What’s New This March
Catch up on what’s new across the BestCities Global Alliance this March. From major congress wins and sector insights to new infrastructure, strategic initiatives and global recognitions across our partner cities, this month’s round-up highlights how destinations and associations are advancing impact, innovation and long-term value in the business events industry.
Dive in to stay informed and inspired.
Association Focus: Important News and Events
BestCities Global Forum Concludes in Guadalajara
Last month, we concluded the BestCities Global Forum in Guadalajara, bringing together association leaders and destination partners for several days of open dialogue, shared learning and global connection.
If you would like to revisit the atmosphere and key moments, watch the highlight video from Guadalajara:
Join Our Hosted Buyer Group at IMEX Frankfurt 2026
We’re inviting association decision-makers to join the BestCities Hosted Buyer Group at IMEX Frankfurt 2026 and connect directly with our 13 global destinations in one focused setting. Designed for leaders of rotating international events, the programme offers curated appointments, peer exchange and time-efficient learning during one of the industry’s most important gatherings.
Our annual BestCities Client Breakfast will take place on 20 May from 07:30–09:00 at Meliá Frankfurt City. This informal morning gathering is the only commitment we ask of our hosted buyers and offers a relaxed opportunity to reconnect before the show floor opens.
European buyers can apply using invitation code 8xgjsm, and international buyers can apply using invitation code wc6xu4. If you would like to explore whether this opportunity is the right fit, reach out to Tia at [email protected] to start the conversation.
Community Café: Spotlight on Success
On 19 March 2026, we’ll host a special Community Café designed to help associations strengthen their submissions for the 2026 Incredible Impacts Awards, now open for nominations.
Titled “Spotlight on Success: Tips to Craft a Winning Entry for Incredible Impacts,” this free online session will offer practical guidance, insights from past award recipients, and clarity on what judges are really looking for.
Two sessions will be available at 09:00–10:00 CET and 17:00–18:00 CET to accommodate our global community. If you’re considering submitting this year, we encourage you to register and learn more about the programme.
Embedding Legacy into Event Strategy: Insights from City Nation Place
On 24 February, Loren Christie joined Sam Johnston of Dublin Convention Bureau and Adriaan Fourie of Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau for a City Nation Place webinar focused on how associations can build impact into their events from the start. The conversation highlighted the shift beyond traditional room-night metrics toward long-term social, sector and knowledge outcomes, and why legacy planning is increasingly a competitive advantage.
Watch the full recording and explore the key takeaways from the session.
New Insights Report: What Destinations Must Deliver Now and Next
A few months ago at IBTM World, we joined partners from Singapore, Houston, Dublin and Cape Town for a candid discussion about where business events are heading. Now, the key insights from that session have been captured in a newly released report by Rozie Synopsis.
The report explores how destinations are adapting to economic uncertainty, political complexity and environmental responsibility, and what that means for associations planning international events. It looks at how cities are embedding sustainability, DEI and AI into their strategies, strengthening local narratives and building deeper client trust in the process.
If you’re thinking about your next rotation cycle or long-term destination partnerships, this is a timely read. We invite you to explore the full report and the practical takeaways for associations.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
IMEX Frankfurt Client Breakfast and Hosted Buyer Programme
Preparations are in full swing for IMEX Frankfurt. Our annual BestCities Client Breakfast will take place on 20 May from 07:30–09:00 at Meliá Frankfurt City, offering a fresh setting to reconnect with partners before the exhibition opens.
The full programme will be launched shortly, with invitations going out soon. If you would like early information about the breakfast or joining our Hosted Buyer Group, please reach out to Tia for more details.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Melbourne
AIME 2026, 9–11 February 2026
Melbourne welcomed more than 5,000 global business events professionals for AIME 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, generating over 25,000 meetings across the trade floor. Through its ‘Uncover Melbourne’ programme, the Melbourne Convention Bureau connected more than 400 hosted buyers and media with city and regional experiences across Victoria, showcasing the depth and diversity of the destination. The event also marked a significant milestone, celebrating 60 years of championing business events in Melbourne and Victoria.
