BestCities Breakfast at IMEX Frankfurt

IMEX Frankfurt – the world’s leading trade show for events marketing – is all set for a three-day gathering of the global events community happening at Frankfurt Messe, Germany, on May 23 to 25. 

With 3,000 meeting planners and over 2,500 exhibitors representing 150 countries, attendees will have access to expert insight, meet global suppliers and decision-makers with qualified buying power, create powerful connections, and have a chance to attend the BestCities Breakfast. 

Join us on the morning of Wednesday, May 24 and be among the first to hear the latest updates on the BestCities Global Forum in Melbourne. You’ll also be able to connect with your association peers, media members, and our 12 partner cities.

Don’t have a ticket to IMEX yet? You can still sign up for our hosted buyer spots and enjoy VIP perks such as free flights and accommodation.

• European buyers can sign up here and use our invitation code DX25OX.
• International buyers can sign up here and use our invitation code LT38RU.

 

Global Forum Melbourne

“Meeting the Challenges: Creating Connections with Purpose” is BestCities Global Forum’s theme for next year's gathering in Melbourne. 

Highlighting the significance of in-person meetings to create meaningful connections, participants can look forward to workshops, presentations, and hands-on experiences throughout Melbourne, showing the importance of gathering in one place to learn and collaborate. 

But “Why Melbourne?” – being the cultural capital of Australia and a global leader in research and development, it is where the brightest minds gather to share their creativity and innovative ideas in achieving real change. It also has easy access beyond the city into regional Victoria, making it an ideal destination for hosting collaborative events. Last but not least, the BestCities Global Forum takes place alongside the Australian Open, so attendees can extend their stay and hit the court to watch the first Grand Slam of the year in person. 

Find out more about the Global Forum here.

 

Welcome to Our New Strategic Thinkers

To uphold our commitment to result-driven collaborations and partnerships, we have recruited professionals from different industries to become our international Brand Ambassadors. 

Our Strategic Thinkers are marketplace co-creation partners providing counsel on trends and operational experiences. With their experience, unique insights, and knowledge, we are confident that the future directions of the Alliance are in good hands.

Stay tuned as we’ll soon publish introductions to each of them on our website and on LinkedIn. 

 

Updates From Our Partner Cities

Read our partner cities' new briefs and announcements, where they talk about their future events, inspiring stories, and their city’s accomplishments.

Cape Town

In February 2023, we welcomed leaders from around the world to the African Mining Indaba, which took place at the world-class Cape Town International Convention Centre. In the same month, Cape Town hosted the first-ever Formula-E race in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Women's World Cup Cricket, the Volvo Ocean Race, and the World Congress on Human Genetics. Business and sporting events are back in full force, and the energy in the province is tangible.

In March 2023, Cape Town welcomed the World Travel Market Africa, the Global Entrepreneurship Organisation, and the 1.5 Degrees Africa's Net Zero Conference and Exhibition.

Cape Town and the Western Cape have a wealth of expertise, and their world-class conference and meeting facilities provide the space for great minds to meet and connect.

 

Copenhagen

Copenhagen to Host Aqua 2024

The Boards of Directors of the European Aquaculture Society and the World Aquaculture Society have chosen Copenhagen to host the upcoming Aqua 2024 on August 25 to 29. 

With the theme “Blue Food, Green Solutions,” the event will highlight the latest aquaculture research innovation to support the continued growth of the exciting food production sector. Attendees can look forward to scientific conferences, trade exhibitions, industry forums, workshops, student events, and receptions. 

Denmark is expected to showcase its innovation leadership in key technologies crucial for future aquaculture. 

Copenhagen Is Forbes's Best City for a Good Work-Life Balance

Forbes recognizes Copenhagen as the city where one can attain a healthy balance between life and work  –  the American business magazine announced on the 3rd of March. 

The capital of Denmark also ranks highly on various lifestyle-related factors, including being second in the World Happiness Index, first in gender equality, and also the best city for couples with children, as both working parents are given a combined leave of up to 52 weeks. At the same time, other workplaces encourage their employees to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.

 

Copenhagen’s New Asian Wave

Some of the most skilled chefs in town are starting the New Asian Wave in Copenhagen as they open their respective food businesses to showcase their take on Asian cuisine. 

Chefs combine techniques and traditions inspired by Asian cuisines, such as Japanese, Korean, and Chinese food practices, with some New Nordic Food Movement principles: seasonality and locally sourced produce. 

