What’s New This January?

Vancouver

FIFA World Cup 26 Group Phase Schedule Released

The release of the FIFA World Cup 26 group phase schedule has Vancouver ready to welcome the world. The city will host Australia’s opening match on June 13, 2026, at BC Place, setting the stage for an unforgettable celebration of sport and culture. This highly anticipated event offers Vancouver another opportunity to showcase its vibrant hospitality and stunning natural setting to global audiences.

Dine Out Vancouver Festival, January 21–February 8, 2026

Canada’s largest food and drink celebration returns, inviting locals and visitors to explore more than 400 restaurants across the city. The 2026 edition will also feature the 10th annual Vancouver World Chef Exchange, with Michelin-starred collaborations from Seoul, Bangkok, Chicago, and London. Dine Out Vancouver continues to highlight Vancouver’s dynamic culinary scene and global connections through food and creativity.

Guadalajara

Direct Routes from Canada to Guadalajara

Guadalajara continues to strengthen its connectivity with Canada, now offering direct routes from Quebec, Montreal, and Calgary. This enhanced accessibility supports the city’s growing role as a vibrant hub for international meetings and business events.

New Boardroom Microsite Launch

A new microsite, developed in collaboration with Boardroom highlights Guadalajara’s unique value for associations and event planners, offering a fresh perspective on global partnership and destination excellence.

https://destination.boardroom.global/#intro-3

Dubai

Dubai introduces citywide contactless hotel check-in technology

Dubai enhances visitor experiences with the citywide rollout of a one-time biometric and digital contactless check-in solution for guests across hotels and holiday homes. This initiative sets a new standard in convenience and hospitality innovation, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and strengthening the city’s commitment to seamless, technology-driven travel experiences.

Dubai establishes unified RDI ecosystem to accelerate innovation

Dubai continues to drive its future-focused vision with the launch of the unified Dubai RDI Ecosystem, developed under the Dubai Future Foundation. The platform brings together research, development, and innovation efforts across sectors to propel the city’s transformation into a global hub for knowledge and advanced technologies, reinforcing its leadership in shaping the economies of the future.

Madrid

Three Kings Parade, January 5, 2026

The year begins in Madrid with the beloved Three Kings Parade, drawing thousands of families to the city centre to celebrate this cherished tradition. The 2026 edition honours the theme of “Shared Knowledge,” recognizing the journey of the Three Wise Men and the teachers who follow in their legacy. The event concludes with the Kings’ address before Madrid City Hall at Plaza de Cibeles.

C!Print Madrid, January 13–15, 2026

C!Print Madrid returns to IFEMA Madrid for its tenth edition, uniting professionals from the printing, visual communication, and personalization sectors from across Spain and Portugal. This essential industry gathering continues to spark innovation and foster valuable connections within the sector.

FITUR International Tourism Fair,  January 21–25, 2026

The global tourism community will once again converge in Madrid for FITUR, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for the travel industry. More than 10,000 companies are expected, spanning destinations, technology providers, and hospitality leaders, reinforcing Madrid’s role as a hub for global collaboration in tourism.

Madrid Fusión,  January 26–28, 2026

Madrid Fusión, the renowned gastronomic congress, will take place at IFEMA Palacio Municipal, bringing together top chefs and culinary innovators from around the world. The event continues to shape global cuisine through creativity, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing.

Chinese New Year, January 31, 2026

Madrid’s multicultural spirit shines in the celebration of the Chinese New Year, marking the arrival of the Year of the Horse. A rich programme of performances and cultural activities will take place primarily in the vibrant Usera neighborhood, welcoming locals and visitors alike to embrace the Spring Festival’s traditions.

MCB Familiarization Trips, January 2026

Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB) begins the year with two tailored familiarization trips designed for national associations and agencies. These initiatives strengthen relationships and showcase Madrid’s world-class infrastructure and hospitality for meetings and events.

Singapore

SEMICON Southeast Asia 30th Anniversary

Singapore recently welcomed SEMICON Southeast Asia for its 30th anniversary, drawing more than 26,000 attendees from over 50 countries and featuring 700 exhibitors. The milestone edition underscored Singapore’s role as a global semiconductor hub where industry leaders collaborate to strengthen supply chains and accelerate innovation across the region.

RECHARGE Wind Power Summit Asia-Pacific 2026 and WindEnergy Asia-Pacific 2027

Looking ahead, Singapore is set to host the inaugural RECHARGE Wind Power Summit Asia-Pacific in 2026, followed by WindEnergy Asia-Pacific in 2027. These landmark events mark the country’s first dedicated wind energy exhibition, positioning Singapore as a gateway for organisations seeking to access the fast-growing offshore wind market in Asia-Pacific and foster strategic partnerships that advance sustainable energy solutions.

Tokyo

2026 Event Lineup

Following a dynamic 2025, Tokyo is preparing for a packed year of business events in 2026. Key highlights include the World Veterinary Association Congress (April), the International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (June), the Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention & Exhibition (October), and the International Congress of Actuaries (November).

Learn more about the events that Tokyo will host in 2026.

Tokyo Climbs to Second in Global Power City Index 2025

Tokyo has moved up to second place in the Global Power City Index 2025 after nearly a decade in third. The city received high marks for Livability, Cultural Interaction, and Nightlife—further affirming its status as a leading global destination.

Read more about Tokyo’s ranking

Berlin

Berlin Sets Strategic Vision for Major Events to 2035

The Berlin Senate has approved a long-term plan to strengthen the city’s position as a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative host for major events. Anchored by the newly released Berlin Paper, the strategy outlines concrete measures for cross-sector collaboration, citizen participation, accessibility, and infrastructure upgrades. Led by the Berlin Event Board and supported by organisations across business, tourism, and civil society, the initiative sets the stage for Berlin to become a global leader in large-scale events by 2035.

Digital reboot for Berlin’s meeting destination

The visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office has launched its new website at convention.visitBerlin.de, marking a comprehensive digital reboot for the city’s MICE sector. The platform offers event planners and local suppliers a seamless, clearly structured resource, with the newly redesigned Berlin Convention Finder at its core. Featuring enhanced filters and AI-powered search functions, the tool enables users to find venues and services quickly, improving efficiency and supporting more creative, sustainable event planning.