The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is offering to sponsor five non-US-based chamber members from the International Chamber of Commerce's (ICC) World Chambers Federation (WCF) to attend its 2006 convention to be held in Cleveland, Ohio on 16-19 August. 

ACCE is a national association in the United States serving individuals in the management of chambers of all sizes.

Robert Recker, Vice Chairman, WCF and Executive Vice President, Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, said: "In many situations, the issues that are challenging the chamber executive in Des Moines, Iowa are no different from the ones facing chamber executives in any other country around the world. This is a great opportunity for ACCE members to learn from and share with ICC WCF chamber members from all corners of the globe and to create business opportunities for the organizations we serve."
 
ICC WCF chamber members from outside North America have the opportunity to win one of five scholarship packages. The package includes entry to all convention events (value: US $800) and three nights accommodation at the Marriot Renaissance or Ritz Hotels. The convention presents winners with great networking opportunities as well as valuable experience and the chance to witness first-hand American chambers in action.

Set in the beautiful region of America's Great Lakes, the ACCE convention features more than 160 speakers including Alan Rawlings, Executive Director, Tata Group; Sandy Cutler, CEO, Eaton Corporation; and Marcus Buckingham, bestselling author and expert on outstanding leadership and management practices. It features 60 breakout sessions on subjects including tracks on government relations, communications and membership sales, and includes day-long workshops on affinity programs and economic development. The convention also includes a reception at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

"ACCE is very pleased with the opportunity to work with WCF on this international project. We look forward to sharing ideas and meeting people from the ICC WCF chamber network. ACCE and WCF share the same objective; we want our chamber members to learn from each other so that our chambers can do their jobs better," said Chris Mead, Vice President, Member Relations, ACCE.

International delegates at the convention will have the opportunity to meet over 1 000 chamber executives from North America and to visit 60 sponsor and exhibitor stands.

Chambers wishing to apply for a scholarship should send a one-page letter of application in English on why your chamber would benefit from learning about chamber operations in North America, and what your chamber could bring to the convention in terms of ideas, contacts and programs from your country and city. Please include applicant details and responsibilities and include some chamber details such as budget, number of employees, the city and its regions, and some of your chamber's leading activities in the community. 

Chambers must send their application by email: to wcf@iccwbo.org  before 28 April 2006. Winners will be notified via email by 15 May 2006.