The Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services, the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and the Torino Chamber of Commerce all have their eyes set on hosting the prestigious Congress when it returns to Europe in 2015. The last time the Congress took place in Europe was in Istanbul in 2007.

During the live presentations contenders pulled out all the stops to convince the audience why its chamber, its city and its country was most suited to host the Congress. “These cities and chambers are very diverse and exciting trade and business hubs, as well as attractive tourist destinations,” said World Chambers Federation Chairman Rona Yircali. “With four such outstanding chambers I predict a close competition and the judging panel will definitely have their work cut out determining the most fitting destination.”

Organized by ICC and its World Chambers Federation (WCF) and held every two years in different regions of the world, the World Chambers Congress is the only international forum for chamber of commerce leaders to share best-practice experience, develop networks and learn about new areas of innovation from other chambers, as they face the challenge of remaining relevant to companies in their region. The 8th World Chambers Congress will be held in Doha, Qatar, 22-25 April 2013 and promises to be the biggest business and chamber gathering of the year.

The Congress judging panel will assess each candidate based on a wide range of criteria, from team experience and capacity to programme ideas and promotional intentions.

Following a review of the dossiers, the successful candidate will be announced at the end of November.

The ICC World Chambers Federation has received bidding letters up to the year 2021, a testament to its increasing each time in popularity and influence. Among the bidders are several potential hosts of the 10th Congress, due to take place in 2017 in the Asia Pacific region.