From record-breaking incentive programmes in Melbourne to thought leadership on event risk in Washington, DC—and everything from sustainability strategies in Madrid to Berlin’s tech and accessibility milestones—this edition highlights how our partner cities continue to lead with purpose and innovation.
Table of Contents
Association Focus: Important News and Events
Advancing Education Through SDG Goal 4
Associations have a unique power to advance global education—and our latest article on SDG Goal 4 explores how international meetings and events are helping drive inclusive, quality learning opportunities worldwide. Discover how your work can contribute to promoting lifelong education and strengthening communities around the globe.
Explore the full article on SDG Goal 4 and the role of associations.
Submit Your Incredible Impacts Award Nomination
There’s still time to submit your association’s nomination for the 2025 Incredible Impacts Awards. For practical advice, watch highlights from our recent Community Café, where past winners shared what makes a strong submission.
For inspiration, explore how the Associated Country Women of the World created lasting impact through their award-winning project, and how IPVS expanded its legacy programme one year after receiving the IIP Seed Grant.
Head Office Highlights: What’s Happening at BestCities Global Alliance
Meet Us at IMEX Frankfurt
We’re excited to be attending IMEX Frankfurt this month. Loren, Tia, and Nigel will be on-site, and we’re looking forward to connecting with association leaders and industry partners throughout the event.
We’re also hosting the BestCities Breakfast on Wednesday, 21 May, and look forward to catching up with familiar faces and new connections.
Save the graphic below as a reminder of where to find all the BestCities destinations on the show floor — we look forward to seeing you there!
BestCities Receives The Iceberg Award
We’re thrilled to share that BestCities Global Alliance has been awarded The Iceberg Award—an incredible recognition of our collective efforts to shape the future of event impact and legacy. Presented by The Iceberg, a platform powered by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), the award honours organizations driving meaningful, purpose-led outcomes through business events. BestCities is proud to be only the third recipient of this distinction.
The award was presented at The Meetings Show APAC in Singapore by Guy Bigwood of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, a member of The Iceberg Advisory Board, and accepted by our Chair, Dr Edward KOH of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau. We’re deeply grateful to our partners, collaborators, and the wider community for championing the power of business events to create lasting, positive change.
City Buzz: What’s Happening in BestCities Destinations
Berlin
Berlin welcomed over 4,500 participants from more than 100 countries for the Global Disability Summit 2025. The city’s strong commitment to accessibility was on full display, with step-free venues, quiet zones, tactile signage, and accessible transport ensuring an inclusive and barrier-free experience for all.
GITEX Europe, May 21–23, 2025
GITEX Europe, the continent’s largest technology event, arrives in Berlin this May at Messe Berlin. The event will spotlight innovations in AI, robotics, digital health, cybersecurity, and more, welcoming over 40,000 attendees and 2,000 exhibitors for a dynamic showcase of the future of tech.
Berlin Freedom Week, November 8–15, 2025
Berlin will host the inaugural Berlin Freedom Week from November 8–15, 2025, celebrating freedom and democracy across the city. The week will feature conferences, cultural programmes, workshops, and the Berlin Freedom Conference on November 10, bringing together leaders from politics, civil society, business, and media.
Dublin
IAPP AI Governance Global (AIGG EU), May 14–15, 2025
The Convention Centre Dublin will host IAPP AI Governance Global (AIGG EU) as AI governance professionals gather to navigate the latest developments following the implementation of the EU AI Act. The event offers a timely opportunity for learning, connection, and collaboration in a rapidly evolving field.
European Academy of Forensic Science (EAFS) 2025, May 26–30, 2025
Dublin welcomes EAFS 2025, Europe’s largest forensic science event, taking place at The Convention Centre Dublin. Held every three years, the event is expected to attract 1,000 practitioners, researchers, EU agencies, industrial partners, and international organizations.
Dublin Convention Bureau at IMEX Frankfurt, May 20–22, 2025
The Dublin Convention Bureau team will be at IMEX Frankfurt on the Meet in Ireland stand (F460), ready to connect and showcase the city’s thriving meetings and events offering.
Tokyo
WADEM Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2025, May 2-6, 2025
Global experts will share research and lessons learned in disaster medicine, prehospital care and health concerns during emergency management, through various keynote presentations, poster sessions and more.
