What’s New This April

Berlin

Berlin’s Strength in Medical Congresses, 2026

Berlin is set to welcome more than 60,000 medical professionals in 2026, with a packed congress calendar spanning oncology, diabetology, cardiology, neurology, psychiatry and global health.

Confirmed highlights include the ESMO Breast Cancer Congress, the German Diabetes Congress and the International Conference on Nuclear Cardiology in May, followed by the World Health Summit, the German Congress for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery and the DOG Congress later in the year.

November brings further momentum with Neuro Week, the DGPPN Congress and the European Headache Congress. Find out more about Berlin’s congress and event highlights for 2026.

GITEX Europe Returns to Berlin, 2026

Following a successful premiere, GITEX Europe will return to Berlin in 2026, reinforcing the city’s position as one of Europe’s leading technology and innovation hubs.

The event, which originates from BestCities partner destination Dubai, is expected to attract more than 10,000 participants from over 50 countries, bringing together global leaders from AI, cybersecurity, startups and digital infrastructure.

Find out more about GITEX Europe 2026 in Berlin.

25 Years of Berlin Convention Office at IMEX Frankfurt

In 2026, the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter century of expertise, partnership and dedicated support for event planners worldwide.

At IMEX Frankfurt, Berlin will be represented by a network of 19 partners, giving planners direct access to the city’s diverse portfolio of venues, hotels and service providers.

Initiatives such as the Berlin Impact Programme and digital tools like the Berlin Convention Finder continue to support organisers in designing meaningful, future-oriented events in the German capital.

Guadalajara

Michelin Guide Comes to Guadalajara

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in Guadalajara marks a significant milestone for the region’s culinary scene, placing the destination among the world’s top gastronomic hubs.

The recognition is set to attract international visitors and shine a spotlight on local culinary talent.

Juego de Leyendas

The Juego de Leyendas continues to draw strong local and international audiences, bringing together iconic former players in a high-impact sports and entertainment format.

The event’s cultural resonance and fan-driven energy make it a valuable asset for destination branding, connecting Guadalajara to a broader global audience through shared nostalgia and sporting heritage.

IEEE Region 9 Student Branches Regional Meeting, 29–31 October 2026

The IEEE Region 9 XXIX Student Branches Regional Meeting will bring together engineering students and innovators from across Latin America, positioning Guadalajara as a hub for academic collaboration and technological advancement.

Melbourne

Destination Australia Conference

Melbourne Convention Bureau’s Julia Swanson took to the stage at Tourism Australia’s annual Destination Australia Conference, speaking to the shifting dynamics of the Chinese market and its growing importance to the visitor economy.

Across the broader Asian market, digitally confident audiences continue to shape global travel trends, with increasing demand for high-quality, distinctive experiences, an area where Melbourne is strongly positioned.

Melbourne Named Best City in the World, 2026

Melbourne has been named the best city in the world in Time Out’s Best Cities 2026 ranking, the first time an Australian city has taken the top spot.

The ranking was based on insights from more than 24,000 locals and global city experts, who rated cities across culture, food, liveability and overall experience. For the business events industry, it is a powerful reminder of what Melbourne offers delegates: a city where world-class meetings are matched by an equally world-class experience beyond the venue.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Wins Gold at Qantas Australian Tourism Awards

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has taken home Gold for Best Business Event Venue in Australia at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, a recognition that reflects the strength of Melbourne’s broader business events sector.

In the past year alone, MCEC hosted 714 events and welcomed more than 3.2 million visitors, bringing global delegates, ideas and industries together in Victoria. It is a result that speaks to the quality of infrastructure and partnerships that make Melbourne such a compelling destination for international conferences and events.

Melbourne to Host World Congress of the Universal Esperanto Association, 2027

Melbourne has secured the World Congress of the Universal Esperanto Association for 2027, with the event expected to attract more than 800 international delegates to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The congress was secured by Melbourne Convention Bureau in partnership with the Australian Esperanto Association, and supported by the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia. It is a win that reinforces Melbourne’s reputation as a culturally inclusive destination that values international exchange and connection.

Tokyo

Tokyo: Your Gateway to Global Success

Tokyo continues to stand out as one of the world’s premier destinations for international business events, offering a unique combination of innovation, world-class infrastructure and a deeply collaborative business culture.

This short film captures what makes Tokyo such a compelling choice for forward-thinking organisations looking to connect, exchange ideas and achieve results on a global scale.

Washington, DC

Destination DC’s 3rd Annual Sustainability Summit

Destination DC recently hosted its third annual Sustainability Summit at the historic Howard Theatre, bringing together leaders from tourism, hospitality, government and community organisations to explore how placemaking and collaboration drive sustainable development across the city.

The summit recognised local leaders through the District Sustainability Awards and showcased innovative programmes spanning electrified buildings, circular economy solutions and expanded green spaces. Read more about the highlights from DC’s 3rd Annual Sustainability Summit.

