Table of Contents
Association Focus: Important News and Events
Whitepaper Spotlight: Rethinking Membership Models with Belinda Moore
Belinda Moore’s latest whitepaper explores flexible, purpose-driven membership models focused on community, inclusivity, and sustainability. It includes real-world examples and practical tools to help associations evolve their engagement strategies and future-proof their organizations.
Read more here.
Incredible Impacts: A Year of Progress with IPVS
Last year, the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) earned the 2023 Incredible Impact Programme (IIP) seed grant for its efforts to eliminate HPV-related cancers. One year on, IPVS has made significant strides in raising awareness and increasing vaccination uptake across Scotland.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
Kicking Off October at Convening EMEA in Barcelona
We’re starting the month in vibrant Barcelona, where Tia Daniels will lead a hosted-buyer group at PCMA Convening EMEA. In addition, we’re excited to host the BestCities Breakfast on 2 October, where attendees can catch up on the latest BestCities initiatives and network with global event professionals.
From Barcelona to Las Vegas: BestCities at IMEX America’s Smart Monday
Following our exciting start in Barcelona, we head to Las Vegas, where Loren Christie will moderate a session during Smart Monday at IMEX America 2024. The in-depth session will explore the latest environmental, economic, political, legal, social, and technological trends shaping the future of global meetings.
Industry leaders from our partner cities, including Michael Drake (Vancouver), Katja Sukale (Berlin), Adriaan Fourie (Cape Town), and Edward Koh (Singapore), will join Loren and offer insights from across EMEA, the Americas, and APAC.
For more details, visit this page.
Next Stop: Celebrating Sustainability at the GDS Awards
BestCities Global Alliance partner destinations Copenhagen and Vancouver are spotlighted at this year’s GDS Awards. Copenhagen is a finalist in three categories—Leadership Award, Impact Award, and Innovation Award—while Vancouver is nominated for the Innovation Award.
Loren will attend the GDS Forum in Bruges, Belgium, supporting our cities as they continue to lead the way in sustainability initiatives within the global events industry.
Click here to read the GDS Awards rress release.
On to Abu Dhabi for ICCA Congress and Incredible Impacts Awards
The momentum continues in October as Loren, Tia, and Nigel head to Abu Dhabi for the annual ICCA Congress. BestCities Global Alliance will host four engaging Campfire Sessions, creating space for meaningful dialogue and shared insights.
Click here for more details about this year’s Campfire Sessions.
Click here for this year’s Incredible Impacts Award Finalists.
Fine-tuning the Global Forum Dublin 2025 Program
Between these key events, we’ll also finalize the details of the BestCities Global Forum program, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience for all attendees.
Stay tuned for updates!
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Tokyo
IEEE R10 SYWL Congress, 29 August – 1 September
Tokyo hosted the IEEE R10 SYWL Congress 2024 at the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center, drawing over 330 participants from Japan and abroad. This biannual event promotes leadership among students, young professionals, women in engineering, and lifetime members across the Asia Pacific region. The congress featured networking opportunities, satellite workshops, and a poster session, all while reducing waste and using sustainable materials.
Meet the Business Events Tokyo Team at IMEX America, 8-10 October
The Business Events Tokyo team will be at IMEX America in Las Vegas. Visit booth #F905 to meet the team and 11 Tokyo suppliers who are ready to share how the city’s blend of tradition, ultramodern facilities, and unique hospitality can make any event extraordinary.
Melbourne
World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2026
In 2026, Melbourne will welcome the prestigious World Sustainable Built Environment Conference, focusing on global innovations in sustainable development for the built environment.
Click here for the full media release.
Australia Next Returns in 2025
December 2025 will see the return of Australia Next, Tourism Australia’s premier incentive showcase, bringing top corporate and incentive buyers to explore Melbourne’s diverse offerings.
Oceania’s Best MICE Destination 2024
Melbourne was recently crowned ‘Oceania’s Best MICE Destination 2024’ at the World MICE Awards, reflecting its world-class infrastructure and cultural vibrancy.
CEO Julia Swanson (GAICD) expressed her pride: “This award underscores Melbourne’s unwavering commitment to excellence in the business events sector. Business delegates consistently choose our city for meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions due to its world-class infrastructure, vibrant cultural scene, and accessibility.”
For more details on Melbourne’s MICE offerings, click here.
International Conference on Ocean Energy
Melbourne recently hosted a groundbreaking event on ocean energy, bringing together ocean energy leaders, decision-makers, and researchers who are advancing innovative concepts and materials to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ocean energy systems.
Countdown to the 14th World Chambers Congress 2025
Preparations are underway for the 14th World Chambers Congress, set to take place in Melbourne in 2025. The event will bring together representatives from over 100 countries to strengthen collaboration between businesses, chambers, and governments.
Copenhagen
2025 ESCRS Annual Congress, September 2025
This congress, known for its strong focus on sustainability and innovation, will welcome up to 15,000 participants to Copenhagen’s Bella Center. The event returns to Copenhagen nine years after it last hosted the leading global gathering for cataract and refractive surgery professionals.
Click here to read the media release.
Berlin
World Health Summit, 13-15 October 2024
This globally recognized strategic forum on public health will bring together stakeholders from politics, science, the private sector, and civil society to discuss key health issues in Berlin.
IMEX America, 8-10 October 2024
The visitBerlin Convention Office will attend IMEX America in Las Vegas, offering updates on Berlin’s latest hotels, event locations, and special offerings.
35th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall, 9 November 2024
Berlin commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Wall’s fall with open-air events, exhibitions, guided tours, and interactive activities celebrating this momentous historical event.
Dublin
International Gynaecologic Cancer Society Meeting, 16-18 October 2024
This event will welcome over 2,000 delegates to The Convention Centre Dublin, focusing on the latest advancements in gynaecologic cancer research and treatment.
SaaStock, 14-16 October 2024
SaaStock returns to the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), attracting 4,500 delegates from the global SaaS community for three days of networking, learning, and innovation.
More information can be found here.
Dubai
Dubai’s Exhibition Centre at Expo City is set to become the largest in the city, with a phased expansion increasing exhibition space from 58,000 to 180,000 square metres by 2031. Phase 1 will be completed in 2026, enhancing Dubai’s standing as a global MICE destination.
For more information, read the press release here.
Madrid
Madrid’s Trade Show Presence, October 2024
After a successful participation at PCMA Convening EMEA in Barcelona, Madrid will continue its promotional activities at IMEX America (October 10-12), followed by GDS-Forum in Bruges (October 16-18) and the ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 20-23). The month wraps up with The Meetings Space Autumn in Oman (October 24-27).
Notable Congresses in Madrid
Madrid hosts several key congresses in October, including the Spanish Society for Medical Oncology (October 15-18), International Continence Society (October 22-25), and Smart Energy Congress & Expo (October 4-5). The city will also host awareness events surrounding chronic pain and pelvic floor disorders (October 14-20), complementing the medical congress activities.
Festivals and Autumn Activities in Madrid
Autumn marks the return of Madrid’s iconic festivals, such as Jazz Madrid and Suma Flamenca, alongside major football events featuring Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in both the La Liga and Champions League.
