What’s New This November?
As 2025 draws to a close, the BestCities community continues to build momentum across the globe. From impactful association events and thought-provoking discussions on AI, to major congresses, sustainability milestones, and new destination achievements, this month’s stories reflect the innovation and collaboration that define our Alliance.
Dive in to stay informed and inspired.
Association Focus: Important News and Events
AI Transformations in Business: Insights from Community Café with Julian Moore
The latest Community Café session explored the evolving world of artificial intelligence in business, featuring expert insights from Julian Moore. This interactive discussion examined practical ways associations can use AI to enhance productivity, from integrating digital receptionists and AI-powered CRM tools to adopting intelligent content creation and communication platforms.
For association leaders, the session offered tangible takeaways on how AI can streamline operations, improve member engagement, and unlock new strategic efficiencies, helping organizations stay adaptive in a rapidly changing landscape. The conversation also touched on the future of AI employees and humanoid robots, offering a thought-provoking look at how emerging technologies will continue to shape the association sector.
BestCities & the Power of Impact
In its latest feature, Boardroom Magazine explores how BestCities Global Alliance is helping associations turn great meetings into meaningful legacies. The article reflects on 25 years of collaboration with associations worldwide and highlights the Alliance’s leadership in measuring and amplifying impact, from shaping the Advancing Event Legacies through Impact Measurement framework to evolving the Incredible Impacts Programme in partnership with ICCA.
For association leaders, the piece offers practical examples of legacy in action. From training initiatives improving surgical capacity in Africa to campaigns advancing women’s empowerment, accessibility, and cultural inclusion, these stories show how intentional design can create lasting value beyond the event itself. The feature is a reminder that impact isn’t a by-product of great meetings, it’s the purpose that defines them.
IGC 2024 Dublin: Celebrating a World of Difference
The Iceberg’s latest case study on IGC 2024 Dublin showcases how intentional planning can turn an international congress into a model of multidimensional legacy. The 35th International Geographical Congress brought together more than 2,600 delegates from 74 countries, transforming Dublin into a hub of academic exchange, civic engagement, and sustainability leadership.
For association planners, the event offers valuable lessons in purpose-driven design. IGC 2024 embedded impact across every dimension, linking academic dialogue with public participation through climate walks, community programmes, and cultural events; advancing diversity and inclusion by elevating underrepresented voices; and delivering measurable outcomes such as a €6.6 million economic contribution and the creation of Ireland’s first Geography Olympiad. Sustainability was central throughout, with carbon insetting, digital-only materials, and zero-emission hybrid participation forming part of the event’s DNA.
The case study underscores how collaboration between Fáilte Ireland, Dublin Convention Bureau, and academic leaders created an enduring model for aligning business events with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It’s a reminder that conferences designed with community, purpose, and partnership at their core can leave a legacy that lasts long after the final session.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
ICCA Congress
BestCities will be in Porto this month for the ICCA Congress, represented by Loren, Nigel, and Tia.
As part of the programme, the team will host an interactive workshop titled Events that Matter: Real Stories, Real Change, featuring Incredible Impacts winners and finalists including Adam Harris from AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity, and Paul Mockler from Fáilte Ireland, alongside Chris Amsinger from IPVS, Gayle McGuinn from the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), and Adriaan Fourie from the Cape Town & Wesgro Convention Bureau. Each will share insights into how purposeful events can drive tangible legacy and inspire meaningful change within their sectors and communities.
The congress will also feature the live presentations of the three Incredible Impacts finalists, showcasing innovative approaches to delivering social, environmental, and cultural value through international meetings. At the close of the event, one winner will receive the US$20,000 main grant in recognition of their exceptional impact initiative. This annual highlight continues to celebrate the association community’s collective ability to create events that truly matter.
IBTM World 2025
At IBTM World in Barcelona, Loren will moderate the session The Future of Business Events: What Destinations Must Deliver Now and Next, joined by Daniel Palomo, Director of Global Sales, Houston First Corporation, Huey Hong Ong, Assistant Chief Executive and Chief Sustainability Officer, Singapore Tourism Board, and Sam Johnston, Manager, Dublin Convention Bureau. Together, they will explore the “now” and “next” of business events, from navigating today’s political, economic, and environmental shifts to anticipating future trends that will redefine how destinations create value for planners and associations.
The session will offer global perspectives from across the BestCities network, providing practical insights into how destinations can adapt, collaborate, and innovate to stay resilient in an era of rapid change. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to future-proof their events and harness the power of partnership to deliver lasting impact.
Tia will also be at IBTM World, so if you’d like to connect while in Barcelona, feel free to reach out and arrange a meeting.
