What’s New This August?
From major congress wins and collaborative client activations to sustainability milestones and preparations for IMEX America, this month’s updates highlight the power of partnership across the BestCities network. Catch up on what’s happening with our destinations, associations, and the upcoming Global Forum.
Dive in to stay informed and inspired.
Global Perspectives: Insights from Industry Voices
How Associations Can Finally Measure True Conference ROI Beyond Attendance
Associations that host global conferences face a familiar post-event challenge: proving the gathering actually advanced the profession. Member registration numbers and session attendance are easy to track. But showing that your annual conference shifted industry thinking, sparked meaningful collaboration, or generated actionable insights for your members? That’s much harder.
And it’s becoming increasingly critical.
Association boards want clearer ROI on conference investments. Members expect tangible takeaways that justify their time and travel. Sponsors need evidence of meaningful engagement with their target audience. And when language barriers prevent international members from fully participating, you’re missing opportunities to truly globalize your profession’s knowledge base.
Capturing professional impact
What if instead of guessing which sessions resonated, you could see exactly which topics and themes emerge most frequently across your entire event? What if breakthrough discussions in one session could immediately inform conversations happening across the hall? And what if language was no longer a barrier to your international members contributing their expertise?
Click here to continue reading.
About the author of this article:
 | Keerat Singh, Chief Revenue Officer, Gevme [email protected] gevme.comKeerat Singh drives revenue growth, strategy, and partnerships at Gevme, enabling the business events industry to stay ahead of the curve through AI adoption. With over six years of experience, she is a firm believer in driving change towards more productive and innovative events through the adoption of technology. As an advocate for transformation in the business events industry, she combines her passion for innovation with a commitment to sharing insights and ideas that empower event professionals. Keerat has delivered successful workshops across leading industry platforms including PCMA Convening Leaders, Malaysia Business Events Week, Business of Events and Tech Week Singapore — equipping professionals with the tools to integrate AI into their workflows and reimagine how content, engagement, and experiences are delivered. |
Association Focus: Important News and Events
New Insights: Advancing SDG Goal 12 Through Business Events
Our latest article in the SDG series explores how associations can take meaningful action on SDG Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
From sourcing sustainable suppliers to reducing event waste and supporting community-based legacy efforts, the piece highlights tangible strategies to embed sustainability across the business events lifecycle. It also showcases how BestCities destinations are helping associations deliver long-term impact through the SDG lens.
Loren Christie on the Power of City Alliances
In a recent article for GainingEdge, BestCities Managing Director Loren Christie shares how global city alliances are transforming the business events landscape.
Reflecting on BestCities’ 25-year journey, Loren explores how collaborative models are helping destinations navigate challenges, support legacy goals, and deliver greater value for associations and their communities. The piece reinforces why alliances remain a vital force in shaping the future of the meetings industry.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
Meet the Facilitator for the BestCities Global Forum in Guadalajara
Planning for the BestCities Global Forum 2026 in Guadalajara is well underway, and we’re excited to introduce this year’s facilitator: Pablo Latapí Ortega.
An award-winning journalist, experienced broadcaster, and sought-after speaker, Pablo brings a unique blend of emotional intelligence and storytelling to the role. His dynamic presence will help guide meaningful conversations as we gather in Mexico this January.
Stay tuned—details on the full programme will be shared soon.
Partner Destinations Team Up at Upcoming Events
We love seeing our partner destinations come together to connect with clients—and a number of exciting gatherings are just around the corner.
At IEEE Convene in Lisbon, CMEE in Toronto, and IBTM Americas in Mexico City, there will be opportunities to strengthen relationships, and partner destinations will showcase the value of working together through the BestCities network.
These kinds of initiatives reflect the collaborative spirit that defines our Alliance.
Melbourne, Dubai, Berlin, Singapore, and Washington, DC at ACW 2025.
Smart Monday Sessions at IMEX America
On Monday, October 6, BestCities Global Alliance will participate in two sessions at IMEX America’s Smart Monday—one as lead presenter, and another as part of a collaborative panel with ICCA.
In our own session, Going Global? – What Factors Are Affecting International Meetings Around the World, we’ll explore key environmental, economic, political, legal, social, and technological trends shaping the business events landscape.
Later that day, we’ll partner with ICCA for When the Host Becomes the Headline: What Global Event Organizers Need to Know in an Era of Geopolitical Uncertainty—a timely discussion on how current headlines are influencing destination choice, risk management, and trust in global event planning.
