What’s New This December?

Singapore

Upcoming conferences in December 2025

Singapore will close out 2025 with two major events: the ESMO Asia Congress 2025, welcoming 5,000 oncology professionals, and the 33rd Asia Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce Annual Convention. Together, these conferences highlight the city’s role as a global hub for knowledge exchange, trade partnerships, and business collaboration. 

World’s Best Cities List 2026

Singapore has been ranked 6th in Resonance Consultancy’s World’s Best Cities List for 2026, standing out among 270 global cities across 34 indicators. The destination scored first for standard of living and fourth for universities, while maintaining a top-five position for overall prosperity. Strong results in nature and parks, unemployment rate, and nightlife developments further reinforce Singapore’s reputation for well-rounded urban excellence. [LINK]

Dublin

Dublin secures two major wins for 2029

iPRES (the International Conference on Digital Preservation) will be held in Belfast and Dublin in September 2030. Following an open call for global hosts for the years 2027-2031, the successful Belfast and Dublin outcome was announced at a ceremony at iPRES 2025 in Wellington, New Zealand on World Digital Preservation Day (#WDPD). The conference generally welcomes up to 500 attendees in person and 350 participants online.

Dublin has also secured the ISHA 2029 Annual Scientific Meeting, with the International Society of Hip Arthroscopy selecting the city after a strong local bid. Learn more about the ISHA 2029 host destination announcement.

Conference Ambassador Recognition Awards, November 27

Fáilte Ireland honoured 109 sector leaders at the biennial Conference Ambassador Recognition Awards, celebrating ambassadors who helped bring international conferences to Ireland between 2023 and 2024. These events generated an estimated €117 million for the Irish economy, with 45 of the recognised conferences taking place in Dublin. Their work continues to support Ireland’s Business Events 2030 strategy by attracting high-value meetings that drive long-term impact and legacy.

The Hoxton opens its first hotel in Ireland

Dublin has welcomed its first Hoxton hotel, located in a restored redbrick landmark that once housed the city’s well-loved Central Hotel. The 129-room property features a restaurant, a café-by-day and wine bar-by-night concept, and a Hox Gallery wall showcasing local artists, along with the return of the much-missed Library Bar. More details are available on the Hoxton Dublin website.

Melbourne

Australia Next 2025, December 1–3

Melbourne took the global spotlight as the host city for Australia Next 2025, Tourism Australia’s premier incentive showcase. More than 200 international buyers, media, and industry leaders experienced the city’s creativity, culture, and world-class event capabilities across a three-day programme. Delivered in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau, the showcase highlighted Melbourne’s compact, walkable city centre and seamless access to regional experiences, reinforcing its position as a top global destination for incentive programmes.

MCB launches new guide for business event planners

The Melbourne Convention Bureau has released Uniquely Melbourne: An Event Planner’s Guide to Melbourne and Victoria, a new resource designed to inspire global event planners. The guide highlights the city’s world-class experiences—from sunrise hot air ballooning and immersive arts and culture to premium dining and iconic sporting events—along with standout regional destinations such as the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Bellarine, the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Ballarat and Daylesford. With ready-made itineraries and practical tools, it offers a streamlined way to design memorable delegate experiences.

World Cancer Leaders’ Summit

Melbourne recently hosted the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit, the world’s most influential forum for strategic cancer control. More than 400 senior decision-makers from governments, UN agencies, and leading health organisations gathered to advance policy, equity, and access across 80+ countries. With the launch of the World Cancer Declaration 2025–2035, the Summit demonstrated how major global events can help shape long-term progress in public health.

Melbourne’s business events sector delivers strong 2024/25 results

Melbourne’s business events sector has recorded another strong year, securing 230 future events that will contribute $270 million to the local economy. These events are expected to attract 57,000 delegates and generate 113,000 hotel room nights, reinforcing Melbourne’s position as Australia’s top city for international association delegates and fifth globally for average delegate numbers. More details can be found in the MCB media release and the annual report.

Save the date: AIME 2026, 9–11 February

AIME 2026 returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9–11 February 2026. The three-day programme will once again bring together industry decision-makers from across Asia Pacific to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of business events in the region. Further information and registration details are available on the AIME website.

International Conference on Neural Information Processing (ICONIP) 2026

Melbourne will welcome more than 800 global experts for ICONIP 2026, a leading conference focused on neural networks, AI, machine learning, cognitive systems, and biomedical engineering. The event will foster collaboration and knowledge exchange while reinforcing Victoria’s reputation as a global leader in digital innovation and AI research. Read the media release here.

