BestCities and the Impact of Business Events
Sourcing a Sustainable Event
Wondering what questions you should be asking a destination when organizing an event? We've got you covered.
"We harness the power of collaboration and community to create positive impact through business events."
We believe that our world prospers when it comes together, works together and shares generously. The quality and reach of our global community and our open knowledge exchange, allows our partners and clients to develop and offer sustainable experiences that make a positive impact and leave a strong and lasting legacy on the world. We do so through three main pillars:
The Incredible Impacts Programme celebrates the “beyond tourism” value of international association meetings by creating a global platform to advocate their positive societal impact.
Each year, a panel of independent judges from the association world determines which meetings have proven impact to award the Incredible Impacts grant of USD 20,000 and the Incredible Impacts Seed Fund Grant of $5,000.
The BestCities Madrid Challenge is a movement of destinations and associations that recognize the importance of shifting the meetings and events industry towards a more sustainable model. Collectively, these organizations have pledged to collaborate to deliver a value beyond tourism through their events, aiming to raise industry standards by promoting impact and sustainability as key elements of organizational and event strategies.
The team at BestCities is committed to building a sustainable future for the BestCities Global Alliance and its partner destinations.
That’s why we drafted the BestCities Commitment to a Sustainable Future – our promise to support and guide associations and destinations to enable sustainable meetings that leave a lasting legacy in the host community and beyond.
BestCities Impact Case Studies: Unlocking the Long-Term Impact of Business Events
The BestCities Impact Case Studies Collection explores how international congresses go beyond successful event execution to create meaningful, long-lasting impact. Through eight diverse case studies, this collection highlights how associations and event organizers are increasingly prioritizing legacy planning, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability to drive change in industries and communities.
From initiatives that promote policy influence, local partnerships, and knowledge exchange to strategies that foster inclusivity and long-term evaluation, these case studies demonstrate the power of intentional event planning. Whether it’s the World Down Syndrome Congress ensuring people with Down syndrome are at the heart of their events, or Velo-city Congress shaping global cycling policy through stakeholder collaboration, each example showcases the potential of business events to leave a lasting legacy.
Explore the case studies below to gain insights and practical takeaways for designing events that make a difference.
Featured Case Studies:
- Global DIY Summit
- World Down Syndrome Congress
- European Respiratory Society International Congress
- Entrepreneurs’ Organisation Learn Around Program
- 23rd World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems
- Velo-city Congress
- World Parkinson Coalition
- ISHA – The Hip Preservation Society Annual Scientific Meeting
Download the BestCities Case Studies Summary to explore key insights and practical strategies from eight impactful congresses. This summary highlights common learnings, best practices, and real-world examples of how business events can drive long-term change in industries and communities.
