In 2020, the ICA governance meetings (Executive Board and Programme Commission), were held virtually bringing together members from all over the world. In 2021, due to the current circumstances, the ICA will host these meetings in the same format to discuss key topics for the year.
ICA governance is in the hands of two main bodies: the General Assembly (GA) is the highest decision-making body in the ICA which decides on the long-term strategic direction for the organisation as well as overseeing its management. In between GAs, responsibility for managing ICA’s operations lies with the Executive Board (EB), which implements the GA decisions and, if necessary, proposes adjustments to the strategic direction.
In regards to ICA’s technical and professional programme, it is the Programme Commission (PCOM) which is the body in charge of overseeing and supporting the organisation’s professional activities, including the workplans of ICA Expert Groups (such as the development of tools and standards, management of projects, etc.) and the programme for the ICA Conferences and Congresses.
These two ICA governing committees usually meet twice a year: one session in the first semester of the year, usually taking place in April and a second session which takes place either before the ICA Conference or Congress or in October or November in a given year. In 2020, PCOM and EB were scheduled in April, June, and November, and were held in a virtual format for the first time in the organisation’s history. For 2021, the meetings will take place again virtually between April 7th (PCOM) and April 8-9th (EB).