BestCities Global Forum 2026
Excitement is building for the BestCities Global Forum 2026, with the programme now in its final stages of fine-tuning and preparations shifting into motion. Flights are being booked, plans are coming to life, and anticipation is growing for another inspiring gathering of association leaders and global partners.
Stay tuned on LinkedIn as we begin revealing the Forum’s speakers, venues, and local experiences — each designed to showcase the power of collaboration and impact at the heart of the BestCities community.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Tokyo
19th International Particle Accelerator Conference, June 4–9, 2028
Tokyo has secured another major bid success with the 19th International Particle Accelerator Conference, the world’s leading event in accelerator science. Expected to welcome over 1,500 delegates from 16 countries and regions, this will mark the conference’s first return to Japan since 2010—and its Tokyo debut. The event reinforces Tokyo’s growing reputation as a premier global destination for international scientific gatherings.
Meet the Business Events Tokyo Team at IBTM World, November 18–20, 2025
Business Events Tokyo will be exhibiting at IBTM World in Barcelona, welcoming attendees to Stand J35. The team, joined by expert suppliers, will showcase Tokyo’s dynamic and world-class business event offerings, highlighting why the city continues to stand out as a leading destination for international meetings and conventions.
Singapore
Singapore FinTech Festival, November 12–14, 2025
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Singapore FinTech Festival will return to Sands Expo & Convention Centre with a focus on artificial intelligence, tokenisation, and the quantum future. This milestone edition will also introduce special programmes designed to connect capital, ideas, and talent for industry growth. Ahead of the main event, an invite-only Insights Forum will convene regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to shape the agenda for the year ahead.
Bloomberg New Economy Forum, November 19–21, 2025
Singapore will once again host the Bloomberg New Economy Forum for the fifth consecutive year, reaffirming its position as a Global-Asia hub for business and dialogue. The forum brings together global leaders to address the world’s most pressing challenges through meaningful, solution-focused discussions.
ITB Asia Partnership Extension and 2025 Highlights
Messe Berlin and the Singapore Tourism Board have extended their partnership to anchor ITB Asia in Singapore through 2028, reinforcing the event’s position as the region’s premier travel trade show. The 2025 edition achieved record participation with over 1,000 exhibitors, 1,500 buyers, and 8,000 delegates. Looking ahead, Messe Berlin’s Singapore portfolio will expand to include Smart Health Asia in 2026 and InnoTrans Asia in 2027, underscoring Singapore’s role as a strategic gateway to the Asia Pacific market.
Washington, DC
IMEX America 2025 and “DC is Open” Campaign
At IMEX America 2025, Destination DC highlighted the city’s resilience, strategic initiatives, and new developments that strengthen DC’s position as a premier global meetings destination. Even amid a government shutdown, the city remained vibrant through the “DC is Open” campaign, launched on October 1 to remind visitors that Washington continues to offer rich dining, culture, sports, and entertainment options.
Sustainability Leadership: GDS-Index 2025 Results
Washington, DC once again ranked first among participating U.S. destinations in the 2025 GDS-Index, reflecting its citywide commitment to sustainability and transparency. Destination DC’s annual assessment highlights progress across environmental, social, and economic dimensions, ensuring that the visitor economy benefits residents and businesses alike.
New Venues and Experiences
New openings continue to elevate DC’s meeting landscape. The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream—12 years in the making—will open in 2026, offering historic interiors and technology-forward exhibits on entrepreneurship, education, health, and financial empowerment. Learn more about the new venue.
ISTH Congress 2025
The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis hosted its first U.S. congress in 16 years in Washington, DC, drawing nearly 5,000 delegates from 120 countries. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center delivered flexible, sustainable event space complemented by Destination DC’s on-the-ground support. Hear from the ISTH Executive Director.
Value Amplified White Paper
Destination DC also partnered with Smart Meetings on “Value Amplified: How Destination Marketing Organizations Drive Results for Event Planners,” a white paper based on a national survey of planners. The report explores how DMOs provide strategic value through cost efficiencies, supplier access, and destination expertise. Download the white paper.
Guadalajara
UFI LATAM Conference
Expo Guadalajara represented the city at the recent UFI LATAM Conference actively promoting Guadalajara as the host city for UFI 2027. The team showcased the destination’s readiness and infrastructure to welcome this major global gathering of the exhibition industry, supported by promotional materials highlighting the city’s strong event ecosystem.
International Congress of Human Genetics
At the same time, Guadalajara representatives were in Boston, positioning the city as the upcoming host of the International Congress of Human Genetics (ICHG) 2027. The event will bring together global experts and researchers to share breakthroughs in genetics and human health.
