What’s New This August
Welcome to our August round-up at BestCities Global Alliance, where we highlight this month's key activities and achievements from across our global network. This edition features insightful updates from our Association Focus and Head Office Highlights, alongside vibrant news from our partner cities around the world. We're also excited to welcome a new destination to the Alliance this month, along with details on the upcoming live discussion at the ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition.
Dive in to stay informed and inspired.
Association Focus: Important News and Events
BestCities Global Alliance Welcomes Kigali as Newest Partner City
BestCities Global Alliance has welcomed Kigali, Rwanda as the 14th member of its global network, marking the second partner city in Africa alongside Cape Town.
Known as one of the continent’s cleanest and safest cities, Kigali has built a strong reputation in the association world, ranking as Africa’s second city in the ICCA rankings for six consecutive years.
With major events already secured, including the ICCA Congress 2027, Kigali’s growing calendar reflects its expanding role on the international meetings stage.
You can learn more on the Kigali partner city page.
BestCities Global Alliance at ASAE Annual Conference
BestCities Global Alliance is sponsoring the ASAE Global Lounge on 16 August, with Managing Director Loren Christie on hand throughout the day to meet with associations looking to grow their international delegate numbers. At noon, Loren will moderate a panel on inclusive event design across regions, featuring Greg Yap from Singapore, Karina Lance from Dubai, Allison Best from Vancouver, and Magdalena Mook from the International Coaching Federation.
The session builds on a question BestCities Global Alliance recently explored in more depth: are events asking attendees to adapt, or are they designed to work for more of them? You can read more in Designing for Everyone: A Blueprint for Inclusive Events.
If you’re heading to the ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition, join the live discussion on Sunday 16 August, 12.00 to 12.45, in the Global Lounge.
Anyone wanting to schedule time to connect can reach out directly at [email protected].
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
Five BestCities Global Alliance partners, Houston, Washington DC, Singapore, Melbourne, and Dublin, came together to host an exclusive client dinner during this year’s IEEE Convene conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, bringing together nine key clients for an evening of meaningful conversation. It is exactly this kind of cross-continental coordination, destinations working together rather than competing for attention, that sets the Alliance apart.
Seven partner cities, Singapore, Melbourne, Houston, Dublin, Washington DC, Vancouver, and Dubai, were on the ground at IEEE Convene, the annual gathering of conference leaders and decision-makers from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), bringing together stakeholders from across the global conferences community.
Four Partner Cities Rank in Global Liveability Index Top 10
The EIU by Economist Enterprise’s Global Liveability Index 2026 ranks 173 cities on stability, healthcare, culture, education, and infrastructure, and four BestCities Global Alliance partner cities landed in the top ten: Copenhagen at number one, Melbourne at third, Vancouver at ninth, and Tokyo at tenth. The overlap is no coincidence, the same qualities that make a city liveable, safe streets, good transport, strong healthcare, and a rich cultural life, are often what make delegates feel looked after during their visit.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Kigali
Upcoming Events Calendar
Kigali continues to attract a growing calendar of international events, bringing together global leaders, industry experts, and delegates from across the world. Upcoming highlights include:
- Africa Food Systems Forum, 1–5 September 2026: a leading platform bringing together policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to advance Africa’s food systems transformation
- Kwita Izina, 4 September 2026: Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorilla naming ceremony celebrating conservation and sustainable tourism
- VIV Poultry Africa, 7–8 October 2026: a key gathering for stakeholders in the poultry and animal production sector
- Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Expo, 27–29 October 2026: bringing together renewable energy leaders to accelerate access to off-grid solar solutions
- Africa Fintech Summit, 2–6 November 2026: connecting innovators, investors, and leaders shaping Africa’s digital finance ecosystem
- Rwanda Mining Week, 6–10 December 2026: a platform bringing together stakeholders from the mining and minerals sector
Growing Recognition as an Association Meetings Destination
Kigali continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading association meetings destinations, ranking second in Africa for hosting association meetings in the ICCA 2025 rankings. The city will host the ICCA Congress 2027, marking the return of the global association meetings industry’s flagship congress to Africa after more than 20 years, a milestone that highlights Rwanda’s growing role in the global meetings industry.
