What’s New This February?

Welcome to the February edition of the BestCities Global Alliance round-up. This month, we reflect on the success of the BestCities Global Forum in Dublin and the impactful ICCA Association Impact MasterClass, while looking ahead to major upcoming industry events like IMEX Frankfurt. From cutting-edge sustainability initiatives to updates on standout global conferences, this round-up highlights the latest achievements and opportunities across our partner destinations. Dive in to stay informed and inspired!

Group of people posing with a Guinness sign at St. James's Gate Brewery, Dublin. Text reads: "February Round-Up," with a BestCities Global Alliance logo.

Association Focus: Important News and Events

Join Us at IMEX Frankfurt

While still riding the wave of success from the BestCities Global Forum in Dublin, all attention is now turning towards IMEX Frankfurt, set for May 20-22, 2025.

We invite associations to join our Hosted Buyer group at this key industry event. For those interested in participating or seeking additional information, please reach out to Tia Daniels at [email protected]. This is a prime opportunity to connect with us, our 13 partner destinations, industry leaders and peers in an engaging setting.

If you’re planning to travel to IMEX Frankfurt this year, make sure you keep Wednesday morning (May 21) free for the BestCities Breakfast. More details will be shared soon!

For more details about what IMEX Frankfurt has to offer, visit their website at IMEX Frankfurt.

BestCities Head Office posting for a picture at IMEX Frankfurt 2024
Tia, Loren, and Nigel at IMEX Frankfurt 2024.

2025 Incredible Impacts Programme: Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2025 Incredible Impacts Programme is now open, welcoming associations to showcase impactful events that leave a lasting legacy. This year, the sign-up process has been streamlined for ease. For more details on how to apply, click here.

Learn from the success of the 2024 winner, the European Academy of Childhood Disability, whose innovative initiatives set a remarkable precedent. For inspiration, view their case study on the Incredible Impacts website.

Promotional banner for the Incredible Impacts Programme detailing a deadline of June 2, 2025, and featured logos for ICCA and BestCities Global Alliance.

Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance

Dynamic Discussions and Cultural Insights at BestCities Global Forum in Dublin

What an extraordinary experience at the BestCities Global Forum in Dublin, rich with discussions on cutting-edge innovations and strategies for enhancing global communities.

The forum not only highlighted technological advancements, such as AI in event planning and healthcare, but also offered amazing cultural experiences, including a private tour of Trinity College Dublin’s library and an exhilarating hurling match at Croke Park.

A group of people posing in front of a Guinness sign at St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin.

ICCA Association Impact MasterClass Convenes in Dublin

Right after the BestCities Global Forum, we, together with the Dublin Convention Bureau, hosted the ICCA Association Impact MasterClass.

This MasterClass, integrated with the ICCASkills certification programme, provided association professionals with tools and strategies for planning, managing, and measuring the social impact of their events.

Bringing together 14 senior association executives and 16 destination partners, including representatives from all of our 13 destinations, the Masterclass is a hub for impactful learning and collaboration. Participants delved into methods for measuring and maximizing the social benefits of their activities, reinforcing the role of associations in driving significant community and global change.

A group of people posing on a staircase in a modern building interior, wearing name badges.

City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations

Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s Congress Calendar: A Year of Global Expertise

Copenhagen is set for a standout congress year in 2025, welcoming over 85,000 experts across fields like pharmaceuticals and green solutions. Notable events at Bella Center Copenhagen include WindEurope in April and ESCRS 2025 in September, each showcasing Copenhagen’s leadership in renewable energy and healthcare.

Contact Cathrine Seidel Tvede at [email protected] for more details on upcoming congresses.

Three NEW Copenhagen Legacy Lab Congress Cases in 2025

Copenhagen’s award-winning Legacy Lab will spotlight new initiatives at major 2025 congresses like WindEurope and the Joint Congress of European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology & European Society of Endocrinology. These cases will focus on local collaborations and strategies to minimize exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Contact Gerda-Marie Rist at [email protected] to learn more about these legacy projects.