Smart Monday 2024
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Dubai
Dubai Welcomes Three New International Universities
Dubai is set to welcome three international institutions—India’s IIM Ahmedabad, the American University of Beirut, and Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences from Saudi Arabia—as part of its continued expansion as a global education hub. As announced by the Dubai Media Office, all three universities will open campuses in the 2025–26 academic year, enhancing the city’s appeal for internationally mobile students.
Dubai Launches Groundbreaking Human-Machine Collaboration Classification System
Dubai has introduced a pioneering classification system for human-machine collaboration, designed to differentiate contributions in academic, creative, and scientific content. Developed by the Dubai Future Foundation and approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the framework is a global first—setting new standards for transparency and accountability in content production.
Washington, DC
Smart Meetings and DDC Release Industry Insights White Paper
Smart Meetings and Destination DC have published a new report—Value Amplified: How Destination Marketing Organizations Drive Results for Event Planners—highlighting the measurable value of partnering with DMOs. Based on survey data from planners across corporate, association, nonprofit, and third-party sectors, the paper outlines how DMOs support strategy, access, and event success.
Third Annual Sustainability & Accessibility Roundtable
Destination DC recently hosted its third annual Sustainability & Accessibility Roundtable, gathering members for a workshop-style event at the National Children’s Museum. As part of DDC’s broader Sustainability District initiative—now with 77 members—the roundtable serves as a platform for sharing ideas and best practices that promote responsible tourism in the capital.
Washington, DC Wins “Best Destination” at C&IT Impact Awards
Washington, DC has been awarded “Best Destination” at the Conference & Incentive Travel Impact Awards, recognised for its commitment to being an inclusive, sustainable, and globally relevant host city for business events.
Copenhagen
Denmark Assumes EU Presidency, Elevating Copenhagen’s Global Role
With Denmark taking on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July through December, Copenhagen becomes a key venue for high-level meetings, international delegations, and policy discussions. The official presidency website outlines the priorities shaping Europe’s agenda during this term, including climate action, security, and digital development.
Copenhagen Hosts Major Global Congresses
Copenhagen’s Bella Center is set to welcome more than 85,000 international delegates in Q3 2025, with major events including AOM 2025, the FIP World Congress, ESCRS 2025, and ECOC Exhibition. Details on these and other upcoming congresses are featured on the Why Copenhagen portal from Copenhagen CVB.
New Legacy Case Study: WindEurope 2025
A new case study from the Copenhagen Legacy Lab explores the long-term impact of WindEurope 2025. Held in April, the congress focused on youth engagement in renewable energy, multilevel public discourse, and policy influence at the European level.
Find more cases from Congresses under ‘Green Transition’.
August in Copenhagen: Festivals, Food, and CopenPay
August is one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant months, with events ranging from Copenhagen Pride and the Historic Grand Prix to one of Northern Europe’s biggest food festivals, Copenhagen Cooking.
Visitors can also take part in CopenPay, which rewards thoughtful behaviour with free access to local attractions until August 17.
More at: Events – Visit Copenhagen and CopenPay – Free attractions for thoughtful actions – Visit Copenhagen
Daniel Rasmussen
Berlin
Messe Berlin Invests in New Congress Centre
With demand for mid-sized event venues on the rise, Messe Berlin is preparing to transform Hall 9 into a 12,000 sqm, future-ready congress centre. A recent study on Berlin’s venue needs projects that just one or two new spaces like this could support 76 additional events annually, adding €78 million in economic impact. It’s a bold move that signals Berlin’s readiness to grow alongside global demand.
Berlin Sees Strong Surge in International Events
Berlin welcomed 12.9 million event participants in 2024—up 29% from the previous year—driven largely by its booming business events sector. Of the 60,886 professional gatherings hosted, 70% were congresses, conferences, or seminars. International attendance nearly doubled the national average, with the UK, North America, Spain, Italy, and France emerging as top source markets. Full details are available in the Berlin Convention Office’s facts and figures.
BESTIVAL 2025 After Movie Showcases Berlin’s MICE Spirit
The official after movie for BESTIVAL 2025 is now live, capturing two high-energy days in July where over 500 event professionals gathered in Berlin. Highlights included sessions on sustainability, an emotional keynote from Ukraine’s Mariana Oleskiv, and the return of ISO 20121 certification. The video reflects the city’s dynamic role as a leading global meeting destination.