Other confirmed conferences include:
- Multilateral Initiative on Malaria Conference, 2027
- Africa Forensic Studies Association Conference, 2028
- Education International Africa Regional Conference, 2028
- African Conference on Sexual Health and Rights, 2028
- 40th WAGGGS World Congress, 2029
New Air Route Strengthens Kigali’s Connectivity
Oman’s carrier SalamAir has launched direct flights between Muscat and Kigali, strengthening connectivity between Rwanda and Oman. The twice-weekly service, with a flight time of approximately five hours and 50 minutes, also connects travellers to SalamAir’s wider network across the Gulf, Asia, and Europe, further improving Kigali’s accessibility as a meetings and events destination.
Learn more on the RwandAir website.
Radisson Blu Hotel and Kigali Convention Centre Celebrates 10 Years
The Radisson Blu Hotel and Kigali Convention Centre celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026, marking a decade of excellence in hospitality, meetings, and events. Since opening in 2016, the landmark complex has welcomed more than 546,000 delegates and hosted over 73,000 events, playing a key role in Rwanda’s journey to becoming one of Africa’s leading MICE destinations.
Learn more about the Kigali Convention Centre.
Berlin
Berlin Consolidates Its Position as a Leading Meeting Destination
Berlin welcomed 13.7 million attendees across around 87,000 events in 2025, according to new figures from visitBerlin, with congresses, conferences, and seminars accounting for nearly three-quarters of the city’s events market. The city also stood out as Germany’s most international meeting destination, with international events making up 23 percent of the total, well above the national average, and North America, the United Kingdom, and France as its leading source markets.
Read the full report on the visitBerlin website.
Vancouver
Vancouver Wraps Up a Landmark Summer
Vancouver took center stage during the FIFA World Cup 2026, with its striking Beautiful Dome installation featured by more than 100 media outlets worldwide. As one chapter closes, the next begins: the city has welcomed its first post-World Cup citywide conference, while July and August are shaping up to be record months for the cruise industry.
Squamish Nation and Destination Vancouver Sign Statement of Cooperation
The Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) and Destination Vancouver have signed a Statement of Cooperation, formalising a shared commitment to advancing a competitive, sustainable, and socially conscious Indigenous tourism industry rooted in Squamish traditions and values.
Read more on the Destination Vancouver website.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC Named a Top Conference City for 2026–2027
Washington, DC was named one of U.S. News & World Report’s Top 10 Best Conference Cities for 2026–2027, recognised for its walkable convention district, convenient transportation, and abundance of free attractions. The city also earned the highest sustainability score of any destination on the list, underscoring its continued commitment to responsible meetings.
Meeting Moment: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
In the latest Meeting Moment feature, Washington, DC hosted the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) conference, known as The Liver Meeting, convening 8,500 global hepatology leaders. The event leveraged the city’s access to policymakers, advocacy organisations, and national institutions to extend its impact well beyond the convention centre.
Click here to read the full feature.
Girl Scouts Unite Brings Thousands to the Nation’s Capital
In July, the 58th National Council Session and Girl Scouts Unite brought more than 10,000 attendees to Washington, DC, generating 16,417 hotel room nights and an estimated $11.9 million in economic impact. Returning to the capital for the first time since 1975, the event activated venues including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the National Museum of American History, and Franklin Park.
Behind the Scenes with Chef Anthony Jones
A new We The People video takes viewers behind the scenes with Chef Anthony Jones, exploring how his Chesapeake roots and Washington, DC influences shape the menu at Marcus DC. The video was produced in-house by Destination DC’s creative team.
Melbourne
Melbourne Convention Bureau Leads Sales Mission to India
The Melbourne Convention Bureau and five partners met with more than 100 Indian MICE agents at hosted workshops in Mumbai and Delhi, alongside in-office sales calls with 12 leading MICE organisations. The mission continued at the MILT Congress 2026 in Goa, where the team connected with more than 50 Indian corporate clients.
Melbourne Secures AOHUPO Congress for 2027
Melbourne has secured the Congress of the Asia Oceania Human Proteome Organisation (AOHUPO) for 2027. Held every two years, the event is expected to attract over 400 delegates and generate an economic impact of more than $1.8 million, advancing research in proteomics that supports precision medicine and pharmaceutical development.
Melbourne Named World’s Third Most Liveable City
Melbourne has been named the world’s third most liveable city in the latest Global Liveability Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which scores 173 cities on stability, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and culture.
MCB Hosts Indian MICE Planners for Familiarisation Programme
MCB, in partnership with Singapore Airlines, hosted a group of Indian MICE planners for a familiarisation programme showcasing Melbourne’s leading venues, including the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Crown Melbourne, Showtime Event Group, Pan Pacific Melbourne, and The Langham. The itinerary extended along the Great Ocean Road, including a visit to the newly opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Opens
Nyaal Banyul officially opened on 21 June, marking a new chapter for business events across regional Victoria. Designed in partnership with the Traditional Owners from its inception, the venue is the first convention centre in Australia developed collaboratively with First Nations people, with its name gifted by the Wadawurrung People meaning “Open your eyes to the hills.”