Calaverandia: Day of the Dead Theme Park
On the leisure side, one of Guadalajara’s seasonal highlights is Calaverandia, the world’s only Day of the Dead theme park. The immersive attraction combines art, light, and performance to celebrate Mexico’s cultural heritage through a vibrant, multisensory experience.
Copenhagen
Major Conferences in November 2025
Copenhagen will welcome two significant conferences this November: the Digital Tech Summit 2025, which will explore advancements in digital transformation and technology innovation, and the Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025, gathering global experts to address respiratory health challenges. Both events underscore Copenhagen’s strength as a hub for knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration.
Copenhagen Legacy Lab Shortlisted for 2025 smartcities & sport Award
Copenhagen continues to excel in creating legacy-driven events. At the 2025 smartcities & sport summit in Seoul, Lars Vallentin Christensen from Wonderful Copenhagen presented insights from Copenhagen Gaming Week, an esports and gaming event launched in 2024 through collaboration between Bellagroup, Blackbox Media, and Wonderful Copenhagen. The event has rapidly grown in scale and is expected to attract 30,000 participants in 2026.
Copenhagen Legacy Lab was also shortlisted for the 2025 smartcities & sport award for its “Try an adapted bike” initiative, developed as part of the Copenhagen Sprint race. The project promotes inclusive cycling by giving children and adults with special needs the opportunity to experience adaptive bikes firsthand, reflecting Copenhagen’s broader commitment to accessibility and community impact.
Melbourne
Meet Melbourne Convention Bureau at IBTM World, November 18–20, 2025
The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) will represent the city at IBTM World 2025 in Barcelona, spotlighting Melbourne’s strengths as a global hub for international conferences and business events. Known for excellence in medical research, engineering, and sustainability, Melbourne offers an unmatched environment for associations seeking innovation and impact. Event attendees can connect with MCB’s Europe team at Stand K20 to explore tailored bid support, local expertise, and legacy-driven opportunities.
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Centenary Congress, 2027
Melbourne has been chosen to host the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Centenary and Annual Scientific Congress at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2027. As the birthplace of RACS, the city offers the perfect backdrop to celebrate a century of surgical excellence and innovation. The congress will bring together more than 2,000 professionals and global experts, reinforcing Melbourne’s leadership in healthcare, research, and education.
Melbourne Tops the 2025 GDS-Index in APAC
Melbourne has achieved the number one ranking in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index 2025, leading both Australia and the Asia-Pacific region, and securing the top global position in the Metropolis and Mega Cities category. With a score of 83% (a notable rise from 76.6% in 2024) Melbourne’s performance highlights its deep commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and sustainable tourism.
Cape Town
Global Health Conferences Energize Cape Town, October 2025
Cape Town hosted two major international health gatherings in October, underscoring its strength as a destination for global collaboration and innovation. The FIGO World Congress 2025 welcomed more than 8,000 delegates to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from October 5–9 under the theme “Advancing Women’s Health: A Journey of Unity and Freedom.” The following week, the 13th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU 2025) convened experts at the Century City Conference Centre to advance discussions on hepatitis C elimination, HIV prevention, and drug policy reform. Together, these events reflected Cape Town’s expanding role as a global hub for health equity and impactful dialogue.
Vancouver
Vancouver Named to National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2026” List
Vancouver has been featured on National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2026” list, which highlights 25 of the most meaningful and immersive travel experiences for the coming year. Recognized as “the best place to catch the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Vancouver’s selection reinforces its reputation as a dynamic destination for global events and unforgettable visitor experiences.
2025 MICHELIN Ceremony Celebrates Vancouver’s Culinary Excellence
The 2025 MICHELIN ceremony, held at The Commodore Ballroom, added two new One Star restaurants to Vancouver’s growing roster of acclaimed dining venues. This year’s results include 12 One Star restaurants, 15 Bib Gourmands, 49 Recommended restaurants, and four special awards, representing 22 cuisine types and 76 establishments overall. The ceremony continues to elevate Vancouver’s standing as a world-class culinary city.
Destination Vancouver Launches “Vancouver Fling” Campaign
Destination Vancouver has launched its “Vancouver Fling” campaign across California, positioning the city as the ultimate quick escape for travellers from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Running from August through December, the campaign invites visitors to “Find Your Refresh” through spontaneous, restorative getaways that highlight Vancouver’s blend of nature, culture, and urban vitality.
Berlin
CAPA Airline Leader Summit 2026 Lands in the German Capital
Berlin will host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit – Airlines in Transition 2026 for the second time, marking the launch of CAPA’s global aviation summit series. This high-level event at The Ritz-Carlton Berlin will bring together senior airline executives, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of global air travel. Discussions will explore the industry’s shift from traditional capacity-driven models to customer-centric strategies, digital ecosystems, and financial resilience. Hosting the summit reinforces Berlin’s role as a global hub for aviation insight and innovation.
