What’s New This November?
Welcome to the November round-up from BestCities Global Alliance. This month, we look ahead to the Incredible Impacts final, practical conversations on AI and event legacy, and the next Global Forum. We also share the latest congress news, developments and achievements from our partner destinations.
Dive in to stay informed and inspired.
Association Focus: Important News and Events
Help Choose This Year’s Incredible Impacts Winner
Join us at the Incredible Impacts Programme final at the ICCA Congress in Panama City on 10 November at 11:30, when Autism Europe, Housing Europe and WindEurope will present their legacy projects.
Run jointly by BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA, the programme recognises the lasting impact of international association meetings, with this year’s finalists demonstrating work on autism inclusion, tenant participation and STEM education.
After the presentations, the audience will vote through the ICCA Congress App to decide who receives the US$20,000 grant.
Beyond the Prompt: Building AI Tools That Actually Do the Work
Join our next BestCities Community Café on Wednesday 4 November at 13:00 CET for a free, 60-minute Zoom session led by Julian Moore, Chief AI Consultant at Strategic Membership Solutions.
Starting from a single association event brief, Julian will build an AI tool live to draft an RFP, assess destination and venue responses, and flag gaps and unanswered questions.
He’ll demonstrate where it works, where it falls short and how you could build something similar without a developer or a lengthy project.
Register for the Community Café session.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
From Inspiration to Strategy: The Pathway to Association Impact
Loren Christie and Nigel Brown will lead an interactive benchmarking lab at the ICCA Congress in Panama on 10 November, from 15:45 to 16:45 in Caribe 6–7 at the Panama Convention Center.
Drawing on the Incredible Impacts Programme, association executives, destinations and industry partners will work in small peer groups to share challenges and practical ways to embed impact into congress strategy from the outset.
Participants will discuss how to plan, measure and communicate outcomes beyond attendance figures, including knowledge exchange, community benefit and long-term legacy.
Attendance is first come, first served and subject to room capacity; an RSVP does not guarantee a place.
Finding Common Ground at the Global Forum
Leading through a crisis and leading across cultures both call for difficult decisions about what matters most to an organisation and its community.
These challenges will shape the conversations at the 10th anniversary BestCities Global Forum in Cape Town from 21–24 January 2027, as Anita Mendiratta addresses leadership through crises and Karina Lance leads a panel on making shared values work across borders.
The programme also turns to South African perspectives: Richard Perez connects design thinking and Ubuntu, while Lorne Sulcas draws lessons about leadership and resilience from wildlife.
Africa Melane will guide participants through these different perspectives, encouraging them to share experiences and consider how the ideas could inform their own association’s decisions and relationships.
Places are in high demand; contact Tia Daniels at [email protected] about the waiting list or to be among the first to hear about future Global Forums.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Melbourne
Data Center World and the AI Summit to Return in 2027
The inaugural Australian editions of Data Center World and the AI Summit attracted 1,850 delegates to Melbourne and generated an economic contribution of $8.2 million.
Organisers have confirmed both events will return in 2027, following a programme featuring speakers from the Australian Department of Defence, Mercedes-Benz, DHL and Amazon Web Services.
ACI Airport Experience Summit, 2027
Melbourne has been selected to host the ACI Airport Experience Summit, bringing together airport executives, customer experience leaders, technology providers and industry partners from around the world.
The annual summit will focus on customer and employee experience, with discussions covering technology, operations, airport design and passenger satisfaction.
Melbourne Named the World’s Friendliest City
Melbourne has been named the world’s friendliest city in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
For conference and meeting delegates, the recognition offers a glimpse of the welcome they can expect beyond the meeting room.
Recognition for Melbourne Hotels
Pan Pacific Melbourne received the titles of Australia’s Leading Business Hotel and Australia’s Leading Hotel at the 2026 World Travel Awards.
The Langham Melbourne ranked third among hotels in Australasia in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards, retaining its position as Melbourne’s highest-ranked hotel for the second consecutive year.
World Congress of Paediatric Intensive and Critical Care, 26–30 September
Melbourne hosted the 13th World Congress of the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive & Critical Care Societies at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, in conjunction with the ANZICS ACCCN Intensive Care Annual Scientific Meeting.
The congress brought together physicians, nurses, researchers and allied health professionals to share research, discuss challenges and strengthen international collaboration in caring for critically ill and injured children.
Berlin
European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Annual Meeting, 6–9 October 2027
Around 5,000 medical professionals, scientists and medical technology industry representatives are expected at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery at CityCube Berlin.