Explore the highlights from AIME 2026 or view images of the Uncover Melbourne tours.
Shine On: MCB Celebrates 60 Years
In 2026, the Melbourne Convention Bureau marks six decades of attracting and delivering international business events. The anniversary coincides with 30 years of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, underscoring the long-standing partnership that has helped position Melbourne as a globally recognised destination for meetings and congresses.
Read the full 60-year celebration announcement.
Women Deliver 2026, 27–30 April 2026
Melbourne will host Women Deliver 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, convening global leaders, policymakers and advocates to advance gender equality and women’s health. The programme features an influential line-up of international and regional voices, reinforcing Melbourne’s role as a platform for meaningful global dialogue.
View the speaker line-up and register for Women Deliver 2026.
Guadalajara
IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026
Guadalajara will attend the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026 as part of its continued engagement with the global meetings community. The event provides an important platform to strengthen relationships with professional congress organisers and industry leaders.
ITB Berlin
Guadalajara will also participate in ITB Berlin, one of the world’s leading travel trade shows. The destination will showcase its cultural, creative and tourism strengths while connecting with key international markets and strategic partners.
Washington, DC
Global Marketplace 2026
Destination DC recently hosted its annual Global Marketplace at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, bringing together tourism leaders from key international markets. The forum focused on travel trends, market-specific opportunities and strategies to strengthen Washington, DC’s global appeal.
Meeting Moments: Showcasing Impact in Washington, DC
Destination DC has launched a new Meeting Moments landing page highlighting how leading organisations have successfully convened in the city. The resource features real examples of events that activated iconic venues, leveraged Washington, DC’s intellectual capital and delivered meaningful attendee experiences.
Aligning Meetings with Policy Priorities
In a recent industry commentary, Destination DC’s Melissa Riley shared insights on the interrelationship between leisure tourism and business events, noting the importance of hotel room nights as a key performance indicator for US destinations. She also outlined how Washington, DC is aligning its meetings strategy with District policy priorities to attract events that drive expertise, investment and long-term economic impact.
Berlin
Tourism & Congress Growth in 2025
Berlin recorded 29.4 million overnight stays by 12.4 million guests in 2025, with 41 per cent of visitors arriving from international markets. The meetings sector showed particularly strong momentum, with event numbers rising by 5.6 per cent and participant numbers increasing by 26.8 per cent. Major congresses such as ESMO, alongside upcoming events including ILA and InnoTrans, reinforce Berlin’s continued strength as a leading European congress hub.
New Infrastructure & Sustainability Milestones
Berlin’s event industry continues to strengthen its technical and sustainability credentials. Humboldt Carré has installed the city’s largest permanently mounted 4K LED wall, enhancing hybrid and conference capabilities, while MOA Berlin now operates independently as an urban hub for business events. Estrel Berlin has also achieved Leader Level in visitBerlin’s Sustainable Berlin certification, reflecting its long-term climate strategy.
Explore the latest updates from the Berlin Convention Office newsroom.
Vancouver
SITE Global Conference 2027, 1–4 March 2027
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence has announced that its 2027 Global Conference will take place in Vancouver from 1–4 March. The event was confirmed during the 2026 SITE Global Conference in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing Vancouver’s continued appeal to the global incentive travel community.
New Downtown Hotel Approved
Vancouver City Council has unanimously approved the rezoning for a new 33-storey hotel at Granville and Davie. The development will add 464 rooms in the downtown core, strengthening the city’s capacity to support major conventions, business events and international visitors.
Cape Town
Major International Bids Secured for 2027
Cape Town has secured several major international congresses for 2027, reinforcing its continued appeal across medical, scientific and academic sectors:
Symposium of World Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (ISWAVLD) 2027
Federation of African Nutrition Societies (FANUS) Conference 2027
Congress of the International Academy of Aviation and Space medicine 2027
These confirmed wins further strengthen Cape Town’s long-term congress pipeline and highlight the destination’s growing reputation for hosting high-impact global meetings.