In 2022 alone, eight new Asian restaurants successfully opened in Copenhagen, putting Asian dishes in the spotlight. From ramen, and sushi, to dim sums and other Asian dishes, the New Asian Wave in Copenhagen boosts the city’s gastronomy tourism. 

 

Berlin

Sustainable tourism: Berlin’s sustainability criteria recognized internationally

The Global Sustainability Tourism Council (GSTC) has recognized the criteria of Berlin’s sustainability certification programmes “Sustainable Meetings Berlin” and “Sustainable Tourism Berlin”. This makes Berlin the first German region to have an internationally recognized set of sustainability criteria for the Visitor Economy.

The 65 criteria, according to which Berlin companies can be certified, cover the fields of governance, risk and compliance, environment, society and economy and include, for example, proof of a sustainability strategy, the recording and reduction of CO2 emissions and the promotion of human resources development. All 65 criteria comply with the exacting GSTC Industry Criteria. In doing so, they reconfirm the high-quality standards and the holistic sustainability approach of the "Sustainable Berlin" initiative and witness the international pertinence of the audited criteria for certified partners.

ITB Berlin “Welcome back, world! Open for change!”

After three years, the global tourism and travel industry met again live in Berlin from March 7 to 9, 2023 - with a satisfied balance and hope for a good travel year 2023. More than 90,000 participants from over 180 countries came to the trade show halls on the three trade visitor days and were inspired by around 5,500 exhibitors from 161 countries.

This year, the world's largest tourism trade show focused on B2B networking in the tourism industry. Real experiences and city feeling, sustainability and hybrid formats: Marco Oelschlegel, CMP and head of the visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office, spoke on a panel about trends in the MICE market.

For its ITB trade show appearance, visitBerlin aligned itself with the Sustainable Event Guidelines and implemented targeted measures, such as working with a sustainability-certified catering partner, using a scanning app to reduce the exchange of business cards, and using rental furniture.

 

BESTIVAL scheduled for 6 and 7 July 2023

BESTIVAL – The MICE & Travel Business Festival goes into the third round. BESTIVAL stands for networking in a unique atmosphere, individual and professional development, and lasting experiences that promise inspiration and fun. In a word: Berlin

This year, we again have chosen exceptional venues. BESTIVAL will take place in Berlin Kreuzberg, directly next to the river Spree. The main event on 6 July 2023 will take place in the impressive industrial heritage Magazin in der Heeresbäckerei and in the multifaceted world of Sage Berlin.

 

Vancouver

Vancouver Makes TIME’s World’s Greatest Places for 2023

To compile the list of World's Greatests Places for 2023, TIME solicited nominations of places—including countries, regions, cities and towns—from its international network of correspondents and contributors, with an eye toward those offering new and exciting experiences.

“Having Vancouver included on this list validates all the work our industry has done over the past three years to rebuild a resilient and sustainable visitor economy,” said Royce Chwin, President & CEO of Destination Vancouver. “And it shows that our work to keep Vancouver top of mind as a desirable destination, particularly for US travellers, continues to bear fruit.

The accolade highlights the successful collaborative efforts of businesses that make up the tourism industry in Vancouver and the local government, which has helped rebuild demand for the destination. From securing iconic events like Laver Cup 2023, the 2024 Invictus Games, and FIFA World Cup 2026, to the city’s newly minted MICHELIN Guide, there’s no question that Vancouver is a city with a thousand reasons to be at the top of travel lists this year.

 

Seventh GEF Assembly and Associated Meetings

Recently announced, the Global Environment Facility and the Government of Canada will co-host the Seventh GEF Assembly and Associated Meetings from August 22-26, 2023 in Vancouver, Canada.

The Assembly is the governing body of the GEF that includes representatives of all 185 member countries and is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the GEF’s general policies, operations, and membership. It is also responsible for considering and approving proposed amendments to the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured Global Environment Facility and any other recommendations coming from the GEF Council.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral fund dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health. Its grants, blended financing, and policy support helps developing countries address their biggest environmental priorities and adhere to international environmental conventions. The GEF connects 185 member governments with sustainability leaders across civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and the private sector, and works closely with other environmental financiers for efficiency and impact.

 

Melbourne

Melbourne success story

Strengthening Melbourne’s reputation as a premium destination in hosting global events in the medical field was the unparalleled healthcare event, Coda 2022.

Across four days, over 800 delegates from around the globe convened at the world-class Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to enjoy a festival of clinical learning, health advocacy and a celebration of the healthcare community, including a focus on fun and wellbeing.

Watch this video to learn how the Melbourne Convention Bureau supported Coda in bringing their vision to life in Melbourne.

