Table of Contents
Association Focus: Important News and Events
2024 Incredible Impacts Awards
The European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD) was honoured with the 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme grant, a collaborative initiative by BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA.
This award recognizes the EACD’s outstanding contribution to creating impactful, legacy-driven events. The organization’s commitment to advancing the field of childhood disability through innovative and inclusive conferences has set a significant benchmark in the global events industry.
For more details on this achievement, read the press release or download the case study.
Sustainable Development Goals Focus: Articles on Goals 3 and 5
Building on our previous explorations of SDG Goal 11 and SDG Goal 13, BestCities Global Alliance has released new articles focused on SDG 3 and 5.
These articles provide examples and insights from the business events industry and our destinations, showcasing global efforts to ensure good health and wellbeing (Goal 3) and to empower all women and girls (Goal 5). These pieces highlight practical applications and case studies relevant to the events industry and our partner cities.
Discover initiatives for SDG Goal 5
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
Success at the 2024 GDS Awards
Our partner cities achieved remarkable recognition at the 2024 GDS Awards during the GDS Forum held in Bruges earlier in October. Leading the accolades, Copenhagen won the Impact Award for their Copenhagen Legacy Lab and the Innovation Award for CopenPay, illustrating their leading role in sustainable event practices. Vancouver also received accolades as a finalist with their Social Procurement for Tourism Hospitality & Events program, demonstrating the significant impact our partner cities have on driving positive change.
In addition to these achievements, several BestCities Global Alliance destinations were prominently ranked in the GDS Index for their sustainability efforts: Copenhagen (3rd), Singapore (7th), Melbourne (24th), Berlin (26th), and Dublin (29th).
Click here for the top 40 cities in the GDS Index.
Explore AI at BestCities Community Café
We invite you to join Julian Moore at our upcoming BestCities Community Café to explore ChatGPT and its applications in the business events industry.
This session will discuss how artificial intelligence can revolutionize event planning, enhance participant engagement, and streamline communications. To learn more about the transformative potential of AI and to register for the webinar, please visit the event page here.
Global Forum Programme Overview
The BestCities Global Forum programme is shaping up with inspiring sessions and networking opportunities. Set to commence with a welcome reception at Dublin Castle, the forum includes a series of engaging presentations:
• Dublin as the Capital of Smart Tourism 2024: Barry Rogers from the Dublin City Tourism Unit will provide a TED Talk-style overview of Dublin’s collaborative initiatives with city stakeholders.
• AI and Business Transformation: Mark Kelly, founder of AI Ireland, will lead a detailed exploration of AI’s evolution and its pivotal role in modern business.
• Inspirational Talks: In the session “No Limbs, No Limits”, Joanne O’Riordan will share her experiences living with Total Amelia, a rare physical disease, and Jonathan Healy will discuss effective strategies for media and public engagement.
These highlighted sessions, among others, are designed to offer valuable insights into the synergies between technology and business events and the inspiring power of personal stories.
For a full schedule of the forum’s events and sessions, please visit the Global Forum Dublin Programme.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Madrid
Madrid Convention Bureau’s Busy November
Madrid will have a bustling November attending various international shows and fairs. Notable events include the WMF Global Mexican Caribbean in Cancun, Global Incentive Summit in Killarney, and the IBTM World in Barcelona, where Madrid will showcase a 105m2 stand alongside 24 company members. Local events such as the Corporate Event Workshop and China Visitors Summit will take place in Alcalá de Henares.
Healthcare and Sustainability at the Forefront
Despite a quieter month for congresses, Madrid highlights significant outcomes from the collaboration between the International Continence Society (ICS) and the Sociedad Iberoamericana de Neurología y Uroginecología (SINUG). This partnership focused on incontinence awareness, and featured extensive local engagement and a commitment to sustainability evident from the onset.
