Press Release

(March 15, 2023) – JB Duke Hotel, a AAA Four Diamond contemporary hotel located on the campus of Duke University, today announced it is hosting the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) Americas Knowledge Exchange on April 3-5. The conference, attended by the top 1% of business event venue leaders in the North Americas meeting space industry, invites prominent venue operators, meeting professionals and vendors together to explore and shape the future of exceptional meetings and meeting venues.

“The North Carolina IACC members and conference planning team have designed the two-day, twonight conference to showcase the very best of the meetings, hospitality and rich food and beverage scene that the state has to offer,” said Mark Cooper, IACC CEO. “We selected JB Duke Hotel in Durham to host the conference because it’s a direct reflection of our organization’s mission – delivering innovative meeting experiences at best-in-class meeting venues.”

IACC’s flagship annual member conference features an impressive lineup of suppliers to discuss a variety of trends prominent in today’s meetings industry landscape. On Monday, April 3, IACC is offering an optional regional study tour for early arrivals, which includes traveling to local venues of interest to meet with entrepreneurial leaders and experience the rich culinary and beverage scene that the Triangle has to offer.

A full slate of educational sessions and workshops will take place throughout Tuesday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 5. The IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange is incorporating optional activities ranging from a 5K fun run and sports networking event to golf packages and yoga to immerse attendees in wellness-related activities and provide a dynamic conference experience. On Tuesday, April 4, attendees will witness IACC’s global tournament finalist chefs from the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia bring their staple recipes to life as they compete in the coveted IACC Global Copper Skillet Competition finale.

“IACC is a well-respected, global community of passionate people and companies delivering exceptional meeting experiences. JB Duke Hotel is honored to welcome these professionals from around the world to the heart of the Bull City,” said Don Ball, General Manager, JB Duke Hotel. “Our hotel’s contemporary design, inviting meeting and dining options, as well as top-notch service, creates the ideal atmosphere for conference attendees to take part in forward-thinking conversations and results-driven development sessions."

The IACC-certified JB Duke Hotel offers 198 spacious guest rooms and suites. The property’s state-ofthe-art meeting and conference facilities make it an attractive venue for hosting corporate and academic events and meetings. The 25,000 square foot Thomas Executive Conference Center is comprised of a 5,450 square foot ballroom, many multi-purpose and breakout spaces for collaborative work sharing, two boardrooms, two-tiered classrooms seating 65, as well as pre-function spaces and a business center.

Light-filled spaces adorn the hotel, offering views of the surrounding Duke Forest, landscaped courtyards and terraces to connect guests with the outdoors. Dining options and nearby attractions include the Lobby Lounge, MarketPlace, Duke University Golf Club and various area activities.

The IACC Americas Knowledge Exchange is open to all industry professionals, inviting area hoteliers, operators and local and regional suppliers to register online.

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