What’s New This June?
From major bid wins and new global strategies to standout moments at IMEX Frankfurt, it’s been a big month across the BestCities Global Alliance. In this edition, we spotlight high-impact events, sustainability milestones, and fresh initiatives shaping the future of our industry. Explore what’s happening across our partner cities—and what it means for the global association community.
Dive in to stay informed and inspired
Association Focus: Important News and Events
Purpose Under Pressure: Global Association Trends in 2025
What’s next for international associations? A new report by BestCities Global Alliance and Strategic Membership Solutions, Purpose Under Pressure, highlights four big shifts—from immersive experiences to evolving sponsorship models—that are shaping the future of global events.
Based on responses from nearly 600 association professionals across 30 countries, the report offers practical insights for planning with purpose. Belinda Moore joined BestCities’ Loren Christie to unpack the findings live at IMEX Frankfurt, sparking timely conversations about where the industry is heading.
BestCities Partners with Snapsight to Enhance Event Insights
BestCities has partnered with Snapsight, an AI-powered platform that turns event content into real-time summaries, takeaways, and visual idea clouds. Associations attending BestCities events—like the Global Forum or Community Cafés—will be among the first to experience how Snapsight can support accessibility, knowledge-sharing, and engagement.
The goal is simple: to introduce a tool that associations can take back to their own events, helping them extend impact, reach diverse audiences, and make learning more inclusive.
Upcoming Community Café: The Real Cost of Going Green
Our next Community Café will spotlight the financial side of sustainability in association events. From venue choices to carbon-conscious catering, going green often comes with trade-offs — and this session will explore what those really look like.
Featuring real-world examples from association planners, we’ll unpack what worked, what it cost, and where sustainability can actually save money. Keep an eye out for the final date and speaker lineup — this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
New SDG Article: Spotlight on Goal 7
Our latest article in the Sustainable Development Goals series explores how business events can help advance SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
From solar-powered venues to city-wide energy strategies, the piece highlights real examples of how BestCities destinations are contributing to the global clean energy transition. If you’re looking for inspiration on how your events can align with energy goals—without compromising impact—this is a great place to start.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
Julia Swanson Named New Chair of BestCities Board
We’re pleased to welcome Julia Swanson, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau, as the new Chair of the BestCities Board. She stepped into the role during our Board Meeting prior to IMEX Frankfurt, succeeding Dr. Edward Koh, whose leadership helped shape milestones like the Association Impact Masterclass and the addition of Washington, DC to our network.
With deep experience in business events and a passion for destination impact, Julia’s leadership will help guide our next chapter—championing collaboration and sustainable growth across the Alliance.
BestCities at IMEX Frankfurt: Fresh Thinking, Stronger Connections
IMEX Frankfurt brought powerful moments of connection and clarity for BestCities Global Alliance.
We hosted a packed BestCities Breakfast, where we announced our partnership with Snapsight, welcomed Julia Swanson as our new Board Chair, and Gustavo shared a sneak peek of what’s ahead for the Global Forum in Guadalajara.
Loren Christie led a high-impact session on global event trends, while Belinda Moore unpacked key findings from the Purpose Under Pressure report—including how AI is reshaping how associations gather insight.
Behind the scenes, our Board, Strategic Business Development Team, and Strategic Thinkers came together to shape priorities for the road ahead.
We left Frankfurt aligned, energised, and ready for what’s next.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Madrid
Madrid Agency Forum, June 15–18
June marks the return of the Madrid Agency Forum, MCB’s annual familiarization event for European MICE agencies. This year’s theme draws inspiration from Velázquez’s The Family of Philip IV, guiding over 20 participants through a gamified exploration of Madrid’s venues, hotels, and cultural landmarks. Every detail of the experience is crafted with sustainability in mind, showcasing the city’s continued commitment to responsible event hosting.
Major Conferences Across Disciplines
June is a high season for congresses in Madrid, with the city hosting a diverse lineup of international meetings. Highlights include the 5th World Congress on Justice with Children (June 2–6) and the 15th Annual Conference of the European Political Science Association (June 26–28), reinforcing Madrid’s reputation as a hub for academic and policy-driven dialogue.
Madrid will become a focal point for sustainability conversations with back-to-back events at IFEMA: the Sustainable Fuels Europe Summit (June 17–18) and Connecting Hydrogen Europe 2025 (June 18–19). The latter expects over 6,000 attendees and brings together leaders from across the hydrogen value chain to accelerate Europe’s clean energy transition.
Sports Summit Madrid, June 18–19
The first-ever Sports Summit Madrid debuts this June, bringing together global leaders across the sports industry and adjacent sectors. Hosted at IFEMA, the event explores how professional sports intersect with tourism, health, innovation, media, and more—positioning Madrid as a nexus for multi-sector collaboration.
