ICCA names the SPCVB as Hot Leader of the Year
Business tourism in São Paulo has achieved yet another international milestone. The International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) has just recognized the São Paulo Convention & Visitors Bureau (SPCVB) as Hot Leader of the Year. This award acknowledges the high quality research conducted by the SPCVB’s international sales department, which has helped the ICCA improve its database information of other members.
“By identifying new events to be prospected and which are not yet in the ICCA database, we immediately send them to the ICCA before we even try to secure them for the city. This gives all members simultaneous access to this information, which contributes to an effective integration of industry events worldwide,” explains Toni Sando, the SPCVB’s CEO.
The SPCVB’s work has been instrumental in allowing São Paulo to rise dramatically in the ICCA’s annual ranking. Six years ago the city had 11 registered international events and occupied 80th place, while by 2008 it was in 12th place, with 75 events. “This result was good for everyone: São Paulo, Brazil and Latin America, thanks to our international sales department, headed by Elisabete Sorrentino, and to sales analyst Frederico Torres, who was responsible for the painstaking research work,” Toni explained. Both he and Elisabete will formally receive the award this November in Florence Italy, site of the next ICCA Congress.