ESMO Congress 2025 Brings Over 34,000 Experts to Messe Berlin
The ESMO Congress 2025 transformed Berlin into the global center of oncology from October 17–21, welcoming more than 34,000 experts from medicine, science, and industry to Messe Berlin. Spanning 13 halls, CityCube Berlin, and hub27, the congress provided a powerful platform for scientific exchange and innovation in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Organized with visitBerlin and Messe Berlin, the event showcased the city’s collaborative spirit, infrastructure, and hospitality, solidifying Berlin’s status as a world-class destination for major medical conferences.
Berlin Freedom Week Debuts with a Citywide Celebration of Democracy
From November 8–15, Berlin Freedom Week celebrates freedom and democracy through more than 70 events across 30 venues citywide. Highlights included the Berlin Freedom Conference, featuring Nobel laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, journalist Vladimir Kara-Murza, and activist Masih Alinejad, as well as the mobile Berlin Freedom Mobil, a traveling stage with performances, films, and a replica of the historic Freedom Bell. Initiated by visitBerlin, the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation, and the World Liberty Congress, with Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner as patron, the event positions Berlin as a beacon for liberty and open dialogue on the global stage.
Dubai
Major Business Conferences Reinforce Dubai’s Global Positioning
Dubai continues to strengthen its status as a hub for impactful business events and cross-industry collaboration, with several major international conferences scheduled for Q4 2025. These include the Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum, the 27th International Council of Museums (ICOM) General Conference 2025, the Asian Conference on Emergency Medicine, and the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) World Congress 2025. Collectively, these events position Dubai at the heart of global dialogue and innovation.
Old Dubai Food Tours Among Lonely Planet’s Top Global Experiences for 2026
Exploring a cultural food tour in Old Dubai has been named one of Lonely Planet’s top global experiences for 2026. The recognition highlights Dubai’s rich culinary heritage, shaped by its 200-nationality population and its historic neighbourhoods of Bur Dubai and Deira, where traditional flavours meet modern creativity.
Dubai Advances as a Leading Global Financial Centre
Dubai has climbed to 11th place worldwide in the Global Financial Centre Index, driven by the Dubai International Financial Centre’s milestone of over 8,000 active registered companies. This achievement reinforces the city’s role as a regional powerhouse for innovation, finance, and the broader goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Expo City Dubai Achieves GSTC Sustainable Destination Certification
Expo City Dubai has become the first destination in the Middle East and North Africa to be fully certified as a “Certified Sustainable Destination” under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standard. The recognition underscores Dubai’s ongoing commitment to integrating sustainability across governance, culture, and nature—enhancing its appeal to the global business events community.
Image source: https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/october/22-10/expo-city-dubai-earns-highest-level-of-sustainable-tourism-certification
Houston
Houston’s Mission-Driven Master Plan for Meetings and Conventions
Houston First Corporation (HFC) has unveiled a mission-driven master plan to shape the future of meetings and conventions in the city. After a record-setting 2024—with 604 meetings generating 740,000 room nights—HFC’s new strategy focuses on sustaining growth through community partnerships, leadership development, and a multiyear transformation of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The project aims to deliver one of North America’s most innovative and sellable convention facilities by 2038 while ensuring Houston’s continued competitiveness in the global events market.
Houston First Launches Film Incentive Program
HFC has introduced a new local film incentive program to attract film and television productions to the region. Offering 10 percent on local spend with a cap of US $100,000 per project, the initiative strengthens Houston’s position within Texas’s rapidly expanding film industry and supports job creation in creative sectors. Combined with the state’s broader incentive framework, the program makes Houston one of the most competitive production destinations in the U.S.
Michelin Recognition for Houston’s Dining Scene
Houston’s culinary reputation continues to rise following the second year of the Michelin Guide Texas. Six local restaurants retained their One Star status, while five new Bib Gourmand listings and nine new Recommended restaurants joined the ranks. With more than 12,000 eateries representing diverse cuisines, Houston continues to strengthen its standing as one of the nation’s top culinary destinations.
Emancipation Park Redevelopment Project Underway
An $18.5 million revitalization of historic Emancipation Park has begun in Houston’s Third Ward. The project will add a 5,000-square-foot stage and remodel the community center to include modern audio-visual facilities, a gift shop, and expanded event spaces. Set for completion in June 2026, the upgrades, led by Perkins & Will with support from the Kinder, Brown, and Cullen foundations, will enhance the park’s role as a vibrant hub for performance, heritage, and community connection.
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.