Photo Credit: ICCA
Christoph Tessmar, director of the Barcelona Convention Bureau since 2012, has been elected president of the International Congress and Convention Association. He succeeds Marta Gomes, executive director of the Viparis sales division, following the association’s General Assembly at the ICCA Congress in Panama City.
Tessmar’s career in conferences and events spans more than 30 years. Before joining the bureau, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry, first at Boehringer Mannheim and later at Sanofi-Aventis. He joined the latter in 1999 and established the congress department for its Spanish operations.
He also has held several leadership positions within ICCA, serving as president of its Iberian Chapter from 2019 to 2023 before joining the board as the European regional representative in November 2023. He became the association’s treasurer in 2025.
As president, Tessmar will work with the board and leadership team on advocacy for international association meetings, industry partnerships and member resources. A priority is building greater recognition of what those meetings contribute to host destinations, from economic activity to benefits for local communities.
“ICCA’s strength has always come from the people who make up our global community, and the connections we create across borders, sectors and perspectives. I am delighted to welcome Christoph as our new president at such an important moment for our association and our industry,” said ICCA CEO Dr. Senthil Gopinath.
The election took place during the 65th ICCA Congress, held Nov. 8–11.