Madrid Lights Up for Christmas
The last weekend in November marks the beginning of Madrid’s Christmas season. The city will light up, launching a magical period filled with festive activities designed to celebrate and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Houston
Robust Year for Houston’s Meetings and Conventions
Houston anticipates a strong year in the meetings and conventions sector, leveraging its extensive facilities and diverse culture. Click here to read more.
Michelin Recognizes Three Houston Hotels
Three hotels in Houston have earned accolades from Michelin for their outstanding hospitality. The Post Oak Hotel and both the Museum District and Memorial City locations of Hotel Zaza scored one key each in the new guide. Click here to read the full article.
Positive Trends in Houston’s Hotel Market
Houston’s hotel market shows growth with solid KPIs, reflecting its rising appeal as a travel destination. Performance details can be found here.
Washington, DC
Bringing DC Culture to IMEX America
Destination DC showcased the city’s vibrant cultural scene at IMEX America with a gallery wall featuring world-class museums and art venues, perfect for hosting memorable events. Click here to read more.
The Collective: Fostering Collaboration for Events
Recently, Destination DC hosted The Collective, uniting members of the International Business Events Council and the Annual Meeting Alliance. The event highlighted Washington, DC’s unique businesses and vibrant culture, with activities including a DEI discussion at Gallaudet University, a White House speechwriting workshop, culinary experiences, and tours of iconic locations like the U.S. Capitol Building. Click here to read a feature on The Collective by BoardRoom.
Awards and Accolades
Washington, DC has been recognized with the Stella Award and Meetings Today’s Award, and was featured by Travel + Leisure as a top destination for December. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center received LEED Platinum certification, making it one of only four in North America with this status.
Sustainability Leadership
Ranking 1st in the U.S. on the Global Destination Sustainability Index for the fourth consecutive year, Destination DC continues to lead in sustainable event planning. This commitment is supported by the Sustainability District and a new report produced with Skift Meetings that emphasizes the integration of sustainable practices into meeting and event planning: “Beyond Eco-Friendly: Putting Sustainability at the Center of Meetings and Events”.
Singapore
Singapore’s Rise in Global Sustainability
Singapore climbed to 7th in this year’s Global Destination Sustainability Index, leading the Asia-Pacific region. The city’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evidenced by the introduction of the GSTC #MICE Criteria to guide sustainable practices. More details can be found on the GDS-Index website.
GSTC 2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference
The GSTC 2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference will be held in Sentosa from November 13-16, spotlighting Singapore’s initiatives in sustainable travel and event hosting.
Singapore Tops BT-MICE Destination
Singapore was named the 2024 BEST BT-MICE Destination at the TTG Travel Awards, affirming its status as a premier location for business travellers and events. Further details are available on the TTG Asia Media website.
Tokyo
ACPE 2024 Conference Concludes Successfully
The combined 16th Asian and 29th Japanese Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology was held at the University of Tokyo from October 12 to 14, drawing 860 participants. Discussions ranged from medical device epidemiology to the impact of climate change.
Business Events Tokyo at IBTM World
Meet the Business Events Tokyo team at IBTM World at booth J35 to explore how Tokyo’s blend of tradition and innovation creates perfect settings for memorable events.
Guadalajara
IAC Congress on Aquariums
From October 27-31, Guadalajara hosted the IAC Congress, a major event dedicated to aquarium professionals and enthusiasts. The congress is a hub for sharing insights and advancements in the aquarium industry. More details can be found here: International Aquarium Congress 2024.
Cielito Lindo Brewery Champions Gender Equality
Cielito Lindo Brewery in Guadalajara is making strides to promote gender equality through its diverse hiring practices and active participation in community events like the International Women’s Day rallies. The brewery not only supports the local culture, but also empowers women through training and mentorship programs, fostering inclusivity in the brewing industry. Discover more about the brewery’s initiatives on their Instagram page.
