with AsIAM, Ireland’s Autism charity, and Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, Autism-Europe is preparing to host the 14th Autism-Europe Congress (AEC 2025), taking place September 11-13, 2025 in Dublin.
The Incredible Impacts Programme celebrates associations that drive lasting, positive change through international meetings. Each year, it awards two grants: a $5,000 USD Seed Grant and a $20,000 USD Main Grant.
With this year’s Seed Grant, Autism-Europe and AsIAm will demonstrate best-in-class practice on accessibility at AEC 2025, while maximising the congress’s reach and impact for Dublin’s Autistic community. The funding will also help them enhance and expand their capacity to design inclusive events, advocate for accessible employment, and lead public engagement efforts to ensure lasting impact beyond AEC 2025. See the case study here.
Quotes
“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. Autism-Europe and AsIAm aren’t just planning a congress – they’re shaping a more inclusive future”.
– Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance
“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. I am looking forward to welcoming the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA), and our Seed Fund Grant Winner, Autism-Europe (AE), to the ICCA Congress this November in Porto. Their work represents the best of what associations can achieve – impacting lives, advancing knowledge, and leaving a meaningful footprint for the future.”
– Dr. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA
“On behalf of the 14th Autism-Europe Congress, I am honoured to be awarded the Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Grant. Dublin is a vibrant, inclusive city and we are working towards making it the world’s first accredited Autism-friendly capital. In partnership with Fáilte Ireland, we are committed to delivering an intentional impact project that defines, measures and amplifies the legacy of the Autism-Europe Congress. The grant will help us to work towards creating a fully inclusive congress and will contribute to our overall vision of a society where every autistic person is accepted as they are – equal, valued, and respected.”
– Adam Harris, CEO, AsIAm
“Fáilte Ireland is proud to support the Autism-Europe Congress 2025 – a milestone event that reflects our ongoing commitment to inclusive and accessible tourism. This Congress offers a unique opportunity to strengthen community partnerships, champion meaningful inclusion, and generate a lasting legacy for Ireland and beyond. We are delighted that Autism-Europe has been selected as the recipient of this prestigious seed grant.”
– Paul Mockler, Head of Commercial Development, Fáilte Ireland
Finalists Announced for 2025 Incredible Impacts Programme Main Grant
Alongside the Seed Grant announcement, BestCities and ICCA have revealed the three finalists for the 2025 Incredible Impacts Programme Main Grant. These finalists will present their submissions during a plenary session at the ICCA Congress this November:
➢ World Endodontics Conference (WEC) 2024: Hosted by the International Federation of Endodontic Associations (IFEA) and British Endodontic Society (BES), WEC 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland harnessed creative, engaging activities to boost oral health awareness across diverse communities. Key legacies include a multi-year public exhibit, school-based educational resources, and the “Glasgow Pledge” promoting healthcare economic reform. Grant funding would advance public outreach, support policy advocacy, and expand access to vital pulp therapies in dental care. See the case study here.
➢ World Rural Health Conference (WONCA) 2022: Led by Rural WONCA, the 2022 conference in Limerick, Ireland explored the theme “Improving Health, Empowering Communities.” It highlighted the impact of the global financial crisis on rural healthcare through the grassroots “No Doctor No Village” campaign, bringing together key stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities. Outcomes included the Limerick Declaration on Rural Healthcare, a blueprint for improving high-quality healthcare in rural and remote areas; Ireland’s first National Standing Committee for Rural General Practice; a rural teaching hub; and new ambassador and fellowship programmes. Grant funding would support and expand these initiatives, including the launch of a Rural Practice Innovation Network. See the case study here.
➢ International Papillomavirus Conference (IPVC) 2024-26: Organized by the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), IPVC earned the 2023 Incredible Impacts Programme Seed Fund Grant, fuelling a transformative year-long initiative. In collaboration with health experts and authorities, IPVS launched targeted efforts to raise HPV awareness, reduce health disparities, and empower marginalised populations. A highlight of the programme included HPV education in high schools to boost vaccine uptake where it’s needed most. Grant funding would scale these efforts, introducing mobile screening units in rural areas and delivering culturally relevant education in future host countries. See the case study here.