MADO Pride Festival, June 27 – July 6
Madrid’s Pride celebrations, known as MADO, are among the most anticipated events of the year. As one of the world’s leading LGBTI+ destinations, the city offers a dynamic program of talks, concerts, sports, and cultural activities—turning Madrid into a vibrant celebration of inclusion and diversity.
MCB at Industry Events, June 2025
On the global stage, Madrid Convention Bureau will be present at The Meetings Show, while also participating in the Annual Assembly of the Spain Convention Bureau. These engagements continue to strengthen Madrid’s profile among peers and partners across the industry.
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Singapore
Top Asia Pacific Meeting Destination, June 2025
At IMEX Frankfurt, Singapore was once again named Asia Pacific’s top meeting destination in rankings by both ICCA and Cvent. This marks the 22nd consecutive year Singapore leads ICCA’s regional rankings, while also placing 3rd globally. Cvent also ranked Singapore first in its Top 25 Meeting Destinations in Asia Pacific for the seventh time—underscoring the city’s exceptional infrastructure, strategic focus, and the unwavering commitment of its MICE community.
Singapore EXPO Awarded Top Sustainability Certification
Singapore EXPO, managed by Constellar, has received Platinum Certification under the new MICE Sustainability Certification (MSC) framework developed by SACEOS. As the highest level of recognition under this globally benchmarked standard, the certification affirms Singapore EXPO’s leadership in sustainable venue operations and aligns with GSTC-recognised best practices.
Singapore Oceanarium to Open, July 23
The Singapore Oceanarium is set to open in Sentosa on July 23, offering a dramatically expanded experience three times the size of the original S.E.A. Aquarium. With 22 immersive zones, the attraction will take visitors through the ocean’s ecosystems and eras—from prehistoric waters to modern marine habitats.
Singapore Pavilion Opens at Expo 2025 Osaka
Singapore has officially opened its national pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, marking a milestone moment for the city-state’s global showcase. Known as the “Dream Sphere,” the pavilion invites visitors into a multi-sensory journey highlighting Singapore’s vision, innovation, and sustainability. The exhibition runs through October 13, 2025.
Cape Town
Seven Major Bids Secured Through 2028
Cape Town has secured a strong line-up of international congresses across neuroscience, surgery, information systems, and more. These new wins reflect the city’s growing appeal as a destination for high-impact, global association events:
- International Conference for Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy – 2025 (600 delegates)
- World GI Endoscopy Congress – September 2026 (3,000 delegates)
- International Society for Autism Research Annual Meeting – May 2027 (1,500 delegates)
- International Joint Conference on Neural Network – June 2027 (1,000 delegates)
- IBRO World Congress of Neuroscience – September 2027 (3,000 delegates)
- International Surgery Week – October 2028 (1,500 delegates)
- International Conference in Information Systems – December 2028 (1,000 delegates)
Cape Town Rises in Global Rankings for Association Meetings
According to ICCA’s 2024 GlobeWatch Business Analytics Report, Cape Town has climbed 15 places to rank 35th globally for international association meetings. The city hosted 58 such events in 2024—a 38% year-on-year increase—and now leads the African continent. With an average of 717 delegates per meeting, Cape Town ranks among the world’s top destinations for high-impact, high-attendance congresses.
Cape Town Convention Centres Win Big at 2025 Eventex Awards
Two of the city’s premier venues—Cape Town International Convention Centre and Century City Conference Centre—earned top honors at the 2025 Eventex Awards. The CTICC won gold for Best African Events Destination and Best International MICE Destination for the second year running, plus a bronze in the International People’s Choice category. CCCC secured two gold awards for excellence in event and experience marketing, reinforcing Cape Town’s reputation for innovation and world-class infrastructure.
Melbourne
IDF Western Pacific Region Congress, August 18–21, 2026
Melbourne will host the International Diabetes Federation Western Pacific Region Congress 2026, welcoming 2,500+ delegates to address one of the region’s top health priorities. The successful bid was led by MCB in collaboration with national diabetes organisations and key government partners.
Amway China Incentive, April 2025
Melbourne delivered the largest incentive event ever held in Australia with Amway China’s 30th Anniversary Leadership Summit. The program featured city and regional highlights, cultural experiences, and bespoke gala events across iconic venues.
Melbourne Tops Delegate Rankings, 2024
Melbourne hosted over 49,000 international business event delegates in 2024—more than any other Australian city. The city also ranked 5th globally for average delegate numbers and held 62 international association meetings.
