What’s New This July?
Some updates feel routine—these aren’t those. From strategic renewals to standout city developments, we’re sharing news that signals real progress across our global network. Explore Association Focus, Head Office Highlights, and City Buzz to see what’s shaping the future of international meetings.
Dive in to stay informed and inspired
Association Focus: Important News and Events
Green is the New Gold: Proving the ROI of Sustainable Events
The latest BestCities Community Café tackled one of the industry’s most pressing questions: Can sustainability and profitability go hand in hand?
Moderated by Loren Christie, the conversation featured real-world insights from leaders at ESGE, WFSA, and the GDS Movement, all making the case for sustainability as a value driver—not a budget burden.
From zero-waste booths to rethinking catering and supplier engagement, the session offered practical strategies for embedding sustainability without sacrificing impact.
Watch the full recording and explore the key takeaways in our article, Green is the New Gold: Proving the ROI of Sustainable Events.
Sustainable Development Goals: Spotlight on Goal 8
Our latest article in the BestCities SDG series explores Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, examining how international association events can create meaningful employment, support local economies, and promote sustainable tourism. The piece highlights practical ways associations can align their events with this critical UN goal—contributing not only to their host destinations but also to global progress.
Read the full article on SDG Goal 8 and the power of purposeful events.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
BestCities Global Forum 2026: Sneak Preview from Guadalajara
The programme for the 2026 BestCities Global Forum is coming together, and we look forward to sharing more details with you soon.
From 5–8 February 2026, Guadalajara will host the next edition of the BestCities Global Forum. In the meantime, get a taste of what’s ahead in our new video featuring Loren Christie, filmed on location.
Loren shares why Guadalajara is a compelling host city and what makes the BestCities Global Forum a standout moment in the BestCities calendar.
BestCities and ICCA Renew Incredible Impacts Partnership
We’re excited to announce that we’ve renewed our partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) through a new three-year agreement for the Incredible Impacts Programme.
Since launching in 2017, this initiative has celebrated association events that deliver meaningful, lasting legacies. With continued support, we look forward to spotlighting even more creative projects that showcase the power of purposeful events.
Learn more about the renewed partnership and what’s ahead for the Incredible Impacts Programme.
Our New Website Is Live
We’ve just launched a refreshed version of our website, giving our digital presence a cleaner, more modern look. While the structure and core content remain familiar, the new design brings a sharper visual identity that better reflects the energy and ambition of the BestCities Global Alliance.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Melbourne
1 Hotel Melbourne Grand Opening, June
1 Hotel Melbourne officially opened in June, adding a nature-inspired luxury offering to the city’s business events landscape.
Located on the CBD’s free tram line, the hotel blends eco-conscious design with refined hospitality, featuring chef-led dining, wellness rituals, and curated programming.
Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive, Julia Swanson, joined hotel leadership to mark the occasion—underscoring the city’s ongoing investment in premium, sustainable infrastructure.
Melbourne to Host International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics, 2030
Melbourne has been selected to host the International Symposium on Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics (ISFOG) in 2030, securing the bid by a majority of 180 votes. The event aligns with Victoria’s net zero and energy storage goals and will foster deeper engagement with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and the offshore renewables sector.
Dublin
World Conference on Tobacco Control, June 23–25
The Convention Centre Dublin hosted the World Conference on Tobacco Control, bringing together academics, health professionals, NGOs, and policymakers from over 100 countries.
As the leading global event in this field, the conference fostered international collaboration and showcased Dublin’s capacity to host impactful, high-profile health events.
QS World University Rankings 2026
Trinity College Dublin climbed from 87th to 75th place, retaining its position as Ireland’s top institution.
The ranking boost further strengthens Dublin’s reputation as a centre of academic excellence and intellectual exchange.
Tokyo
Haneda Airport Honoured at 2025 SKYTRAX World Airport Awards
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport has once again set the benchmark for global travel, earning the title of World’s Cleanest Airport for the tenth consecutive year at the 2025 SKYTRAX World Airport Awards. It also secured top rankings in several other categories, reinforcing its reputation for excellence in service and infrastructure.
OMAE 2026: Tokyo Announced as Next Host City
The 2024 OMAE Conference was held in Vancouver from June 22–27. During the event, Tokyo was announced as the next host city for the ASME 45th International Conference on Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering (OMAE 2026), scheduled for June 7–12, 2026.
The Japanese capital will welcome the global engineering community for what promises to be another inspiring edition of this flagship event.
Roppongi: A Premier Hub for Association Meetings
Roppongi, one of Tokyo’s nine MICE hubs, continues to stand out for its cosmopolitan character and global connectivity—making it a compelling option for association meetings.
With top-tier venues like Tokyo Midtown Hall, several world-class art museums, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Roppongi offers a memorable experience that blends creativity, culture, and convenience.
Learn more about Tokyo MICE hubs at the official Tokyo MICE website.
Dubai
UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2026 Flag Handover, June
Dubai has officially received the flag to host the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2026 during the recent ceremony in Hamburg. The city’s selection affirms its global standing in hosting major international events and underscores the strength of its integrated infrastructure, particularly its advanced public and mass transit systems.
World Green Economy Summit 2025 Announcement, June
Dubai continues to lead on sustainability as DEWA, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and the World Green Economy Organisation prepare to host the 11th World Green Economy Summit on October 1–2 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The summit aims to support global efforts in accelerating the transition to a sustainable green economy.
