Convention Case Studies

Organizers of events big and small choose Japan because they know that every aspect will be handled confidently and competently. ICOM 2019 drew more than 4,000 attendees from 141 countries, far exceeding initial expectations of around 3,000. Aksoy praised the smoothness with which host city Kyoto and those at all the facilities involved were able to adapt.

But flawless execution doesn’t mean keeping things bland and basic. Japan is ready and willing to boldly execute new ideas. In Kyoto, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Japanese National Treasures and other special locations offered unprecedented exclusive access to conference-goers, after hours and behind the scenes.

At the Opening Party, participants enjoyed Kyoto cuisine and geisha dance performances. The ceremony was attended by Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino. For the Closing Party, the Kyoto National Museum granted exclusive access to “Masterworks of the Kyoto National Museum: Temple and Shrine Treasures.”

In between, night after night of social events gave conference-goers a privileged “backstage pass.” There were evening events at Kyoto Botanical Garden, Garden of Fine Arts Kyoto, Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives, National Museum of Modern Art, and Kyoto City Zoo.

For one very special evening, attendees had Kyoto’s Nijo-jo Castle all to themselves. It was built in the 17th century as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns, military leaders who ruled Japan from 1600 until the mid-19th century. In 1928 it hosted the enthronement banquet of Emperor Showa (Hirohito). Attendees sipped sake while taking in a specially-staged contemporary art show, integrated with and inspired by the historic palace and gardens. What other host can offer such a rich mix of art and tradition?

ICOM 2019’s keynote speech was delivered by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. He spoke of the importance of nature, and of architecture’s role in connecting people and places. Through successful architecture, he said, “we can experience nature more deeply and more intimately.”

One shining example of such success is Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC), a unique, hexagonal structure situated next to the verdant Takara-ga-ike Pond Park. The ICC has hosted a long list of globally important events both as a world-class venue with brand-new, cutting-edge facilities and as an architectural and historical icon in its own right.

Venues like the ICC prompted Mr. Kuma to remark, “architecture and the environment are totally integrated.” This Japanese fusion offers attendees of meetings, conferences and events exposure to new ideas that can inspire new solutions.