World Physiotherapy Congress 2025, May 29-31, 2025
The Tokyo International Forum will come to life for lively discussions and an extensive exhibition when physiotherapists from around the world gather together to share knowledge and experiences.
Tokyo Meeting Planner’s Guide 2025
Business Events Tokyo has launched the latest edition of the Tokyo Meeting Planner’s Guide. This essential resource offers event organizers a comprehensive look at Tokyo’s exceptional venues, services, and experiences for business events.
Download the guide here to start planning an unforgettable event.
Melbourne
Amway China Leadership Seminar, April 2025
Melbourne welcomed over 16,000 delegates from Amway China’s Leadership Seminar, marking the largest incentive program ever held in Australia and the largest outbound incentive from China.
Secured by Melbourne Convention Bureau with support from Tourism Australia, the multi-wave program treated delegates to world-class hospitality, a gala event at Melbourne Showgrounds, and unforgettable experiences across the city and Regional Victoria.
Read more about Melbourne’s record-breaking incentive event.
Cape Town
8th Theranostics World Congress, 2026
Cape Town has secured the 8th Theranostics World Congress for 2026. This premier international event will unite researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders to explore breakthroughs in radio molecular precision medicine, an innovative discipline merging diagnostics and targeted therapies in oncology.
24th International Congress of Genetics, 2028
Cape Town has also been selected to host the 24th International Congress of Genetics (ICG) in 2028, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held on the African continent. Delegates will gather to share research, discuss key developments, and shape the future of global genetics.
Cape Town International Airport Wins Top Honors
Cape Town International Airport has earned three major awards at the African Airport Awards: Best Airport in Africa, Best Airport Staff Service in Africa, and Cleanest Airport in Africa. These accolades reflect the city’s commitment to service excellence, efficiency, and hospitality.
Record-Breaking Cruise Season Ahead
Cape Town is preparing for a record-breaking cruise season, with 24 cruise ship calls expected in March 2025 and 76 calls projected for the full 2024/25 season—up from 67 the previous year. This growth underscores Cape Town’s rising status as a leading global cruise destination.
Madrid
Major Conferences and the Mutua Madrid Open, May 2025
Madrid welcomes a busy month of events, with major conferences and the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament taking center stage. Highlights include the 2025 INORMS Conference (May 6–9), the 51st Congress of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (May 13–16), and the 47th Congress of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Endocrinology (May 28–30).
Global Promotions and Forums
Madrid Convention Bureau is participating in IMEX Frankfurt this month, alongside BestCities and ICCA activities. The team will also join the XS Luxury Incentives forum in Dubai (May 5–8) and the Break the Ice forum in Budapest (May 8–10), promoting Madrid in collaboration with local partners.
New Sustainability Strategies for Tourism
Madrid City Council is launching a major international campaign to decentralize tourism from historic areas to other districts of interest. The initiative aims to foster sustainable tourism growth while promoting positive coexistence between visitors and residents.
Discover all 21 districts here.
Strong Growth in MICE Sector
Newly released 2024 statistics confirm Madrid’s strong and steady growth in the meetings and events sector. Madrid now accounts for 23.5% of Spain’s MICE tourism, hosting over 53,000 meetings and welcoming 2.5 million participants.
San Isidro Festival Kicks Off Spring Celebrations
Springtime in Madrid brings the beloved San Isidro Festival, with citywide cultural events, music, and festivities honoring the city’s patron saint.
Washington, DC
Event Risk Management White Paper Collaboration
Destination DC recently collaborated with Smart Meetings and Destinations International on a white paper focused on event risk management. Dianna Waldroup, Vice President of Convention Services at Destination DC, is featured among the contributors.
Read the full white paper on managing event risk.
BestCities Session at IMEX Frankfurt, May 22, 2025
If you’re heading to IMEX Frankfurt, join Tara Miller, Director of Global Sales at Destination DC, and BestCities colleagues for an insightful session on the future of global business events. Held at the Inspiration Hub on Thursday, May 22, the panel will explore economic shifts, political developments, and social innovations shaping our industry.
Learn more about the IMEX session here.
