Features

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Impact Day + GDS Forum 2024: Imagining the Unconventional!

From HQ Magazine: ‘Disruption’, ‘holistic approach’, ‘retargeting’, ‘added-value’, each industry has its own buzzwords in order to navigate discourses and guide collective thought processes. Words are essential to instigate organised reactions, to sew in letters a manifesto, but if they are stripped of their real meaning and chewed on incessantly, they end up falling into…

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Top 7 Takeaways from IMEX America 2024

From Northstar Meetings Group: IMEX America 2024, the events industry’s largest trade show, revealed a strong outlook for 2025 meetings and incentives, with a growing emphasis on inclusion, sustainability, technology, wellness and sports events. Held Oct. 8-10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, IMEX America drew a record 15,500 visitors. The event,…

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ICCA and BestCities Announce Incredible Impacts Programme Finalists

BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) are thrilled to announce the finalists of the 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme: International Hip Preservation Society (ISHA), European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), and World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The Incredible Impacts Programme celebrates the value of international association meetings by rewarding innovative…

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The Old Playbook Will Not Work for Today’s Corporate Events

From Skift Meetings: Bring hundreds of people together for days of presentations at a corporate event and hope they get something out of it. That’s a tired playbook for meetings and events. It’s not going to cut it in 2024, according to Nicola Kastner, CEO of Event Leaders Exchange, and Rob Adams, president of Bishop-McCann….

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ADVOCACY: Beam Engages with UK MPs

From M&IT: SIC codes and the value of business events were the main discussion topics with MPs at beam’s State of the Nation event at Cliveden House. Senior representatives of the beam agency and venue members, as well as Windsor MP Jack Rankin and shadow business minister Mike Wood, were joined at the invitation-only event…

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Harnessing the Positive Impacts of Meetings and Events

Skift Meetings has launched a report, in partnership with IMEX, intended to be the ideal entry point for meeting professionals who want to play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s and broader society’s future. It provides an exploration of potential impacts of meetings, practical insights from industry leaders, implementation strategies, and relevant case studies…

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In Search of Data

By David Edwards, Freelance tourism market intelligence consultant: Once upon a time in a faraway land the Office for National Statistics published provisional monthly estimates for the volume and value of inbound and outbound tourism six weeks after that month had reached its end. Ten weeks after the end of each quarter more granular data…

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IMEX Policy Forum: Overcoming the Pitfalls of Democracy

The BE Sector’s foremost forum for political and policy engagement is the IMEX Policy Forum held annually in Frankfurt, hosted by IMEX Director for Impact & Industry Relations, Natasha Richards. In this video insight from the Forum, Pádraic Gilligan – the CMO of the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) and latest recipient of the…

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BestCities: Pioneering Legacy in Global Conferences

From BestCities: In the dynamic world of international conferences and business events, few organizations have left as indelible a mark as BestCities Global Alliance. By leveraging its network of premier global destinations, BestCities has reshaped the conference industry and established a legacy of profound, lasting impact. From fostering groundbreaking research collaborations to inspiring transformative policy…

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ABEA: Know Your Message & Audience

The mission of the newly formed Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) is to promote the business events industry and drive member prosperity through industry development, networking, research, and advocacy. In this video report from IMEX 2024, Peter King, the organisation’s inaugural chair, is joined by leading industry faces who share the reaction of both industry…

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Where Talent Meets Tech and Connectivity

From AMI: With an expanding economy and a reputation as one of the world’s key financial hubs, Singapore is booming. Nearly half of all regional headquarters in Asia are now based in the city-state, partly fuelled by an exodus from Hong Kong but also prompted by the government’s support for the most future-focused industries and…

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PCMA EMEA Prepares for Barcelona Double-Bill

PCMA’s flagship event for the EMEA region, Convening EMEA, rolls into Barcelona 30th September – 2nd October with Trust, Strategy, and Future the three key thematic pillars to the event. Jaimé Bennett, PCMA’s charismatic managing director for the 117 countries represented, explains how a Programme Architecture will allow for intentional and personalised experiences in order…

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News

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AIPC Announces New Cohort of Future Shapers

From Conference & Meetings World: AIPC has announced 14 successful applicants for its 2025 AIPC Future Shapers programme, which commences next month. The 2025 AIPC Future Shapers programme, is a seven-month accelerated leadership course, which aims to propel the industry’s developing leaders to the next level in their careers, through a series of masterclasses, ideation…