ISPCAN 2026 Congress

In 2026, Melbourne will host the International Congress on Child Abuse and Neglect, a major global gathering dedicated to child protection and wellbeing. Delegates will explore solutions across youth justice, community prevention, digital safety, diversity, and public health approaches at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The media release is available here.

World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress 2029

Melbourne has secured the 25th World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress, which will bring nearly 2,000 international experts in avian health and research to the city in 2029. The bid was led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau in collaboration with WVPA and AVPA, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia. Read the full announcement here.

Guadalajara

ITB Americas Press Conference, 2026

Guadalajara will host the ITB Americas Press Conference in 2026, marking an important milestone for the city’s growing role in global tourism and business events. The announcement reflects Guadalajara’s commitment to strengthening international dialogue and its position as a key meeting hub in the Americas. 

UIA 2025 Congress

Guadalajara successfully hosted the International Association of Lawyers (UIA) Congress in 2025, showcasing the city’s capacity for large-scale professional gatherings. The event highlighted Guadalajara’s strong infrastructure and welcoming environment, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable partner for international associations. 

Tokyo

Second Tokyo Sustainable MICE Showcase, November 4

The Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the second Sustainable MICE Showcase at Takanawa Gateway Convention Center, welcoming around 200 attendees. The programme featured a keynote from Guy Bigwood of the Global Destinations Sustainability Movement, along with an exhibition of sustainable practices and locally sourced refreshments. The showcase highlighted Tokyo’s ongoing efforts to support more responsible and future-focused business events.

Tokyo named World’s Best Big City for 2025

Tokyo has once again been recognised by Condé Nast Traveler readers as the World’s Best Big City for 2025. The city’s blend of long-standing traditions, cutting-edge innovation, and standout hospitality continues to resonate with travellers and event organisers alike. This recognition further reinforces Tokyo’s global appeal as a leading destination for international meetings and business events.

Dubai

Dubai unveils economic roadmap for 2026–2028

Dubai has released its largest-ever fiscal plan, outlining AED 302.7 billion in expenditure and AED 329.2 billion in projected revenues. The three-year budget sets a clear economic direction through 2028 and reinforces long-term investor confidence. More details can be found in the announcement on the Dubai Government’s 2026–2028 budget cycle.

Dubai advances its space economy strategy

A new strategic framework has been introduced to accelerate Dubai’s ambitions in the global space sector. The plan strengthens the emirate’s position as a competitive hub for space infrastructure, innovation, and investment. Learn more in the Dubai Space Council strategic update.

Emirates concludes Dubai Airshow with major investments

Emirates wrapped up the 2025 Dubai Airshow with USD 41.4 billion in new aircraft commitments and several technology partnerships. These commitments support long-term fleet modernisation and highlight future-focused innovations across the airline. Read the full summary on the Emirates Airshow announcement.

Ciel Dubai Marina opens as the world’s tallest hotel

Ciel Dubai Marina, now officially the tallest hotel globally, has opened as a new landmark on Dubai’s skyline. The IHG-managed property adds to the city’s accommodation offering and provides a striking backdrop for international travellers and business events.

Houston

Houston named a top U.S. hub for business travel

Houston continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for business travel, supported by strong group hotel performance and highly efficient airports. Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) was recently ranked fifth in the nation by Business Traveler, scoring 7.31 out of 10 across key indicators such as direct flight availability, lounges, rental car access, and overall connectivity. This momentum is reflected in rising group demand across several city submarkets, including a 34% year-over-year increase in the Medical Center/NRG area.

Houston Grand Opera receives 2026 GRAMMY nomination

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) has earned a 2026 GRAMMY nomination for Best Opera Recording for Intelligence, the company-commissioned work by composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer. Recorded during its 2023 world premiere and released in 2025, the album is the first from HGO’s new label, developed in partnership with LSO Live. The recognition highlights HGO’s leadership in commissioning and producing groundbreaking works, alongside an additional nomination for Producer of the Year, Classical.

Ismaili Center opens in Houston

Houston has welcomed the new Ismaili Center, a landmark cultural and architectural project and the first of its kind in the United States. Designed as a space for dialogue, learning, and community, the 150,000-square-foot center blends Islamic and contemporary design and sits on an 11-acre site along Buffalo Bayou. Opening to the public this month, it serves as a gathering place for all Houstonians and marks a significant addition to the city’s cultural landscape.

U.S. cruise industry expected to break records in 2026

AAA projects that 21.7 million Americans will cruise in 2026, setting a new record for the fourth consecutive year. Galveston, the fourth-largest cruise port in the country, is forecasting more than 440 sailings and 3.9 million passengers, supported by the recent opening of a fourth cruise terminal. The continued growth of the sector contributes significantly to the region’s economy, with more than 2.58 million passenger turns recorded year-to-date through September.