Chambers from across the Americas are putting their bids together to host the 7th World Chambers Congress when it returns to the region in 2011.

The World Chambers Congress is the only international event that brings together chamber of commerce leaders from around the globe to share best-practice and experiences, 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 and bringing maximum value to their members.

"Hosting the World Chambers Congress is an unrivalled opportunity for cities and local businesses to welcome over 1500 chamber professionals for three full days," said Rona Yircali, Chairman, ICC World Chambers Federation.

The 5th World Chambers Congress, held in Istanbul in July 2007, attracted heads of state and influential leaders from the business and public sectors, including former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammed Yunus. The congress was attended by over 1600 delegates from 118 countries. The 6th World Chambers Congress will be held in Kuala Lumpur on 3-5 June 2009.

The Americas last hosted the congress in 2003 with the 3rd World Chambers Congress taking place in Quebec City, Canada. The Mexico City Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce have already submitted letters bidding for the 7th Congress and are putting their bidding teams together to make presentations to the WCF Steering Committee on 11 June in Stockholm.

Since the first World Chambers Congress in Marseilles in 1999, chambers have lined up as candidates to host this remarkable event. Chambers from Africa and the Middle East have already contacted WCF expressing their interest to host the congress in 2013, including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, which submitted its letter of intent to bid for the congress over three years ago. Four contenders have also submitted their letters to host the 2015 Congress upon its return to Europe.

Chambers interested in hosting this event in 2011 must submit a letter of intent by 1 May 2008. All candidates will present their bids to the WCF Steering Committee on 11 June, to be followed by a dossier for the selection committee’s review and final decision in October 2008.

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