New Hotel Openings Strengthen Accommodation Offering
Cape Town’s accommodation portfolio continues to grow with several high-profile openings and refurbishments. The InterContinental Table Bay has reopened following an extensive refurbishment, offering 329 rooms overlooking the V&A Waterfront and Table Mountain. Morea House, Autograph Collection opened in Camps Bay with 90 rooms inspired by coastal design, while The Cole-Kewe Collection launched in Sea Point as a 60-room boutique property with sea views and rooftop amenities..
Record Passenger Numbers in 2025
Cape Town International Airport recorded its busiest year on record in 2025, welcoming 11.1 million two-way passengers across domestic and international travel. International passenger numbers reached 3.3 million, reflecting continued global demand and strengthening accessibility for business events and congress travel.
Madrid
Major Medical and Professional Congresses in March
From 22–25 March, Madrid will host the 52nd European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Annual Meeting, welcoming approximately 6,000 delegates to IFEMA Madrid. At the same time, the European Congress of Pharmacy, INFARMA 2026, will bring a further 2,400 participants to the venue. These concurrent large-scale congresses underscore Madrid’s capacity to manage high-impact international events.
Technology, Innovation and Global Trade Engagement
Madrid continues to strengthen its position in technology and innovation, hosting events such as RootedCON and T3chFest in March.
At IFEMA Madrid, major city events including ARCOmadrid, Spain’s leading contemporary art fair, and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week further highlight the capital’s strong creative and innovation ecosystem.
Sporting Impact and International Visibility
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will take place in Madrid for the first time on 21 March, positioning the city within a global broadcast landscape that reaches audiences in nearly 200 countries. The Movistar Madrid Half Marathon will follow on 22 March, welcoming more than 24,000 participants based on previous editions.
Smart Tourism and AI Innovation
Madrid Destino has introduced a new AI-powered application designed to enhance the visitor experience through personalised routes, real-time information and integrated public transport options. The platform builds on existing tools such as VisitMadrid GPT, reflecting the city’s ongoing investment in digital innovation and sustainable tourism solutions.
Singapore
Asia Photonics Expo Anchored in Singapore Through 2029
Singapore has secured the Asia Photonics Expo from 2027 to 2029 following strategic agreements between Informa Markets, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association. The expanded event will strengthen links between the photonics and semiconductor sectors, reinforcing Singapore’s position within high-growth technology industries. The 2026 edition attracted 353 exhibitors from 17 countries and more than 6,000 industry professionals, as outlined in the announcement on the Asia Photonics Expo agreements.
Record Forbes Travel Guide Recognition
Singapore’s hospitality sector received 31 distinctions in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 rankings, including six 5-Star recognitions. The accolades reflect the destination’s continued strength in premium accommodation, dining and service standards, reinforcing its appeal for high-level international meetings and incentive programmes, as reported in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026 results.
Space Summit 2026 Concludes at Marina Bay Sands
Space Summit 2026 concluded in February at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre, bringing together more than 2,000 attendees from 43 countries. The inaugural event convened over 300 organisations and 60 speakers to explore the role of space technologies in economic development, resilience and sustainability.
Copenhagen
Best XL Meeting Destination 2025/26
Copenhagen has been named Best XL Meeting Destination 2025/26 at the Meetings Star Awards during Conventa 2026 in Ljubljana. This marks the second consecutive year the destination has taken top honours in the XL category, recognising its ability to host international events with more than 2,000 participants.
The Copenhagen Risk Navigator
Copenhagen Convention Bureau has launched The Copenhagen Risk Navigator – International Strategies and Tools for Business Events, a new initiative designed to support destinations and organisers navigating an increasingly complex global environment. Over the coming weeks, preliminary insights from international qualitative research will be shared, leading to the release of a comprehensive report and practical toolkit at IMEX Frankfurt in May.
