As we close the 3rd quarter of the year, we look forward to new opportunities to collaborate and see our partner cities and our events thrive. Perhaps hybrid meetings are here to stay, but nothing really beats a face-to-face meeting or event. According to a recent survey, AIPC members saw that important client events and meetings held in 2021 have drawn 58% of pre-pandemic attendance levels, which is a strong indication that people are looking forward to face-to-face meetings and events again.
We’re introducing this series of monthly round-ups so that you can stay updated on BestCities’ initiatives and other events happening in our partner cities.
BestCities Global Forum 2021
We’ve opened up registration for the BestCities Global Forum 2021, which will be happening from December 2 to 5 in Madrid. It’s going to be an immersive learning event where thought leaders, partner destinations and international organizations will be gathered to share valuable knowledge and insights.
A collaboration between BestCities Global Alliance and the Madrid Convention Bureau, this is the perfect venue for senior international association executives to learn from beyond their industry and have a real-life experience of the impact that projects delivered in Madrid have had on the city so far.
The Forum is also an ideal place to network with like-minded individuals and finally enjoy an in-person event after over a year of working with others through a screen. It’s an opportunity to once again experience what community-building is all about and enjoy everything that it has to offer.
Incredible Impacts Awards 2021
As the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) launched the ICCA Congress on September 8th, the winners of the Incredible Impacts Awards 2021 were also announced. European AIDS Clinical Society, The Garden of Hope Foundation, and Women Deliver all receive a 7,500 USD grand to help fund their work further and will be invited to talk about their learnings and experiences at the ICCA Congress on October 24 to 27.
The Incredible Impacts Programme aims to showcase the impact that international association meetings have not just in terms of tourism, but across societies. A group of judges chose 3 winning association meetings that have proven to have an amazing impact through their initiatives. These initiatives could come in the form of knowledge and/or skills transfer, educational outreach, legacy programmes, and public awareness activities, among others.
What’s Happening in Our Partner Cities?
As restrictions are eased and countries start to adjust to the pandemic’s impact, more events are taking place all over the world. Here’s a round-up of what’s happening in our partner cities.
Copenhagen
September is a busy month for Copenhagen as restrictions are lifted starting September 10. The great news is, people can enjoy a healthy mix of events that cater to different people with varying interests -- from those who are geared towards the creative side, to people looking for learning that would benefit their professional development.
Events in Copenhagen include the Climate Investment Summit 2021, the Ground Handling International Conference, and the Conference of the European Brief Therapy Association among others.
Although these are mostly happening in person, other events such as the Climate Investment Summit are hybrid events and can also be accessed through digital platforms.
Click here for more updates from Copenhagen.
Dublin
Dublin has opened up their borders and is now welcoming visitors who have valid proof of vaccination from North America, Great Britain and Europe. The government is also preparing a roadmap as they slowly ease restrictions within the city, which signals the return of large events soon.
Locke Living has also opened the Beckett Locke, a brand new property strategically located near Convention Centre Dublin. With 241 studio apartments perfect for creatives and young professionals, the location is expected to bring new life into the already vibrant city.
Click here to visit the Dublin Convention Bureau website.
Madrid
The video Jane Meets Madrid: A Path to a Unique Experience has won two more International awards bringing the total to three awards in less than three months since its launch. This video promotes Madrid as a top city destination for MICE tourism. It showcases two of Spain’s capital’s best attributes in this area: its diverse, top-quality range of amenities as a venue for any sort of event and the commitment of the professionals who make up its tourism industry.
Sit back and take a few moments to watch the award-winning video below.
The newly-concluded ESTRO 2021 was a huge success despite the reduced venue capacity. Only 2,500 attendees were present in Madrid as opposed to 6,000 in previous years. One of the key factors contributing to the event’s success was the digital access for participants who couldn’t make it personally.
Preparations are also underway for the BestCities Global Forum 2021 as early as now. With registration already open for participants, it’s going to be a great and exciting feat for both BestCities Global Alliance and the Madrid Convention Bureau as things hopefully return to normal in the business events scene.
Click here for more news from Madrid.
Singapore
Singapore closed August with over 80% of its population vaccinated. This sets the country closer to the goal of bringing more normalcy into life. In fact, event size limits were increased in August, as long as participants are fully vaccinated.
Part of the steps in preparing for future events is the SG SafeEvent Certification, an initiative that ensures safe distancing and hygiene protocols are in place in every event. This certification programme was developed by the Singapore Standards Council and overseen by Enterprise Singapore.
Click here for more updates from Singapore.
Tokyo
The city is under a state of emergency, but events can continue as long as proper guidelines are followed. This includes the freshly-concluded Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and the 16th International Docomomo Conference.
In the meantime, plans for future events continue. One of the most anticipated would be the 9th UIA Association’s Round Table Asia-Pacific, which will be held from October 21 to 22. This is a great venue for international association representatives and industry stakeholders to learn from industry leaders and experts and participate in relevant discussions. Delegates from overseas will be able to participate virtually.
Click here to see a list of Tokyo’s upcoming events.
Vancouver
Just in time to welcome several high-profile client site inspections the week of September 13, the Canadian federal government has opened its border to foreign travellers who are fully vaccinated. International travellers are free to visit Canada as long as they are asymptomatic, have received either two doses of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine or a combination of accepted vaccines at least 14 days before entering the country and meet other pre-entry requirements.
The Destination Vancouver team is planning a strong presence at IMEX America, with several Vancouver partners joining us in the Vancouver stand.
Vancouver will also be supporting the Destination Canada Business Events national stand where they hope to see BestCities clients and partners.
Vancouver see’s the return to live international sporting tournaments, with the hosting of the HSBC Canada Sevens rugby sevens tournament next weekend. This tournament features the world’s top men’s sevens teams. The HSBC Canada Sevens will be the first and second stops in a 6-stop world tour as part of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. The annual tournament involves Twelve countries competing with limited attendance to vaccinated fans only. Other health and safety rules include capping attendance at 50% of the stadium, allowing fans to be spaced out.
Click here for more updates from Vancouver.
Final Words
We’re thrilled to see the MICE industry moving in the direction of live events again. If you are too, keep an eye out for next month’s round-up as that’s surely going to be an exciting one with more updates about the BestCities Global Forum 2021 and also the Expo2020 which kicks-off on October 1st in Dubai.