 

New Melbourne e-Guide edition for business event planners out now

Planning a business event in Melbourne just got easier with the launch of Melbourne Convention Bureau’s (MCB) second interactive Melbourne e-Guide.

Special features include:

• How to create first class VIP experiences at iconic venues such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Flemington and the Australian Formula 1™ Rolex Grand Prix
• Learning how to weave your business event or itinerary program around one of Melbourne’s major events such as the Australian Open Tennis Championships
• Learning about Melbourne’s unique new venue offerings for major business events
• An update on the city’s Accor properties
• Tips for hotels with excellent twin-share rooms to consider
• Product and venue ideas to take your business event to the next level.

Business event planners and delegates will also find the e-Guide’s interactive map, used for researching and creating custom itineraries, a fantastic way to uncover all the exciting offerings available during, pre and post the business event.

Read the latest Melbourne e-Guide now

 

Guadalajara

Guadalajara Makes It to Time Magazine’s List of World’s Greatest Places in 2023

Time Magazine features Guadalajara as one of the world’s greatest places in 2023, highlighting its commitment to protecting its history while embracing the future with open arms. 

From cultural preservation and culinary tourism to having cool hotels and holding one of Latin America’s largest gay pride parades, Guadalajara proves that a city can still value its past while welcoming the changes in the present. 

50 cities are listed in Time Magazine’s list of the World’s Greatest Places in 2023. The cities were chosen through nominations from their international network of correspondents and contributors.

Guadalajara Attended the AAD Anual Meeting in New Orleans

Guadalajara, alongside many members of the International League of Dermatological Societies, over 8,000 medical personnel, and over 350 exhibiting companies, attended the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) Annual Meeting held at New Orleans on March 17 to 21.

During the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) Annual Meeting, the two bidding cities – Guadalajara and Munich – were put forward as candidates to host the World Congress of Dermatology in 2027. 

Being the city of contrast, Guadalajara’s modernity with millenary traditions combined with its competitive infrastructure, passionate doctors, and influential medicine community – the city can continue to reinforce the spirit of “dermatology” in all of Latin America and the world. 

 

Tokyo

TCVB Releases a Carbon Footprint Calculator for Business Events in Tokyo

Business Events Tokyo at TCVB proudly announces the release of a carbon footprint calculator, the “CO2 Emissions of Your Business Event,” to raise awareness of the importance of holding sustainable events in Tokyo. The tool helps event organizers see in numbers and understand how much environmental impact a business event in Tokyo may have.

TCVB encourages meeting organizers and planners to utilize this tool to observe how much CO2 emission an event will cause and to take action to manage a more sustainable event.

 

Traditions and Cutting-edge Technology Bring Tokyo Unique Venues to the Next Level

Business event planners and organizers could gain valuable hints in the recently held Unique Venues showcase event that introduced the new combined use of traditional and cutting-edge venues providing a clear image of how they can be utilized.

Collaborating with DMO SHIBA, Tokyo Bay, and Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, the event introduced the Tokyo waterfront area's facilities. It brilliantly showcased a unique plan to combine the traditional Japanese garden, Hama-rikyu Gardens, with the cutting-edge technology of Tokyo Portcity Takeshiba, connecting the two venues by water bus.

 

Dubai

Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme Recognized for Winning Business Bids

The Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai has once again recognized the Al Safeer Congress Ambassador Programme members for winning a total of 24 conferences and congresses during the appreciation ceremony at The Museum of the Future on March 2.

Ambassadors from 27 member organizations, composed of healthcare professionals, scientists, industry experts, and academic and business leaders, were able to close global business events that would take place in Dubai in the coming years. 

The upcoming business events are expected to boost the development of Dubai’s knowledge economy, contributing towards achieving Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 over the next decade. 

Dubai World Trade Centre Boasts a Robust Visitation Growth of 29%

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), dubbed as the regional epicentre of trade and business, has seen a significant rise in visitation in its 2022 annual report. 

The 1.8 million delegates from around the world resulted from the 244 MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), business and consumer events.

H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, sees the DWTC 2022’s result as an unequivocal endorsement of the emirate’s efforts in driving post-pandemic economic recovery and leveraging opportunity, delivered through strategic collaborative stakeholder commitment across all sectors of the economy.

HG Hotels & Resorts Opens Its First Hotel In Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

One of the world’s leading hotel companies with over 6,000 hotels, launched the voco Dubai The Palm – the newest beachfront hotel in the iconic Palm Jumeirah. With 138 rooms, the hotel is located on the picturesque shores of Palm Jumeirah’s West Beach.