The congress was secured through a joint bid by the visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office and Messe Berlin.
Berlin Freedom Week, 7–14 November
The second Berlin Freedom Week will bring together activists, civil society organisations, policymakers and international partners for more than 100 events exploring democracy and human rights.
Marking the 37th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the programme includes the Freedom and Security Women Summit and the Berlin Freedom Conference.
Under the theme “Change is possible”, the conference will address topics including new technologies, security, freedom of expression and transnational repression.
Washington, DC
Fifth Consecutive Improvement in GDS-Index Ranking
Washington DC improved its position in the Global Destination Sustainability Index for the fifth consecutive year, placing 59th overall.
The city also retained its position as the fifth-ranked destination in North America.
Meetings Capitalized Launches at IMEX America
Destination DC officially launched Meetings Capitalized at IMEX America, introducing an approach to meeting design that connects planners with the city’s institutions, experts and ideas.
The programme helps planners draw on Washington DC’s intellectual capital to create engaging experiences for meeting attendees.
Industry Recognition for Destination DC
Elliott L. Ferguson II, President and CEO of Destination DC, was inducted into the Events Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders at the 2026 Global Awards, recognising his contributions to business events, mentorship and community service.
Destination DC also received a silver medal in the Best CVB/DMO category for the Northeast region at the 2026 Northstar Stella Awards.
Tokyo
International Congress of Actuaries, 8–13 November
The 33rd International Congress of Actuaries (ICA 2026) will take place at the Tokyo International Forum, bringing together professionals from the actuarial, insurance, pension and financial sectors.
Tokyo follows Berlin and Sydney as host of the international gathering.
Meet Business Events Tokyo at IBTM World, 17–19 November
Business Events Tokyo will exhibit at IBTM World in Barcelona at Stand J35.
Planners can meet the team and its suppliers to discuss Tokyo’s venues, services and options for business events.
Dublin
International Association for Youth Mental Health Conference, 23–27 November
The 8th International Association for Youth Mental Health Conference will take place at The Convention Centre Dublin.
The event will bring together young people, researchers, clinicians, policymakers and mental health organisations from around the world.
Dublin Achieves Its Highest GDS-Index Score
Dublin achieved its highest score to date in the 2026 Global Destination Sustainability Index, earning 83.76 points and ranking 17th globally and fourth among Metropolis & Mega Cities.
The result reflects progress in destination management, environmental sustainability, social impact and supplier engagement, supported by the collaboration documented in Ireland’s GDS-Index journey.
Ireland Ranks 19th in Global Innovation Index
Ireland placed 19th in the 2026 Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
The index measures the innovation performance of 139 economies, with Ireland’s result highlighting strengths in research, talent, technology and business innovation.
Madrid
Meet Madrid Convention Bureau at IBTM World, 17–19 November
Madrid Convention Bureau will expand its presence at IBTM World with a 142 m² stand accommodating 32 member companies from across the city’s business events sector.
Planners can meet the team and its partners to discuss Madrid’s venues, services and event opportunities.
International Congress on Infectious Diseases, 10–13 November
Madrid will welcome around 3,000 delegates for the International Congress on Infectious Diseases (ICID 2026).
The congress forms part of the city’s busy November programme of international business events.
National Environment Congress, 30 November–3 December
The 18th National Environment Congress, CONAMA, is expected to bring 7,000 delegates to Madrid.
The event will round off a month that also includes congresses focused on healthcare and technology.
Tech Show Madrid, 4–5 November
IFEMA Madrid will host Tech Show Madrid, connecting more than 29,000 trade visitors across cloud computing, cybersecurity, big data, artificial intelligence, data centres, connectivity, e-commerce and digital marketing.
The event brings these technology sectors together in one programme.
International Mars Challenge Final
Madrid will welcome young participants from around the world for “The Grand Jam”, the international final of the Mars Challenge hackathon.
They will tackle questions relating to land use, food production in extreme conditions, safe habitats, circularity, regeneration and resilience.
Recognition for Meetings and Incentives
Madrid has been named the World’s Best Incentive Destination at the World MICE Awards.
The city also received the title of Europe’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination at the regional World Travel Awards.
Singapore
Messe Berlin Partnership to Bring Three New Exhibitions
Singapore Tourism Board and Messe Berlin have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand Messe Berlin’s presence in Singapore and Asia Pacific, building on their 18-year partnership.
The collaboration covers business events development, digitalisation, sustainability and talent development.
Three new exhibitions, InnoTrans Asia, CMS Asia and Smart Pharma Asia, will launch in Singapore in 2027.