Dublin
UK FAM Event Success
Following the successful “Meet Dublin in London” event in May 2024, Dublin hosted 19 UK meeting planners from October 20-22, showcasing a diverse array of MICE hotels. Visitors experienced unique incentive activities, including afternoon tea on a vintage double-decker bus, falconry, scone-making, sheepdog trials, and a music recording session at Windmill Lane studios.
Fyuz 2024
The Fyuz 2024 corporate event is set to take place at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) from November 11-13, expecting around 1,000 participants. Event details can be found here: Fyuz 2024 Event.
Dublin at IBTM World
The Dublin Convention Bureau will represent the city at IBTM World in Barcelona from November 19-21, located at the Meet in Ireland stand, F40. Attendees are encouraged to arrange meetings with representatives Neasa or Sandra to explore Dublin’s offerings.
New Direct Flights to Indianapolis
Aer Lingus has introduced a new direct flight route from Dublin Airport to Indianapolis, Indiana, commencing May 3, 2025. This addition follows recent announcements of direct flights to Nashville and Las Vegas. More information on the new route is available here: Aer Lingus New Flight.
Dubai
Expo City Dubai’s Ambitious New Master Plan
Dubai has approved a new master plan for Expo City, positioning it as a cornerstone of the city’s growth. The expansive 3.5-square-kilometre development is set to house over 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals.
Designed to be a global hub for business, innovation, and sustainable living, Expo City will benefit from its strategic location near Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, and the Dubai Exhibition Centre.
This development underscores Dubai’s ambitions in key sectors such as trade, technology, tourism, and business events. More details about this significant urban planning initiative can be found on the Dubai Media Office website: Dubai Media Office News.
Vancouver
Third MICHELIN Guide Vancouver Unveiled
The third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Vancouver highlights the city’s dynamic food scene. The ceremony, held on October 3, saw a new star awarded to Sushi Masuda, increasing the number of one-star restaurants in Vancouver to 10.
Overall, 76 restaurants were recognized, representing 23 different types of cuisine, showcasing the diversity and quality of Vancouver’s culinary offerings. The 2024 listings can be viewed here: 2024 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver Listings.
Copenhagen
New Tourism Strategy: ‘Copenhagen, All inclusive’
Wonderful Copenhagen, the city’s official DMO, has launched its ambitious tourism strategy for 2024-2030, titled ‘Copenhagen, All inclusive.’ This strategy aims to comprehensively assess tourism’s impact, recognizing both its challenges and the significant social value it can offer.
The goal is to transform tourism into a force for positive local, national, and global development, ensuring that every visit to Copenhagen contributes to making the world a better place. The strategy emphasizes sustainability and inclusivity, aiming to inspire other cities to follow suit and harness tourism’s potential to benefit society comprehensively. Click here to read more about Copenhagen All inclusive.
Berlin
Berlin Ranks in Top 5 for Global Sustainability
Berlin has risen to become one of the top five most sustainable cities in the world in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. This ranking reflects the city’s strong commitment to environmental standards, sustainable urban development, and green policies. More information on Berlin’s sustainability achievements can be found here.
Melbourne
World Congress of Gastroenterology 2025
Melbourne is set to host the prestigious World Congress of Gastroenterology from September 20-22, 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This key event will gather 3,000 delegates from around the world, contributing $17.7 million to the state of Victoria’s economy. The successful bid was a collaboration between the Melbourne Convention Bureau, the Gastroenterological Society of Australia, and supported by local government and Tourism Australia. Click here for the full press release.
New Executive Role at Melbourne Convention Bureau
The Melbourne Convention Bureau has appointed Nicolena Oborn as the new Chief Sales and Customer Experience Officer. This strategic role aims to enhance Melbourne’s profile as a global business events destination and drive the bureau’s global sales strategy. Read the media release here.
APAC Wind Energy Summit 2025
The APAC Wind Energy Summit will return to Melbourne in September 2025, focusing on innovative solutions for wind energy development challenges. The event expects to attract over 1,500 delegates, reinforcing Victoria’s role in the Asia Pacific region’s energy transition. Read the media release here.