National Cherry Blossom Festival, through 12 April

Spring has arrived at the Tidal Basin, where wider walkways and 400 new trees, including 250 gifted by Japan in 2024, set the scene for this year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival.

With a full slate of events running through 12 April, Washington, DC is offering visitors a picture-perfect springtime experience. Find out what’s on at the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Destination DC Spring Journalist Newsletter

Destination DC’s spring Journalist Newsletter is now live, rounding up the latest happenings across the city.

Catch up on everything new in Washington, DC in the spring edition of the Journalist Newsletter.

Washington, DC in the News

Washington, DC has been featured in a number of recent industry publications. The Trade Shows News Network explores DC’s strategy for growing international travel, while Associations Meetings International takes a broader look at why destination marketing is so challenging right now. Convention South also features a dedicated Event Planners’ Guide to DC in its latest edition.

Dublin

European Conference on Antennas and Propagation, 19–24 April 2026

The European Conference on Antennas and Propagation returns to Dublin this month, with around 1,500 delegates gathering at the Convention Centre Dublin for one of Europe’s leading forums on antenna and propagation research.

Global Leadership Summit, 15–17 April 2026

The Global Leadership Summit comes to the Convention Centre Dublin this month, bringing together around 1,500 leaders for three days of insight, discussion and collaboration.

Licensing Executives Society International, 26–29 April 2026

The Licensing Executives Society International 2026 heads to the Radisson Blu Royal in Dublin this month, welcoming around 650 delegates from across the global licensing and intellectual property community.

A Touch of Ireland DMC Awarded Gold in Sustainable Tourism

A Touch of Ireland has been awarded Gold Sustainable Tourism Network Tour Operator Certification, the highest recognition within Ireland’s national sustainability framework for tourism businesses.

The certification follows an independent audit confirming the company’s performance across environmental, social and cultural criteria, with standout results including a more than 50% reduction in electricity usage and a 40% reduction in waste per employee per day.

It is a strong example of how businesses within the meetings and events sector can embed sustainability as a core value rather than an operational afterthought.

Madrid

Madrid in March

March was a busy month for Madrid Convention Bureau, kicking off with the annual general meeting of member companies and the launch of a new Manual for Carbon Footprint Measurement and Reporting, a practical guide to help the MICE sector navigate current and emerging environmental requirements.

The team also took the show on the road, heading to Toronto and Chicago to deliver gamified presentations to around 30 agencies per market, accompanied by a delegation of Madrid’s MICE companies.

The month wrapped up with two industry forums: GMF Special Venues in Madrid and XS Luxury Incentives in Abu Dhabi.

WindEurope 2026

April is wind energy month in Madrid, with the European Wind Energy Association’s WindEurope 2026 conference and exhibition expected to draw 12,000 delegates to the city.

Beyond its scale, the event stands out for its social impact, with a range of initiatives connecting businesses and educational institutions to inspire the next generation of students across secondary school, vocational training and university to explore careers in renewable energy and the energy transition.

Mutua Madrid Open, 20 April–3 May 2026

The world’s top tennis players return to Madrid’s Caja Mágica for the 24th edition of the Mutua Madrid Open, with the city hosting both the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 across two weeks of elite competition.

Designed by Dominique Perrault, the Caja Mágica is an impressive modern tennis complex and events venue, known for its large capacity and retractable roofs, and a fitting stage for one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.

Laureus World Sports Awards, 20 April

Madrid will host the Laureus World Sports Awards for the third consecutive year, with the Crystal Gallery at the Palacio de Cibeles welcoming the world’s finest athletes as they compete across seven elite categories.

The awards, widely regarded as the most prestigious in sport, recognise the best athletes and teams of 2025, including through the Laureus Sport for Good Award, which honours individuals and organisations using sport to transform the lives of young people.

Cape Town

South Africa Launches MEETS Visa for Business Events Delegates

The Department of Home Affairs has officially rolled out the Meetings, Exhibitions, Events and Tourism Scheme (MEETS) Visa, a significant step forward in simplifying travel for international delegates attending business events in South Africa.

The initiative is designed to make visa processes quicker and more efficient for global travellers, with the MEETS Visa expected to boost delegate arrivals, unlock new opportunities for the business events sector and drive meaningful economic growth. Read more about the MEETS Visa scheme.

Bids Secured for 2027

Cape Town has secured three significant international congresses, further strengthening its position as a leading destination for global knowledge exchange.

The International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting will come to the city in 2027, alongside the 10th Global Symposium on Ketogenic Therapies in October 2027. The Symposium of the World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians rounds out the wins, scheduled for 8–11 December 2027.

Cape Town Ranked 6th Best City in the World, 2026

Cape Town has once again earned global recognition, landing 6th place in Time Out’s Best Cities 2026 ranking, cementing its reputation as Africa’s leading destination for tourism and business events.