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Events Expected to Generate up to $122m for the Canadian Economy

Destination Canada’s multimillion-dollar International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF), launched in March 2024, has already supported 21 successful bids made by Canadian Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to host high-value major international conferences. Created and administered by Destination Canada, and funded by the Government of Canada, the ICAF is a vital component of Destination Canada’s strategy to…

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SCEGA Chairman Announces $40m Boost to Aid New Events in Saudi Arabia

From Exhibition World: The Saudi Conferences and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) has announced that $40m of government funding will be allocated to new events in 2025. Speaking at the ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi, H.E. Fahd Al-Rasheed (pictured), chairman of SCEGA, told delegates that the investment was intended to co-create new home-grown events and attract…

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Incredible Impacts Programme Grant Awarded to EACD

BestCities Global Alliance and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) are thrilled to award the 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme (IIP) Grant to European Academy Childhood Disability (EACD). The Incredible Impacts Programme uses a global platform to celebrate the “beyond tourism” value of meetings and advance their positive societal impact. Incredible Impacts offers two cash…

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Four Space Tech Cities to Link CVBs and Collaborate on Sector Growth

Four convention bureaux with strong space industries around the world have come together to form a network – focusing on the development of the aeronautics, astronomy and space industries. The Space Cities Network was announced at the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress in Abu Dhabi. The four convention bureaux are: Lausanne Montreux Congress…

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GDS-Movement Reveals the Winners of the 2024 GDS-Awards

From GDS-Movement: The Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2024 GDS-Awards. The ceremony, held at the Bruges Royal Municipal Theatre during the GDS-Forum & CityDNA Autumn Conference on the evening of 16 October, recognised destinations raising the bar of sustainability, innovation, and long-lasting positive impact in the…

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IMEX America Breaks Attendance Records and Commits to Vegas

From Skift Meetings: IMEX America wrapped up its 2024 edition at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas. Record-breaking attendance included 15,500, of which 5,500 were buyers who had 86,000 meetings over three days. The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) shared the same venue with IMEX. It is estimated that more than 25,000 convenience…

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Reimagining Leadership, Impact & Sustainability in BE Industry

From Boardroom: Organised by PCMA EMEA, Convening EMEA 2024 took place from 30 September to 2 October 2024 in Barcelona. This annual gathering of global business events leaders has only grown stronger with each year, creating a platform for exploring new trends, encouraging collaboration, and challenging norms. Under the theme, “Be Present. Be Open. Be…

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Bid Fund Program Unlocks Return of Wind Energy Summit to Melbourne

From Melbourne Convention Bureau: The APAC Wind Energy Summit, the Global Wind Energy Council’s (GWEC) flagship conference and exhibition, is set to return to Melbourne in 2025. Previously known as the Offshore Wind and Green Hydrogen Summit, this prestigious event will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and institutions to develop innovative and collaborative solutions addressing…

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What are Tourist Taxes? Why Travelers are Expected to Pay Up

From USA TODAY: Tourist taxes are becoming increasingly common worldwide as a means to address over-tourism and fund sustainable tourism practices. While the effectiveness of these taxes in combating climate change is still being debated, their growing popularity reflects a greater awareness of the need for sustainable tourism. Climate change is drastically impacting the world…

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London Tops Amex GBT’s Rankings amid EMEA Shift

From M&IT: London has again been named the top city in EMEA for corporate events in Amex GBT’s Meetings & Events Forecast Top Meetings Destinations study. But while London holds strong as the top destination, the report also reveals significant shifts in the EMEA region, with Madrid leapfrogging Barcelona to secure second place. As businesses…

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Official Launch of Sustainability Hub for Events

After a successful beta launch at IMEX Frankfurt, the Sustainability Hub for Events is officially moving to public access. Developed by Gevme in collaboration with the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative and the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe, the platform is designed to simplify sustainable event planning with actionable, AI-powered insights….

