Association Focus: Important News and Events
New Additions to the 2024 Impact Case Studies Series
Our 2024 Impact Case Studies series continues to highlight the transformative effects and enduring legacies of association events across our partner cities with two recent publications:
European Lung Foundation: This case study delves into how the European Lung Foundation has successfully embedded patient involvement and advocacy into their event strategies. Explore the thorough analysis of their approaches and impactful results in the European Lung Foundation case study.
ISHA – The Hip Preservation Society: Learn how ISHA’s events have significantly contributed to hip preservation and health promotion. The case study details their initiatives and the positive community engagement they’ve fostered, available in the ISHA case study.
These case studies exemplify the ongoing commitment of our association partners to positively influence their fields and demonstrate the substantial community impact enabled by events within the BestCities network.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
BestCities at PCMA Convening Leaders, Houston
BestCities Global Alliance will have a significant presence at the PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston. We’re excited to host the BestCities Pavilion, where attendees can connect with representatives from our global destinations.
This setup will provide a prime networking opportunity, allowing event professionals to explore the diverse offerings of BestCities destinations. Thanks to the Houston team, the pavilion will be a well-equipped space for meaningful interactions and discovering global event possibilities.
Advancing Towards Net Zero Carbon Events
BestCities is dedicated to sustainability, particularly through our initiative aimed at achieving net zero carbon events. This effort supports our objective to minimize the environmental footprint of our activities and foster sustainable practices throughout our network. Detailed strategies and objectives for reaching net zero carbon events provide essential guidance for organizers aiming to enhance the sustainability of their gatherings. For comprehensive information on our sustainability goals, visit our page on Net Zero Carbon Events.
Celebrating Success: 2024 Awards for Our Partner Cities
This year has been remarkable for our partner cities, each recognized for their exceptional contributions across various sectors. Celebrating these achievements, our annual awards showcase the hard work and success across the network, from tourism innovations to event hosting and sustainability initiatives. Discover more about the diverse strengths and achievements of our partner cities in the 2024 Awards Celebration.
As we reflect on last year’s achievements, we are poised to delve deeper into these themes at our upcoming BestCities Global Forum and the ICCA Association Impact Masterclass in Dublin. These events will offer valuable opportunities to advance our discussions on past successes and future initiatives within our industry.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
ICCA Association Impact MasterClass, 27-28 January 2025
Dublin welcomes association professionals to the ICCA Association Impact MasterClass. This transformative two-day event aims to empower leaders with skills in designing impactful association activities through strategic engagement and innovative practices.
The curriculum emphasizes partnerships, impact measurement, and strategic implementation in events. Attendees will receive a Certificate of Association Impact Leadership, contributing towards ICCASkills certification.
For more details, visit the ICCA Association Impact MasterClass event page.
BestCities Global Forum, 24-26 January 2025
Dublin will host the 2025 BestCities Global Forum, themed “Creative Collaborations: Innovating for Greater Communities.” The event will connect international delegates through workshops and sessions that highlight the power of creative collaboration in driving community and technological advances. Notable venues like The Convention Centre Dublin and the Guinness Storehouse will facilitate these enriching exchanges.
For more information, visit the BestCities Global Forum program page.
Tokyo
Tokyo Rated Most Desirable City in the World
Tokyo has been named the most desirable city in the world by Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024. The city’s unique mix of historical sites and modern architecture, combined with a diverse culinary landscape and lush green spaces, solidifies its appeal as a top global destination for business and leisure.
teamLab Planets Expands, 22 January 2025
Tokyo’s renowned teamLab Planets digital art museum introduces new immersive areas on January 22. The additions include the Athletics Forest, Future Park, and Catching and Collecting Extinct Forest, enhancing visitor interaction with tactile art exhibits. This unique venue continues to blend technology and creativity, offering collaborative art experiences that stimulate the senses.
Madrid
Madrid Convention Bureau’s Active Start
The Madrid Convention Bureau begins the year attending PCMA Convening Leaders in Houston and the SBD Meeting & Global Forum in Dublin. Additionally, the Bureau is finalizing a new video for the 2024 Ambassadors Program, with the gala night scheduled for February 10.
Three Kings Parade, January 2024
Madrid’s vibrant Three Kings Parade marked the close of the Christmas season. Celebrating Epiphany, the parade featured over 1,500 participants and drew nearly 300,000 spectators, showcasing a magnificent street spectacle that brings the city’s festive traditions to life.
FITUR International Fair, 22-26 January 2025
The international tourism fair, FITUR, will be held at IFEMA Madrid from January 22-26. This year, the fair expands with ten specialized areas, including Tech, LGBT+, and Sports, among others. Madrid will feature prominently with a 1,000 square meter stand to showcase its offerings.
Vancouver
Major Events Coming to Vancouver in 2025
Vancouver is gearing up for a thrilling 2025, hosting an array of significant sporting, cultural, and professional events. Highlights include the winter Invictus Games, HSBC 2025 Rugby Sevens, Just For Laughs comedy festival, and the 2025 JUNO Awards. Additionally, Web Summit Vancouver 2025 will bring together global tech leaders, while Alcoholics Anonymous World Services and SIGGRAPH will host major conventions later in the year.
For assistance or more information about attending or hosting events, please contact the Destination Vancouver Meetings and Conventions team.
Melbourne
Melbourne Shines at ABEA Awards
The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) celebrates the success of its partners at the Australian Business Events Association Awards. Congratulations to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for winning Venue of the Year, Arinex Pty Ltd for Best Team and Organiser or PCO Team of the Year, and Elle Reinehr from MCG Events for the Future Leader’s Award. MCB was also a finalist in two categories, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and leadership within the industry.
AIME 2025, 11-12 February
Don’t miss the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, a premier gathering for those in the business events sector. It’s a chance to plan your next conference or corporate meeting with the expert help of the Melbourne Convention Bureau.
Melbourne’s Diverse Business Events Offerings
Melbourne continues to attract global attention, recently showcasing its latest incentive offerings in Taipei. The city offers a variety of venues from cultural landmarks to modern meeting spaces and is celebrated for its comprehensive accommodations, vibrant culinary scene, and unique cultural experiences.
For more details on Melbourne’s events and initiatives, visit the Melbourne Convention Bureau’s website.
Cape Town
Upcoming Major Conferences in Cape Town
Cape Town is set to host several significant international conferences, reinforcing its position as a leading global meeting destination:
FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference, 21-23 September 2025: This event will bring together 750 professionals to discuss global infrastructure challenges.
International Conference for Prenatal Diagnosis, 30 October – 02 November 2025: Around 600 delegates will gather to delve into advances in prenatal diagnostics.
16th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Prevention, 02 – 04 September 2026: Anticipating 1,000-1,500 delegates, this conference will focus on strategies for injury prevention and safety.
World Pride International Human Rights Conference, 11-13 October 2028: Expected to draw 2,500 delegates, this conference will spotlight human rights discussions on a global scale.