The ranking reflects the city’s unique combination of iconic natural beauty, vibrant culture and world-class experiences, and reinforces its growing appeal as a premier hub for international meetings and events.

Cape Town International Airport Named Best Airport in Africa, Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026

For the 11th consecutive year, Cape Town International Airport has been named Best Airport in Africa at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026, adding to a hat-trick of accolades that also includes Best Airport Staff Service in Africa for the sixth year running and Cleanest Airport in Africa.

These recognitions reflect the continued commitment of the airport’s stakeholders to delivering an exceptional experience for travellers arriving in and departing from the Mother City.

Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens Opens for Its 184th Season

Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is launching its 184th season with one of its most ambitious programmes yet, featuring more than 200 concerts spanning pop, rock, jazz and classical music, alongside a brand-new Tivoli Revue, classic pantomime and a refreshed fireworks show.

Gastronomy takes centre stage too, with fifteen Michelin-starred guest chefs at the Japanese Tower, the Tivoli Food Festival running 23–31 May, and the Nordic Michelin Star Ceremony at the Concert Hall on 1 June.

Tivoli also offers a broad portfolio of meeting and event venues, from historic halls and scenic gardens to modern fully equipped spaces, making it a sought-after setting for conferences, corporate gatherings and private celebrations in the heart of the Danish capital.

Record Passenger Numbers at Copenhagen Airport, 2025

Copenhagen Airport marked its 100th anniversary year in style, recording the highest number of passengers in its history, with 32.4 million travellers passing through its terminals in 2025.

The milestone reflects the strength of Denmark’s air connectivity and the growing appeal of Copenhagen as a destination for international visitors and business event delegates. Read more about the record-breaking year at Copenhagen Airport.

Tour de Life Science: Denmark’s Collaborative Strategy for Growth

Denmark is transforming life science into a coordinated ecosystem where congresses serve as catalysts for innovation, partnership and economic growth, with Greater Copenhagen at its core.

The strategy connects clusters, hospitals and industry through shared ambition, with business events plugging directly into living infrastructure. Read the full story on how Denmark is becoming a testbed nation for life science.

ICCA to Develop First-Ever Global Impact Measurement Framework for Association Conferences

From 2026 to 2028, ICCA will lead the development of the first-ever Global Impact Measurement Framework for Association Conferences, a milestone initiative designed to measure the real value of association congresses beyond tourism and traditional economic metrics.

The framework will be co-developed with a selection of destination partners, including Copenhagen Convention Bureau, and guided by leading academic experts to ensure a robust research foundation. Read more about the ICCA Global Impact Measurement initiative.

Dubai

UAE Launches Phase 1 of its R&D Tax Incentives Programme

The UAE has launched the first phase of its R&D Tax Incentives Programme, a national framework designed to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem and build long-term confidence for knowledge-led industries.

For the global business events sector, the initiative signals a clear commitment to positioning the UAE as a destination where ideas, investment and international collaboration converge.

RTA Launches Autonomous Taxi Services via Uber and Apollo Go

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has launched commercial autonomous taxi services in partnership with Uber and Apollo Go, reflecting the city’s commitment to translating smart mobility strategies into real, on-ground solutions.

The rollout is another example of Dubai’s approach to adopting autonomous and smart mobility innovations that keep the city at the forefront of urban transportation.

Image via: https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2026/march/30-3/rta-launches-commercial-operations-involving-autonomous-taxis

Houston

Houston Takes the World Stage in 2026

Houston is having a landmark year, with a packed calendar of major events putting the city firmly in the global spotlight.

The FIFA World Cup brings seven matches to NRG Stadium this summer, while Houston First Corporation’s new World in a City campaign is showcasing the city’s diversity and international appeal to audiences across the US, Mexico and beyond.

For association and business event professionals, the city’s ongoing investment in infrastructure is equally compelling. The George R. Brown Convention Center is undergoing a billion-dollar-plus transformation, with a new 700,000-square-foot building and 100,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza slated for completion by mid-2028, forecast to increase citywide meetings and conventions by 62%.

Read more about Houston’s plans for 2026 and beyond.

Celebrating Women in Hospitality in Houston

Houston First has spotlighted some of the women shaping leadership across the city’s hospitality industry, from hotel executives and venue operators to award-winning chefs and cultural institution leaders.

The two-part series highlights how women at every level are creating pathways for the next generation, championing inclusivity and driving meaningful change across one of Houston’s most vital sectors.

It is a timely reminder of why SDG Goal 5 on Gender Equality remains as relevant as ever in the business events industry.

Houston Named 2026’s Top Food City

Houston has quietly taken the title of culinary powerhouse, with the LA Times naming it the most exciting food city of 2026.

From Michelin-recognised live-fire restaurants and decades-in-the-making pho to James Beard Award-winning concepts celebrating border cuisine, the city’s food scene is as diverse and dynamic as its population, making it a compelling destination for international delegates looking for a memorable experience beyond the meeting room.