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Case Studies

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ICCA Congress 2024 | Impact and Legacy Strategy

From #MEET4IMPACT: The ICCA Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi is committed to transforming the global business events (BE) industry by setting new standards for sustainability, innovation, and social impact. In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), ICCA, GDS-Movement, and #MEET4IMPACT the Congress aims to position…

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International Hip Preservation Society | Annual Scientific Meeting

From ICCA and BestCities: The Hip Preservation Society (ISHA)’s 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting ignited a transformative movement to elevate awareness of hip preservation surgery in Africa, showcasing its profound impact on patient quality of life and socioeconomic benefits. Through meaningful engagement with stakeholders, it tackled the challenges and barriers that hindered adoption. By identifying passionate…

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European Academy of Childhood Disability | 36th Annual Meeting

From ICCA and BestCities: The European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD)’s 36th Annual Meeting inspired a vision for a better future for individuals with childhood-onset disabilities. The event celebrated excellence in research and education while raising vital awareness of their needs and rights. Through the impactful EACD+ programme, it expanded access to sports, culture, and…

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World Association of News Publishers | 2024 World News Media Congress

From ICCA and BestCities: The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA)’s 2024 World Congress championed the protection and promotion of journalists’ and publishers’ rights to maintain free, independent, and sustainable media. The event inspired innovation, equipping members to navigate technological advancements and evolving audience behaviors. It boldly tackled news avoidance among young and marginalized demographics,…

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International Virus Conference Spreads Knowledge in Cairns

From AMI: In July, the Viruses of Microbes Conference (VoM) convened in Cairns, Australia, marking the first time the 14-year-old conference has stepped outside Europe. The International Society for Viruses of Microorganisms (ISVM), which aims to advance the study and application of microorganism viruses, debuted the first VoM conference in Paris back in 2010. Under…

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IHPBA World Congress 2024: Leaving a Lasting Footprint

By Alison Shamwana, Association Specialist, ACS Global Management Executive Director, IHPBA Foundation: In May 2024, the IHPBA World Congress was, for the first time, hosted on the African continent. In order to leave a lasting footprint for the congress, our legacy initiative focused on the improvement of management pathways and access to care in sub-Saharan…

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Research

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Global Barometer Points to Sustained Recovery for Business Events

Today, the Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry, released its quarterly Global Events Barometer for Q2 2024. The numbers reflect positive momentum for the global business events industry in almost every region around the world. In 2024 Q2, the hotel group room nights index increased to 106. This represents…

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UK Events Industry Generates £61.653 Billion Annually

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation of the UK’s events industry, is pleased to announce the findings of its anticipated UK Events Report 2024. The report, compiled by Great Potential Consultancy, highlights the industry’s critical role in the economy, generating £61.653 billion annually and affirming its resilience following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Covering a wide…

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Euro Fairs Statistics 2023 (October 2024)

From UFI: The annual Euro Fairs Statistics tracks key metrics of the majority of trade shows across Europe, based on audited and certified data. A key resource, put together in collaboration with many of our European colleagues from the national industry associations. The 2023 edition contains the certified statistics of 2,008 exhibitions from 17 countries….

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Spending on Experiential Marketing Tops Pre-pandemic Levels

From Industry Dive: Global experiential marketing spending is expected to reach $128.35 billion in 2024, rising above pre-pandemic levels for the first time, according to recent research PQ Media shared with Marketing Dive. The expected 10.5% jump in experiential marketing spend this year outpaces the 9.7% growth seen in 2023. Strong investments from both B2B…

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Business Travel Set to Surpass Pre-Pandemic Levels

From Modern Diplomacy: A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council has revealed that business travel is set to surpass pre-pandemic levels this year, faster than previously predicted, to reach a record US$1.5TN. The rise of remote working during the pandemic had a disproportionate effect on corporate travel, compared to leisure travel, with…

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Events Industry Optimism Still High According to Forecast

From Conference & Meetings World: 74% of events professionals are optimistic about the health of the industry, according to the American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) Meetings & Events 2025 forecast. To gather results, the report surveyed over 500 meetings and events professionals worldwide. Although the outlook is still positive, 74% optimism actually marks…

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Opinions

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Forging a Planner-Focused Approach to the Future of AI

From Smart Meetings: Chantal Sturk-Nadeau’s blond locks are a familiar sight at meetings industry conferences. She served as executive director of business events with Destination Canada for no less than 7 years, with Tourism Winnipeg for 17 years before that and at a production company before that. For her next chapter, she was looking for…

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The Overtourism Conundrum: Can Associations Turn the Tide?