Spotlight on DC’s Sustainability District
Destination DC’s Sustainability District highlights environmentally responsible hotels, restaurants, and tours working to make the city greener. Learn how properties like Eaton DC, the Fairmont Washington, DC, the Park Hyatt Washington, DC, and American Geophysical Union headquarters are taking steps toward a more sustainable future.
Take a tour of DC’s Sustainability District.
Washington, DC to Host WorldPride 2025, May 17 – June 8, 2025
Washington, DC is preparing to celebrate 50 years of Pride in 2025 with the global WorldPride celebration. The Capital Pride Alliance is excited to welcome the international community for this milestone moment.
Copenhagen
ESPE-ESE Joint Congress, May 10–13, 2025
The Bella Center Copenhagen will host a landmark event this May: the first-ever joint congress of the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE). Under the theme Connecting Endocrinology Across the Life Course, the congress will welcome over 6,000 delegates from more than 100 countries.
Copenhagen Achieves EarthCheck Sustainable Destination Certification
Copenhagen has been awarded the prestigious EarthCheck Sustainable Destination Certification—an achievement held by only a few destinations worldwide. As a third-party endorsement, the certification reinforces the city’s credibility and long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism. It also supports the systematization and acceleration of sustainability efforts across the local industry.
Copenhagen Named World’s Most ‘Open for Business’ City
A new global ranking by Open for Business has named Copenhagen the most ‘open for business’ city among 149 cities worldwide. The recognition reflects both the city’s economic competitiveness and its inclusive values, including LGBTQ+ equality.
Dubai
DWTC Generates AED 5.7 Billion in Economic Output, 2024
Dubai World Trade Centre hosted over 2.5 million participants across 301 events in 2024, generating AED 5.7 billion in economic output. These figures reaffirm Dubai’s global leadership in the business events sector and highlight DWTC’s continued role in driving citywide impact.
Vancouver
Web Summit Vancouver, May 27-30 2025
This month, Vancouver hosts the inaugural Web Summit Vancouver, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, media outlets, and global tech leaders. As the first Web Summit to be held in North America, the event positions Vancouver at the center of international tech innovation and collaboration.
Destination Vancouver Wins at 2025 eTourism Summit
Destination Vancouver has been awarded ‘Best Website’ at the 2025 eTourism Summit, standing out among hundreds of entries for its innovation in digital tourism marketing. The new Destination Vancouver website was also a finalist for Best Emerging Technology Integration, reflecting the team’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class digital experiences.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Host City Poster Unveiled
The official Host City Poster for FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been unveiled, capturing the essence of Vancouver through the work of BC artist Jamin Zuroski. The design reflects the city’s natural beauty and Indigenous culture, embodying Vancouver’s spirit as it prepares to welcome the world.
Houston
Houston Airports Earn Top Skytrax Honors
Houston Airports received major recognition at the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards. Hobby Airport earned a prestigious five-star rating—making it the only U.S. airport to receive this honor—while Bush Intercontinental was also recognized for service excellence. Read more about Houston’s Skytrax wins.
Houston’s Food and Hospitality Sector Stands Out
Food & Wine has named Houston one of the Top 10 U.S. Cities for Food and Drink, citing its bold, diverse culinary scene. Houston’s luxury hospitality offering is also gaining global attention, with Hotel Saint Augustine ranked among the Best New Hotels in the World by Esquire.
Tourism and Employment Trends Reflect Strong Performance
Recent reporting shows continued momentum in Houston’s hospitality sector. Hotel demand rose significantly in March, fueling strong Q1 performance across occupancy and revenue. The region also saw gains in employment, with over 354,000 roles now contributing to the leisure and hospitality workforce.
Houston to Host World Baseball Classic 2026 Pool B
Houston has been selected to host Pool B games for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, featuring teams from the U.S., Mexico, Great Britain, Italy, and Brazil. The tournament will take place at Daikin Park, strengthening Houston’s global profile as a top-tier sports destination.
Space Center Houston Advocates for Shuttle Discovery
Houston is ready to bring a historic space shuttle home. As part of a new congressional bill, the city has been proposed as the next home for Space Shuttle Discovery—thanks to its deep roots in U.S. spaceflight history. Learn more about the Space Center’s campaign.