Guadalajara
Guadalajara Becomes First Latin American Destination to Join GDS-Index Lite
Guadalajara has become the first destination in Latin America to join GDS-Index Lite, a programme from GDS-Movement that helps destinations in the early stages of their sustainability journey assess their current performance and identify priority areas for improvement. The move builds on an existing collaboration between the Guadalajara Visitors and Conventions Bureau and GDS-Movement, and reinforces the city’s position as a leading MICE destination in Latin America committed to a more sustainable, responsible model.
Read more on the GDS-Movement website.
Dublin
IADH 2026 Comes to Trinity College Dublin
Dublin will host the International Association for Disability and Oral Health Conference (IADH 2026) at Trinity College Dublin from 19 to 22 August, welcoming more than 800 delegates under the theme “Inclusion Health: Prioritising Diversity, Equity, and Oral Health.”
Learn more on the IADH 2026 website.
Dublin Horse Show Returns to the RDS
The Dublin Horse Show returns to the RDS from 5 to 9 August, bringing together world-class equestrian sport, Irish culture, and business networking in one of Ireland’s most prestigious and longest-running international events. Held annually since 1864, the show attracts elite riders, breeders, and industry professionals from around the world.
Learn more on the Dublin Horse Show website.
American College Football Returns to Dublin
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic returns to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 29 August for its sixth edition, continuing to strengthen the city’s position as the European home of American college football. The annual NCAA season-opening fixture attracts tens of thousands of international visitors and showcases the strong ties between Ireland and the United States.
Learn more on the College Football Ireland website.
Singapore
Singapore Spotlights Legacy, Talent, and Sustainability at Association MICE Symposium
At the Association MICE Symposium, held alongside the Singapore MICE Forum under the theme “Going Beyond,” Carrie Kwik, Executive Director at the Singapore Tourism Board, highlighted that Singapore’s true edge as a global MICE hub lies in its people, domain expertise, and knowledge networks alongside world-class infrastructure. The forum also marked the launch of Singapore’s MICE Sustainability Roadmap 2.0, which expands beyond environmental goals to include social and economic sustainability targets, including a Decarbonisation Framework by 2028 and net-zero emissions by 2050.
Read more on Meetings & Conventions Asia.
Singapore Set to Host Major International Medical Meetings in August
Singapore will welcome thousands of clinicians and healthcare leaders for two major international congresses at Singapore EXPO this August, including the 24th Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology (AOCR) from 20 to 23 August, and ESTRO Meets Asia from 28 to 30 August. Together, the events reflect Singapore’s growing position as a hub for global healthcare and medtech gatherings.
Read more via BBC StoryWorks.
Dubai
Dubai Awards Record 237 Hotels with Sustainable Tourism Stamp
Dubai has awarded a record 237 hotels with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp in the initiative’s third cycle, a 55 percent increase from the previous round. Led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the initiative recognises hotels demonstrating outstanding sustainability performance, reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as a responsible destination for business events and travel.
Read more on WAM.
Dubai Targets AED18.3 Billion Sports Economy by 2033
Dubai currently hosts more than 400 local and international sporting events and around 100 training camps annually, and under its Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, attendance at major sporting events is expected to rise from 1.67 million to more than 4.1 million per year. The strategy positions sport as a growing part of Dubai’s wider economy, generating opportunities across hospitality, tourism, and aviation.
Read more on Economy Middle East.
ATM 2026 to Spotlight Dubai’s Tourism Strength
Arabian Travel Market 2026 will take place from 14 to 17 September at Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together tourism authorities, airlines, and industry leaders under the theme “Travel 2040: Driving New Frontiers Through Innovation and Technology.” The programme will explore traveller confidence, destination resilience, and sustainable tourism growth.
Read more on TTN Worldwide.
About the author
Marlieke Kemp-Janssen
Marlieke Kemp-Janssen has over 15 years of experience in the international hotel industry, specialising in digital marketing, eCommerce, and communications. She has held leadership roles in luxury-branded hotels, where she developed and executed successful online strategies. Now based in Kuala Lumpur, Marlieke is the online marketing project manager for BestCities Global Alliance. She manages the alliance’s LinkedIn presence, website content, and monthly round-ups, along with other digital projects that support global engagement and visibility.