New Tourism Partnerships with Booking.com and Visa
Singapore Tourism Board has signed a three-year partnership with Booking.com covering joint marketing, tourism products, data sharing and sustainability initiatives.
A separate three-year partnership with Visa will draw on visitor spending insights and promote dining, nightlife and local experiences.
Singapore will also join the Visa Destinations programme, connecting international travellers with curated experiences and offers.
BTS THE CITY ARIRANG, 1–31 December
Singapore Tourism Board and HYBE will bring BTS THE CITY ARIRANG to Singapore, its first and only Southeast Asian stop in 2026.
Complementing four sold-out concerts at the National Stadium, the programme will feature themed installations, light shows, art trails and experiences at locations including Jewel Changi Airport, Sentosa, National Gallery Singapore and Resorts World Sentosa.
The initiative brings tourism and entertainment partners together for Singapore’s largest island-wide fan activation for a recording artist.
Houston
The Farm to Expand Houston’s Agricultural Event Capacity
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has broken ground on The Farm, a one-million-square-foot agricultural complex scheduled to open in 2029.
Located on approximately 350 acres, the development will accommodate livestock competitions, horse shows, agricultural education programmes and community events throughout the year.
Houston’s Destination Brand Gains Ground
A recent OmniTrak study found that Americans’ perceptions of Houston as a leisure destination are improving, with its quality-of-place score rising 4% and travel interest increasing 5% year on year.
Visitor satisfaction was particularly strong across dining, accommodation, activities and attractions, while most of the city’s ratings improved year on year compared with peer destinations.
September Gains for Houston’s Hotel Market
Houston’s September hotel performance showed occupancy reaching 58%, up four percentage points compared with the same month last year, while room demand rose 5% and revenue increased 8%.
The city hosted major conferences at the George R. Brown Convention Center during the month, including Turbo for turbomachinery professionals and Breakbulk for the project cargo and breakbulk community.
Jones Hall Completes Major Renovations
Jones Hall has completed a five-year renovation programme as the performing arts venue celebrates its 60th anniversary.
Improvements include new seating, enhanced acoustics, a reconfigured lobby, expanded restrooms and upgrades to lighting, elevators and building systems.
Home to the Houston Symphony and Performing Arts Houston, the hall remained active throughout much of the phased project.
New Airport Concourse Expands Capacity
United Airlines’ Terminal B North Concourse at George Bush Intercontinental Airport has opened with 22 mainline gates, expanded passenger amenities and a 54,000-square-foot United Club lounge.
The facility includes private work areas, a sensory room and local dining options, while giving the airline greater flexibility to accommodate larger aircraft and increase capacity on busy routes.
Together with improvements to Terminal B South, the project is expected to increase the terminal’s peak passenger capacity by 40% compared with 2023.
Vancouver
MICHELIN Recognition for Vancouver Hotels and Restaurants
Three Vancouver hotels feature in the 2026 MICHELIN Key selection: Rosewood Hotel Georgia received two Keys, while Loden Hotel and Wedgewood Hotel & Spa each received one.
In the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver restaurant selection, AnnaLena became the city’s first restaurant to earn two Stars.
Kavita and Chef’s Choice Seafood Restaurant received Bib Gourmand distinctions, while four restaurants joined the Recommended list for the first time.
Dubai
Hotels Improve Digital Accessibility
Digital accessibility across Dubai’s hotels reached 90% in 2026, up from 83% in 2024, according to an evaluation by the Dubai Digital Authority.
The assessment forms part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s work to improve accessibility from the research and trip-planning stage.
Dubai AI Campus Plans Dedicated Conference Facilities
Plans for the new Dubai AI Campus building include dedicated conference facilities for summits, policy discussions and thought leadership events throughout the year.
The campus has attracted more than 500 AI companies since its launch in May 2024 and has set targets to attract over 1,000 companies and create more than 5,000 highly skilled jobs by 2030.
Emirates Expands A350 Services to Vietnam
Emirates is introducing a second daily Airbus A350 service between Dubai and Ho Chi Minh City from 1 November.
From 1 December, both daily Dubai–Hanoi services will also use the A350, introducing Premium Economy to the Vietnamese capital.
All four daily flights connecting Dubai to the two cities will then offer Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
WETEX, 20–22 October
The 28th Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition brought together 3,000 companies from 60 countries at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, the exhibition featured 13 international pavilions, alongside 60 sponsors and 23 partners and supporting associations.
About the author
Marlieke Kemp-Janssen
Marlieke Kemp-Janssen has over 15 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.