BestCities Case Studies; Inspiring Case Studies on the Impact of International Congresses
Delve into our collection of case studies showcasing the positive impact of international congresses on destinations and associations.
These studies highlight the transformative power of business events, emphasizing collaboration, community impact, and the educational value they bring. Discover how events drive change and bring missions to life.

Pioneering Legacy: The International Society for Hip Preservation’s Impactful 2023 Annual Meeting in Cape Town
Discover how the International Society for Hip Preservation (ISHA) used its 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting in Cape Town to tackle regional healthcare challenges. From groundbreaking collaborations to transformative initiatives, this event set a new standard for legacy-driven impact.
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A BestCities Global Alliance Case Study: European Respiratory Society International Congress
Discover how the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and European Lung Foundation (ELF) transformed their annual congress into a global platform for advancing lung health awareness, advocating for policy change, and fostering sustainability. With over 20,000 attendees annually, the ERS International Congress is a shining example of how events can create lasting legacies. Dive into this inspiring case study to explore their journey, impactful initiatives, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
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A BestCities Global Alliance Case Study: Entrepreneurs’ Organization
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global network of nearly 19,000 entrepreneurs spanning over 85 countries, is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurs to drive the world forward through innovation and leadership. Central to this mission is the Global Leadership Conference (GLC), EO’s flagship annual event that combines leadership inspiration with chapter officer training. The GLC equips chapter leaders for their roles in the upcoming fiscal year, fostering connections among leaders and facilitating the exchange of experiences and best practices to benefit local chapters.
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Accelerating Global Cycling Transformation: A Deep Dive into the Velo-city Conference
The Velo-city Conference, organized by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), is the world’s leading annual event for cycling advocates and city planners. Each year, it brings together more than 1,500 delegates from over 60 countries—policy-makers, industry leaders, academics, and everyday cyclists—to drive forward change in urban mobility. This case study explores how Velo-city creates a lasting impact in host cities, making cycling safer, more accessible, and a viable transportation option for all.
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A BestCities Global Alliance Case Study: Global DIY Summit
The Global DIY Summit stands out as a premier networking event, connecting leaders in the DIY, Home Improvement, and Garden Centre markets. Organized by the European DIY-Retail Association (EDRA), the Home Improvement Manufacturers Association (HIMA), and the Global Home Improvement Network (GHIN), this summit draws over 1,000 delegates from more than 55 countries. Despite not being the largest in its sector, its influence and quality make it a pivotal event for industry stakeholders.
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A BestCities Global Alliance Case Study: The World Down Syndrome Congress
The World Down Syndrome Congress (WDSC), hosted in various BestCities destinations, has been a beacon of hope and progress for individuals with Down syndrome. By bringing together families, professionals, and self-advocates, the Congress has fostered a global community dedicated to inclusion and advocacy.
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A BestCities Global Alliance Case Study: World Parkinson Coalition
The World Parkinson Coalition is a pioneering force in the global fight against Parkinson’s disease. By hosting inclusive triennial congresses, WPC unites patients, scientists, clinicians, and advocates to exchange knowledge and inspire new research directions. These congresses serve as a platform for collaboration and innovation, driving progress in understanding and treating Parkinson’s disease.
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A BestCities Global Alliance Case Study: The 23rd World Congress On Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Melbourne 2016
The 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems in Melbourne, 2016, showcased ITS Australia’s expertise and fostered government and community engagement in intelligent transportation. Prioritizing diversity and strategic networking, it achieved significant industry growth, policy influence, and youth engagement. This event exemplifies the lasting benefits of hosting international congresses for industry and community advancement.
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Incredible Impacts In Action: A Sustainable Legacy From The Ecocity Movement
With only one week to go until the 1 June application deadline for Incredible Impacts 2021 first round nominations, we connected with previous winner, Jennie Moore, Director, Institute Sustainability at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
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Copenhagen Legacy Lab: Making Meetings Meaningful
Copenhagen advances the conference legacy movement with hiring of Annika Rømer, senior manager of Copenhagen Legacy Lab
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Legacy Lights the Path for 2021 Global Conferences in Madrid
BestCities Global Forum returns to a live format in Madrid, Spain (December 2-5), along with several international congresses – including World Blindness Summit, European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and Sociedad Española de Prótesis Estomatológical y Estética (SEPES) – whose varying interests are united by a common goal: establishing legacy, or leaving a long-lasting impact on the host destination and the general public.
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Incredible Impacts Programme 2018: World Down Syndrome Congress
The Incredible Impacts Programme celebrates the “beyond tourism” value of international association meetings to create a powerful platform to advocate their positive societal impact. A panel of independent judges from the association world each years determines which meetings have proven impact to award three grants of USD 7,500 on behalf of BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA. In 2018, Down Syndrome
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