Winter eGuide for Event Planners
Melbourne’s new Winter eGuide highlights top venues, incentive ideas, and seasonal escapes across the city and regions—designed to help planners create standout events in Australia’s cultural capital.
Washington, DC
DC Tops U.S. in ICCA International Meetings Ranking
Washington, DC ranked first in the U.S. and sixth in the Americas for ICCA-qualified international association meetings in 2024. With 47 meetings hosted—nearly double the previous year—the city continues to grow its global influence as a hub for international events.
Record-Breaking Visitation and Economic Impact
Destination DC reported 27.2 million visitors in 2024, generating $11.4 billion in spending and $2.3 billion in tax revenue. Tourism supported over 111,000 local jobs, highlighting the sector’s growing value to the city’s economy.
DC Named Top Park System in the U.S.
Washington, DC was rated the top big-city park system in the U.S. in the 2025 ParkScore® index by the Trust for Public Land—its fifth consecutive year in the top spot. With 99% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park and over 21% of city land reserved for green space, DC sets the national standard for urban livability.
Tokyo
World Physiotherapy Congress, May 29–31
The World Physiotherapy Congress 2025 concluded successfully in Tokyo, drawing global practitioners for three days of keynotes, workshops, and exhibition. Attendees also enjoyed cultural programs from the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, including the iconic Radio-Taiso exercise. Representatives from Guadalajara were on hand to preview the 2027 edition, building anticipation for the Congress’s next chapter.
Dublin
Ireland’s Business Events 2030 Strategy Launches at IMEX Frankfurt
Ireland unveiled its new Business Events 2030 strategy on the global stage at IMEX Frankfurt. With a target of +8% annual revenue growth, the strategy aims to position Ireland as a leader in high-value, sustainable business events. Launched by Minister Peter Burke, the initiative reflects deep collaboration across government, tourism, academia, and the private sector.
International Festival of Social Housing, June 4–6
Dublin hosted the 2025 International Festival of Social Housing at the Convention Centre, welcoming global experts to exchange insights on public and cooperative housing. Organised by Housing Europe, the event highlighted best practices and future-focused approaches to accessible, inclusive housing policy.
Copenhagen
New Edition of Copenhagen Sustainability Guide Released
Copenhagen CVB has launched the third edition of its Sustainability Guide—an advanced planning tool for sustainable events. With enhanced transparency and reporting features, the guide helps organisers reduce emissions, make conscious decisions, and engage delegates in creating better destinations.
CopenPay Returns, Bigger and Greener
CopenPay is back—now three times bigger and running twice as long. The initiative rewards visitors for eco-conscious actions, including train travel, with free access to attractions and experiences across the city.
Copenhagen Sprint, June 21–22
Copenhagen will host its first-ever UCI classic, the Copenhagen Sprint, welcoming elite cyclists just ahead of the Tour de France 2025. Alongside the pro races, the city will celebrate cycling culture with public rides, activities, and a legacy trail for trying specialty bikes.
Dubai
Dubai AI Seal Sets New Standard for Trusted AI
Dubai has launched the “Dubai AI Seal,” a first-of-its-kind certification programme aimed at building global trust in AI technologies. The initiative has already seen strong international interest, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in innovation and transparent AI deployment.
Dubai Ranks 4th Globally in IMD Smart City Index 2025
Dubai has climbed eight places to rank 4th worldwide in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index—the highest position held by any city in the GCC, Arab world, or Asia. The ranking reflects Dubai’s accelerating digital transformation and its global reputation for future-ready urban innovation.
Image Source: https://www.mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/may/12-05/dubai-ranks-4th-globally-in-imd-smart-city-index-2025
Berlin
Berlin Impact Programme Debuts at IMEX Frankfurt
The Berlin Convention Office unveiled its new Berlin Impact Programme at IMEX 2025—a consultancy service designed to help event planners achieve measurable, sustainable outcomes. Part of the Sustainable Meetings Berlin initiative, the programme connects organisers with local partners and supports community-focused activities, from charity projects to long-term educational collaborations.
Berlin to Host First-Ever NFL Game, November 9
The NFL is coming to Berlin, with the Indianapolis Colts facing the Atlanta Falcons at Olympiastadion this November. As the fifth regular season NFL game in Germany, the match highlights Berlin’s global appeal and adds symbolic resonance during the anniversary weekend of the Berlin Wall’s fall.
BESTIVAL Returns, July 3–4
Berlin’s creative business festival, BESTIVAL, returns with bold ideas, unconventional formats, and a strong MICE focus. With 500+ professionals, 39 speakers, and tracks on sustainability, innovation, and community, the free event invites attendees to rethink the future of business events—complete with music, networking, and a complimentary hotel stay.