Tokyo
9th International Symposium on Meniere’s Disease, February 24–27, 2027
Tokyo has secured the winning bid to host the 9th International Symposium on Meniere’s Disease and Inner Ear Disorders. With 1,000 participants expected, the event highlights Tokyo’s world-class infrastructure and global appeal as a leading destination for medical and scientific congresses.
Spotlight on Marunouchi: A Premier Business Events District
Marunouchi, home to the Imperial Palace and the flagship Tokyo International Forum, combines direct airport access with walkable luxury hotels, restaurants, and green spaces—making it one of Tokyo’s most compelling districts for large-scale events. More details are available via the official Tokyo MICE Hubs website.
© TCVB
Singapore
Milken Institute Asia Summit Returns Through 2028
The Milken Institute has signed a new agreement with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to host the Asia Summit in Singapore through 2028. This year’s 12th edition is expected to draw over 1,500 global leaders to explore solutions to geopolitical and economic challenges.
STB and OpenAI Partner to Advance AI in Tourism
STB has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with OpenAI, becoming Asia’s first national tourism organisation to formalise such a partnership. The collaboration will support responsible integration of AI to improve visitor experience and productivity across Singapore’s tourism landscape.
Singapore Deepens MICE Engagement in India
STB has secured several major Indian delegations, including 6,000 delegates from Sun Pharma and 1,100 from CREDAI Natcon. Building on this momentum, the successful ‘Just Between Us Friends’ campaign is expanding to offer exclusive incentives for Indian business events through March 2026.
New Singapore Oceanarium Opens at Resorts World Sentosa
The all-new Singapore Oceanarium opened on July 24, tripling the footprint of its predecessor and introducing 22 themed zones across immersive, scientific, and conservation experiences. Visitors can now explore one of Asia’s largest viewing panels and a striking Kreisel tank filled with sea jellies.
Guadalajara
Guadalajara to host the UFI Global Congress, November 3–6, 2027
Guadalajara has been selected to host the 94th UFI Global Congress, the exhibition industry’s largest annual gathering. The event will bring global leaders to Expo Guadalajara and marks a major milestone for the city’s growing international profile.
Guadalajara to Host ICOLD 2026
The city has been officially announced as host of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) Annual Meeting in 2026. The news was shared during a recent trip to China.
Legacy Work Continues with GDS and Meet4Impact
For the third year running, Guadalajara is partnering with GDS and Meet4Impact during INTERMODA—the leading fashion and business trade show in Latin America. Together, they’re advancing sustainability and legacy initiatives as part of a long-term commitment to responsible event hosting.
Cape Town
World Congress of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, September 24–26, 2026
Cape Town will host the 5th World Congress of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in 2026, welcoming global delegates for three days of live procedures, hands-on training, and expert-led scientific sessions.
Cape Town Named World’s Best City (Twice)
Cape Town has been named the Best City in the World for 2025 by both Time Out and, more recently, the Telegraph Travel Awards. This marks its seventh Telegraph win and a return to the top of Time Out’s global ranking, reflecting the city’s enduring appeal, vibrant culture, and exceptional quality of life.
Cape Town International Airport Ranked Best in the World
AirHelp has ranked Cape Town International Airport as the world’s best airport for 2025, based on high marks for on-time performance and customer satisfaction—further elevating the city’s global reputation as a travel hub.
Melbourne
Progress 2030 Summit, September 2–3, 2025
Melbourne will host The Economist’s first-ever global forum in Australia this September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Progress 2030 Summit will explore how innovation, sustainability, and smart cities will transform industries and work environments over the next five years—further reinforcing Melbourne’s role as a global destination for forward-thinking events.
Houston
Houston to Host 2025 AAU Junior Olympic Games
Houston has been selected to host the 2025 AAU Junior Olympic Games, one of the largest youth multi-sport events in the U.S. The event is expected to bring thousands of athletes and families to the city, creating significant economic and community impact.
Houston’s Visitor Economy Sees Strong Growth
Houston’s tourism and hospitality sectors continue to thrive. In 2024, visitors to the city spent nearly $11 billion, reinforcing the city’s growing appeal as a destination for both business and leisure. The upward trend is reflected in increased international air traffic and steady job gains across hospitality-related industries, underscoring Houston’s expanding global connectivity and economic resilience.
World Premiere Art Installation at Avenida Houston
Avenida Houston will soon debut a new world premiere art installation, further cementing the district’s role as a hub for creativity and culture. The large-scale public artwork is designed to activate the space and offer visitors a vibrant visual experience in the heart of the city.