Explainer Video on Congress Legacy
Copenhagen Convention Bureau has also introduced a new explainer video outlining how the city approaches legacy in a congress context. The video highlights recent legacy initiatives and will be integrated into future bids, building on the long-standing work of the Copenhagen Legacy Lab.
Dublin
Rotary International Convention 2031
Dublin has been selected to host the Rotary International Convention in 2031, with the five-day event set to take place at the Royal Dublin Society. The convention is expected to welcome up to 20,000 delegates and represents the largest event ever secured through Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin Convention Bureau. The gathering is projected to generate significant economic impact, further strengthening Dublin’s position as a destination for large-scale global associations.
St. Patrick’s Festival, 14–17 March 2026
Dublin will once again host St. Patrick’s Festival, bringing together international visitors for a citywide celebration of Irish culture and heritage. The programme features parades, performances and contemporary cultural showcases, reinforcing Dublin’s global visibility and appeal.
MICHELIN Awards Hosted in Dublin
Dublin recently hosted the MICHELIN Awards for the UK and Ireland at The Convention Centre Dublin, marking the first time the ceremony has taken place in the city. Several Irish restaurants were recognised for excellence, underscoring Ireland’s growing international culinary reputation and strengthening food as a key driver for travel and events.
Tokyo
72nd UIA Congress Secured for 2028
Tokyo has secured the 72nd UIA Congress, which will take place from 1–4 November 2028. The annual congress of the Union Internationale des Avocats is expected to attract approximately 1,500 legal professionals from Japan and around the world, reinforcing Tokyo’s strength in hosting international association gatherings.
New Testimonials Highlight Tokyo’s Event Experience
Following the ISPOR Real-World Evidence Summit 2025 and the PRCP & WACP Joint Congress 2025 Tokyo, organisers have shared testimonials outlining why Tokyo proved to be an effective host city. The interviews highlight operational delivery, venue quality and overall delegate experience. The testimonials are available on the Business Events Tokyo website.
Dubai
Healthcare Sector Posts Record Growth in 2025
Dubai’s healthcare ecosystem recorded significant expansion in 2025, with the number of licensed facilities increasing to approximately 5,800, up more than 8 per cent year on year. The growth includes hospitals, specialised clinics and day-surgery centres, strengthening the city’s proposition for medical congresses, healthcare forums and specialised industry events.
DXB Sets New Passenger Record
Dubai International welcomed 95.2 million passengers in 2025, marking the busiest year in the airport’s history and the highest annual international passenger traffic recorded globally. The sustained growth reinforces Dubai’s accessibility and connectivity, supporting its continued appeal for international business events and large-scale gatherings.
Houston
Sustainability and Community Impact
Sustainability and community engagement remain central to operations at Houston First. In 2025, more than 84,000 pounds of surplus food from events at the George R. Brown Convention Center were donated to Second Servings of Houston, supporting local nonprofits and reducing food waste. Throughout the year, additional goods and materials were contributed to organisations including the Houston Food Bank, Star of Hope and IT Recycle.
FIRST® Championship Secured Through 2034
Houston has secured a seven-year agreement to host the FIRST® Championship, one of the world’s largest youth robotics competitions, through 2034. The annual event attracts more than 50,000 attendees and is projected to generate over $500 million in total economic impact across the contract period. The expanded George R. Brown Convention Center played a key role in the decision, reinforcing Houston’s capacity to host large-scale, STEM-focused international events.
Strategic Partnership with PepsiCo
Houston First has entered a new five-year agreement with PepsiCo as the official beverage partner across its portfolio of venues, including the George R. Brown Convention Center and major performing arts facilities. The partnership forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen long-term revenue generation and enhance the guest experience across Houston’s convention district.
About the author
Marlieke Kemp-Janssen
Marlieke Kemp-Janssen has over 10 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.