The strategic location of voco Dubai The Palm offers guests direct access to the West Beach Promenade, which is only a few steps away from the mesmerizing waters of the Arabian Gulf. While visitors looking forward to bathing under the sun can also relax in the ultimate beach getaway at the hotel’s exclusive beach. 

 

Singapore

Singapore Is Now Officially a Sustainable Destination 

Singapore is now a sustainable destination according to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Criteria, bringing us a step closer to the country’s vision to become one of the world’s most sustainable MICE and leisure destinations.

In line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and STB’s Tourism Sustainability Strategy, the certification proves the country’s commitment to becoming a City in Nature, where large experiences come with small footprints.

GSTC Criteria assess the city’s performance through sustainable management, socio-economic sustainability, cultural sustainability, and environmental sustainability. 

 

Changi Airport Is Hailed as the World’s Best Airport in 2023

Singapore’s Changi Airport was named the World’s Best Airport in 2023 during the World Airport Awards held at Passenger Terminal EXPO in Amsterdam on March 15, marking the 12th time the airport has received the recognition. 

Mr. Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, expressed that the award is a great encouragement to the airport community, who stood firmly together to battle the challenges of the pandemic over the past two years. 

Changi Airport also won awards for the World’s Best Airport Dining and World’s Best Airport Leisure Amenities.

 

Madrid

The Meetings and Events Industry in Madrid Is On the Rise

44,500 meetings and more than two million participants generated a positive economic impact worth €3,860 million – The Meetings and Events Industry of Madrid reported during the recent General Assembly on March 15. 

According to the report, the conferences, conventions, and congresses increased by 82% compared to the figure Madrid reached in 2019. On the other hand, the satisfaction of the participants with the capital and the services provided at the meetings and events left a score of 8.5 out of ten.

Madrid Attended the MCE North & West Europe and Heavent Meetings 

Madrid participated in the MCE North & West Europe on March 26 to 28 in Portugal and the Heavent Meetings on March 28 to 30 in France with the goal of promoting the city to its potential clients. 

The two MICE business-to-business events gathered top decision-makers, event agencies, and suppliers from different destinations to meet up in person with the international event planners seeking new partners from all participating countries.  

Dublin

Ireland and the World Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day

One of the great spectacles of the world, the St. Patricks Festival, happened in the streets of Dublin in March and was celebrated with music, dance, cultural shows, and parades through the streets of Dublin and in different parts of the world.

Being the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration to date, the festival drove €50 million worth of economic gain. From the world-famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade to the jam-packed programme of events at the Festival Quarter at the iconic National Museum of Ireland Collins Barracks, the festival was all about singing, dancing, and laughing on the streets while keeping the tradition alive. 

 

Dublin Wins Bid to host the International Neonatology Association Conference

International Neonatology Association Conference will take place in Dublin this September and will welcome 500 Neonatology experts to Dublin. This is the 5th neonatal medicine event that Ireland has hosted since 2015.

Dublin Ranks as the 19th Best City in the World for 2023

“Magnetism,” “pub-centric nightlife,” and “safety” are the top three reasons why Dublin ranked 19th out of the 50 Best Cities of the World in 2023. 

The World’s Best Cities also highlights some other good things about Dublin, such as having one of the world’s lowest corporate taxes that attract the biggest products, Google, Facebook, Amazon, eBay, Apple, and Airbnb.  

The real estate and tourism consultancy firm Resonance compiled the rankings that were based on six different categories: place, product, programming, people, prosperity, and promotion.

Ryanair to Add 14 New Routes from Dublin this Summer 

Ryanair has launched its new 14 routes to and from Dublin Airport this summer for destinations including Spain, Greece, and France, among others. The change is expected to cause a 10 percent jump in traffic from 2022. 

The airline is set to operate 2,000 flights weekly to and from the capital during the holiday season. 

Former Coca-Cola Chief Plans for Huge Food Market in Dublin’s Docklands

Neville Isdel, a former boss at Coca-Cola, submits his plan to redevelop the Custom House Quarter building in Dublin’s docklands into a licensed food market. 

If approved, the development will also take in the construction of a five-storey, 40 000 sq ft mixed-used building over an extended basement, including the office space. 

Dublin Is One of Europe’s Top 10 Cities for Beer Enthusiasts

Dublin is named one of Europe’s top 10 cities for beer lovers to visit in 2023, according to the list published by Uproxx. Craft beer experts and brewers were asked about their go-to cities to visit for a “beer-fueled adventure.” 

Dublin is also known for Guinness Brewery and is home to other craft breweries and pubs.