Copenhagen Sustainability Guide 3.0 Coming Soon

An updated version of the Copenhagen Sustainability Guide is set to launch in March 2025. This guide helps event planners enhance their sustainability efforts with tools like CO2 emission calculators and provides insights for hosting green events.

For more information, contact Anne Dissing at [email protected].

Melbourne

Melbourne Convention Bureau’s January Highlights

Melbourne Convention Bureau is pleased to announce that Melbourne will host the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in April, a significant global event on gender equality and women’s rights. Supported by various governmental and organizational partners, the conference will bring over 6,500 delegates to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Learn more about Women Deliver 2026 and its impact.

Read more about the event here: https://bit.ly/3PJ472M

A diverse group of people smiling and taking a selfie outdoors, raising their hands in celebration near a large building.

Participation at PCMA Convening Leaders

At PCMA Convening Leaders, Melbourne’s presence was marked by the active participation of Maria Rivera, Director of Business Development for North America, and Theresa DeConinck, Business Development Manager. They provided valuable information and support at the BestCities Pavilion, assisting attendees with insights on hosting successful events in Melbourne.

Last Call for AIME 2025

Don’t miss out on the upcoming Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) scheduled for February 11-12 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore Melbourne’s offerings for conferences, corporate meetings, or incentive travel programs.

To register for AIME 2025, visit the event page.

Cape Town

Cape Town’s Recent Bid Wins

Cape Town is set to host two significant international conferences in the coming years:

  • IUCN Academy of Environmental Law Colloquium, scheduled for December 2026, will bring together 250 delegates focused on environmental law.
  • 11th World Congress of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Association (ADHD), taking place in June 2027, expects to welcome around 1,800 delegates, making it a major event for professionals in the field of ADHD research and treatment.

Washington DC

BestCities Global Alliance Activation at PCMA CL 2025

Destination DC enjoyed joining partners at the BestCities Global Alliance activation at PCMA CL 2025. A heartfelt thank you to the BCGA team for their excellent organization and support, making this event a success.

Exhibition hall with national flags and a central display promoting Vancouver. Desks labeled "BestCities" are surrounded by colorful pillars in a spacious venue.

PCMA Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award

President & CEO Elliott Ferguson has been named a PCMA Foundation Lifetime Achievement awardee and will be honored during Business Events Industry week in April in Washington, DC.

2025 Event Planning Guide Launched

DDC’s new Event Planning Guide for 2025 is packed with fresh insights, offering everything you need to know about Washington, DC’s dynamic meeting landscape.

Click here to explore the new Event Planning Guide.

New Giant Pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo

In January, Washington DC welcomed two new giant pandas to the Smithsonian National Zoo. DC remains the only city where visitors can see pandas for free.

A panda eating bamboo among green leaves.

Berlin

A Year of Culture and Innovation

2025 is set to be a landmark year for Berlin, featuring the 200th anniversary of Museum Island with special exhibitions dedicated to Wassily Kandinsky and a lineup of significant cultural and sporting events. Explore the year’s main events in Berlin.

International Green Week Berlin 2025

From January 17-26, the Green Week spotlighted sustainable agriculture and food innovation, attracting visitors to explore global cuisines and green technologies. More details on International Green Week.

Fruit Logistica 2025

Following the Green Week, Fruit Logistica takes center stage from February 5-7, transforming Berlin into a global hub for the fresh produce industry with over 3,000 exhibitors. Learn about Fruit Logistica.

NFL Touchdowns in Berlin

The NFL will host three regular season games in Berlin starting in 2025, bringing American football excitement to the Olympic Stadium each autumn. Get ready for NFL games in Berlin.

Berlinale 2025

The Berlin International Film Festival, running from February 13–23, will once again enchant the city with its cinematic splendor, showcasing a blend of indie films and major releases. Discover more about Berlinale.