Copenhagen
Michelin Guide Nordic Countries 2025: Copenhagen Tops the List Again
Copenhagen has once again led the Michelin Guide Nordic Countries, with 30 stars awarded across 18 restaurants. Highlights include the debut of Restaurant Udtryk, which earned a star just 41 days after opening—setting a record for the region.
Explore the full list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Copenhagen.
CopenPay Piloted at Congresses
Copenhagen is expanding its sustainability incentive programme, CopenPay, by testing its application at major congresses. The initiative rewards participants for making climate-conscious choices, adding value for both attendees and organisers.
See how CopenPay is being integrated with congress experiences.
Copenhagen Named Most Liveable City by EIU
The Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked Copenhagen as the world’s most liveable city in 2025, displacing Vienna.
The city earned perfect scores in stability, education, and infrastructure, cementing its reputation for quality of life.
Read the full EIU Global Liveability Index 2025 summary.
Berlin
House of Games Berlin and Grand Turismo eSports Event, September 20, 2025
Berlin is positioning itself as Europe’s gaming and interactive tech capital with the upcoming launch of House of Games Berlin in 2026. The 15,000 sqm hub will unite game studios, esports players, creative tech start-ups, and more. As momentum builds, the city will also host a live Grand Turismo eSports event on September 20, 2025—bringing together fans and competitors for an immersive showcase of high-octane digital racing.
Event Safety in Berlin: What Organisers Need to Know
Whether it’s crowd management or cybersecurity, Berlin has embedded safety into every stage of event planning. The city supports organisers with legal guidance, checklists, and strong collaboration with local authorities—helping planners safeguard both physical spaces and digital infrastructure.
12 Outdoor Locations for Open-Air Meetings, July
Berlin is embracing the summer season with a spotlight on unique outdoor venues for business events. From rooftop terraces with panoramic views to tranquil garden settings, the city offers a variety of open-air locations perfect for meetings, conferences, or corporate gatherings.
Explore 12 inspiring outdoor event venues in Berlin.
Washington, DC
Countdown to America’s 250th Anniversary, July 4
Washington, DC officially kicks off the countdown to America’s 250th anniversary with a citywide celebration set to peak in 2026. New and reimagined attractions—including an immersive museum under the Lincoln Memorial, the reopening of the National Air and Space Museum (July 28), and a renovation at the Hirshhorn—highlight the capital’s blend of history and innovation.
Destination Developments and Infrastructure Improvements
The city is preparing for increased visitation with major infrastructure upgrades. These include enhancements to the Tidal Basin, new exhibits at the Jefferson Memorial, and a new concourse at Dulles International Airport—strengthening DC’s capacity to host both leisure and business travellers.
Hotel Pipeline Growth
Washington, DC’s hotel development pipeline continues to grow, with 17 new or renovated properties adding 2,800 rooms. Highlights include the newly opened Sixty DC near Dupont Circle, the Canal House of Georgetown, and Arlo Washington, DC. CitizenM Georgetown is also set to open later this year.
National Recognition for Meetings and Sustainability
Washington, DC earned accolades from two national publications. Corporate & Incentive Travel named it a top family-friendly meetings destination, while Smart Meetings highlighted DC’s leadership in sustainability through the efforts of local partners advancing responsible tourism and events.
New Content Hub for Planners: The District Blog
Destination DC has launched The District Blog, a curated hub featuring insider guides on dining, culture, and neighbourhood experiences. Organised by interest, the blog is designed to help planners craft authentic, group-ready itineraries that reflect the city’s local character.
Cape Town
Bid Wins: One Young World Summit and International Crustacean Congress
Cape Town has secured two major international events for 2026. The city will host the One Young World Summit in November, welcoming over 4,000 delegates from 190+ countries for dialogue on global challenges including climate, education, and human rights.
Cape Town will also be home to the International Crustacean Congress, bringing together leading marine biologists, ecologists, and aquaculture experts to explore biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, and climate impacts on marine ecosystems.
Air Connectivity Growth and Route Expansions
Cape Town International Airport recorded a 17% year-on-year increase in two-way international passengers in April 2025, signalling strong inbound demand. Multiple airlines have responded by expanding services for the upcoming South African summer season.
Highlights include increased frequencies by Edelweiss Air (Zurich), Air France (Paris), KLM (Amsterdam), and TAAG Angolan Airlines (Luanda). Norse Atlantic Airways will also extend its London Gatwick–Cape Town route, increasing service from three to four flights per week starting December 2025.
Houston
George R. Brown Convention District Transformation
Houston has announced a major redevelopment of the George R. Brown Convention District, including a 700,000 sq ft expansion known as GRB Houston South. The project features flexible indoor-outdoor spaces, the largest ballroom in Texas, and sustainable design elements such as rainwater collection and a living roof. Scheduled to open in May 2028, the expansion will improve connectivity between downtown and the East End through new pedestrian zones and public plazas.
Exploration Park Breaks Ground at NASA’s Johnson Space Center
Exploration Park, a 240-acre research and commercial hub at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, has officially broken ground with completion targeted for late 2026. Designed to support innovation in spaceflight and advanced manufacturing, the park will include more than 1.5 million sq ft of R&D, lab, and office space. Tenants include KBR, which will open a 45,000 sq ft food innovation lab, and Texas A&M, which is building a $200 million Space Institute focused on workforce development and research.
Houston First Wins Cvent Excellence Award
Houston First Corporation was honoured with the 2025 Cvent Excellence Award for Destination Marketing Excellence, recognising its leadership in promoting Houston as a premier events destination. The award highlights Houston First’s strategic use of technology to enhance marketing value, drive group business, and deliver impactful experiences for planners and attendees.