May 2nd 2023

BestCities Welcomes New Board Chair Dr. Edward Koh 

Executive director at Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau will greet industry in his new role at IMEX Frankfurt, May 23-25

BestCities Global Alliance is pleased to welcome Dr. Edward Koh, executive director of the Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel division of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau, as board chair. 

Edward takes over the position from Kit Lykketoft, director of the Copenhagen Convention Bureau. During her two-year tenure as board chair, Kit oversaw the addition of two new partner cities – Guadalajara and Dublin – and successfully navigated the alliance through the global pandemic, among other accomplishments. 

In his new role, Edward will prioritize knowledge creation and client engagement in the fields of legacy and sustainability, with a goal of growing the global impact of meetings events. He is committed to enhancing BestCities’ focus on economic, social and environmental sustainability, enabling alliance members to offer delegates more responsible ways to meet amid the growing climate emergency.

“I am delighted to take on the role of BestCities board chair to build on the good work of my predecessors in seizing growth opportunities in the post-pandemic world for our partners and clients,” said Edward. “With our renewed focus on sustainability as a core value proposition, we aspire to create more responsible impact and leave a lasting legacy on the world. We look forward to generating new business insights and possibilities for our partners, especially at the Global Forum in Melbourne next year. We also welcome new partners to join BestCities’ expanding global network as we harness the power of collaboration and community to make a meaningful difference.”

“It has been a real pleasure serving as board chair for BestCities for the past two years,” said Kit. “Although the meetings industry was directly impacted by the global pandemic, I’m proud of the team for continuing to build the alliance and further its goal of creating positive impact through business events. I have every confidence in passing the baton to Edward, and look forward to the successes and positive forward momentum he will undoubtedly achieve in his new role.” 

Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, will assume Edward’s vacated role of incoming board chair, and David Noack Perez, Director of the Madrid Convention Bureau, will take up the position of board treasurer. 

Industry can meet Edward in his new role at IMEX Frankfurt, May 23-25. As part of the event, BestCities will host a media breakfast on May 24 at the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre. Media interested in learning about BestCities news, as well as meeting Edward and the team, can register here.