Crowd gathered outside Berlinale Palast at night, with red bear logo and illuminated sign, during the Berlin International Film Festival.
Copyright: visitBerlin – Foto: Wolfgang Scholvien

Vancouver

Invictus Games 2025: A Celebration of Resilience and Innovation

From February 8-16, Vancouver, in partnership with Whistler, will host the Invictus Games 2025. This edition is notable for introducing adaptive winter sports such as wheelchair curling and skeleton. Events will take place at premier locations including the Vancouver Convention Centre and UBC Aquatics Centre, with the opening and closing ceremonies at BC Place and Rogers Arena.

Coinciding with the Games, Destination Vancouver will conduct a FAM trip for event planners and media, emphasizing Vancouver’s strengths in life sciences and innovation while showcasing local winter sports.

Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 logo, presented by ATCO and Boeing, with gray and yellow text on a black background.

Tokyo

Tokyo: A Top Destination for Students

For the second consecutive year, Tokyo ranks as the second-best student city globally according to the QS Best Student Cities 2025. With a near-perfect score of 99.2, Tokyo excels in livability, cultural vibrancy, and academic excellence, making it an ideal locale for students worldwide. This distinction enhances Tokyo’s appeal for hosting meetings that engage young researchers and foster collaboration.

Tokyo’s Hospitality Shines in Conde Nast Traveler

Tokyo boasts significant recognition in the Conde Nast Traveler’s most booked hotels of 2024, with five hotels from the city making the list. From traditional Japanese inns and trendy luxury hotels to affordable accommodations, Tokyo offers a diverse range of lodging options catering to all preferences.

Crowded city street at night with people walking past illuminated buildings and colorful neon signs.

Houston

PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston

Houston recently hosted PCMA Convening Leaders, a key event for event professionals, underscoring its capacity to facilitate major industry conferences. Read more about the PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston.

Houston’s Largest Annual Event Invests in Education

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the city’s largest annual event, continues its longstanding tradition of supporting educational programs, pledging over $28 million for 2025. Discover how the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo supports education.

A person in a blue jacket holds a certificate and gives a thumbs-up while standing on stage with two others also holding certificates.
Source: Houston First – Foto: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Houston First’s Educational Initiatives

Houston First is driving forward with innovative education strategies for destination marketing. These initiatives are equipping industry professionals with enhanced skills and knowledge, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities. Learn about Houston First’s innovative approaches.

Houston’s Global Appeal and Airport Innovations

Houston is attracting more international visitors than ever, cementing its status as a preferred travel destination thanks to its diverse offerings and vibrant culture. The rise in international visitors reflects this growing global appeal. Enhancements like the newly opened international arrivals facility at Bush Airport are improving the travel experience, while Houston’s airports celebrate record-setting achievements and bold plans for the future. Together, these advancements highlight the city’s dedication to elevating both visitor satisfaction and infrastructure excellence.

Dubai

DXB Remains the World’s Busiest International Airport

Dubai International Airport (DXB) recorded its highest annual passenger traffic in 2024, welcoming 92.3 million travelers and surpassing its pre-pandemic peak. This marks the tenth consecutive year DXB has held the title of the world’s busiest international airport, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading global hub.

Dubai Hosts World Bank Group Cloud Computing Workshop

In January, Dubai welcomed global experts for the World Bank Group Cloud Computing Workshop, a key event focused on digital transformation, cloud security, and technological advancements. The workshop set the stage for the upcoming Global Government Cloud Forum, further positioning Dubai as a leader in digital infrastructure.

Dubai Among the World’s Top 10 Cities in Global Power City Index

For the second consecutive year, Dubai has ranked among the top 10 cities in the Global Power City Index, securing the eighth spot worldwide and maintaining its position as the highest-ranked city in the Middle East. The ranking highlights Dubai’s strengths in economic competitiveness, innovation, and global connectivity.