From AMI Magazine, by Holly Patrick: If association meetings can no longer be excluded from the overtourism conversation, what can be done to mitigate their impact on already strained infrastructures and frustrated residents? Overtourism, when tourism exceeds physical, ecological, social, economic, psychological, and political boundaries, has historically been associated with leisure tourists. But as thousands…

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Driving the Twin Transformation in Business Events

By Matthias Schultze, Managing Director, German Convention Bureau: A couple of years back, a figure caught my eye: According to the World Economic Forum, digital solutions, if brought to scale, could reduce global emissions by 20% by 2050 in the three highest-emitting sectors energy, materials and mobility. Applying this to the business events sector, it…

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Barcelona: A Convention Powerhouse Confronting Overtourism Challenges

From Skift Meetings, by Miguel Neves: The head of the Barcelona Convention Bureau, Christoph Tessmar, was delighted that the city hosted record numbers for PCMA’s Convening EMEA, with 636 in-person attendees. This is a significant increase from last year’s event in Copenhagen, which attracted 550 and almost triple the attendance of the 2019 PCMA European…

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How Gothenburg Became One of the World’s Most Sustainable Places

From Forbes: Ask Katarina Thorstensson to define sustainability in tourism, and you might think you’re talking to a character in a Star Wars movie. Sustainability surrounds us, and it binds the galaxy together like the Force — at least her galaxy. Thorstensson, a sustainability strategist for Gothenburg, Sweden, says her city has been working on…

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Conferli the Podcast | Unmasking Legacy Washing

Conferli – The conference matchmaking platform’s latest podcast features Beatriz Ibañez, Impact Specialist at #MEET4IMPACT. In this episode, Beatriz unpacks the critical difference between impact and legacy in the events industry, discussing the concept of legacy washing; barriers to creating true, lasting impact; why focusing on long-term change is essential for meaningful progress. Ready to…

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Can Climate Action Week Stop the Hot Air?

From Forbes, by Michael Sheldrick: UN Secretary-General António Guterres framed this week as a pivotal moment to “reboot” multilateralism with the adoption of the Pact for the Future. Described by the UN as “the culmination of a years-long effort to adapt global cooperation to today’s realities,” the Pact’s real-world impact remains uncertain and open to…

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Takeaways from the ICCA Central European Chapter Meeting in Zurich

From Boardroom, by Remi Deve: Attending an ICCA Central European Chapter Meeting was a first for Boardroom. Expertly organised in Zurich by the Zurich Convention Bureau, it was an insightful experience filled with valuable lessons on the future of events. Here are my key takeaways. 1. The Need for Purpose-Driven & Human-Centric Events: Co-founder and…

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Iceberg Ambassador Tommy Goodwin in Conversation

From Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance: At last month’s SISO Leadership Conference, CNTV’s Bob Frier sat down with Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance’s Tommy Goodwin to talk about ECA’s 2024 accomplishments to-date, what to expect between now and the election, and what’s on the horizon for 2025.

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Time to Get Involved (Wherever You Are)!

From TSNN, by Tommy Goodwin: From bringing back international exhibitors and attendees to attracting and training the next-generation workforce, there is a lot happening in Washington, DC that will impact the future of the trade show industry. While ECA brings industry leaders and advocates to our nation’s capital annually for Legislative Action Day, we know…

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Stop Talking About Tearing Down Silos & Instead Fix Them

From Destinations International, by Jack Johnson: Silos, whether in agriculture or organizations, are not inherently problematic. By focusing on improving the connections between silos, destination organizations can maximize the benefits of specialization while avoiding the pitfalls of fragmentation, ultimately driving innovation, efficiency, and success in promoting their destinations.

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Education

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1 December 2024

Canada CDME Courses, Vancouver

The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…

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3 December 2024

Feeling the Pulse Webinar | Innovation Award Finalists & Winner

We warmly invite you to the Feeling the Pulse webinar*, “The 2024 Innovation Award Finalists & Winner” to discover and be motivated by innovative projects that are making exponential positive change not only possible, but probable. Be inspired by the projects that are helping innovative destinations lead and motivate in a webinar packed with superlative,…

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4 December 2024

Feeling the Pulse Webinar | Innovation Award Finalists & Winner

We warmly invite you to the Feeling the Pulse webinar*, “The 2024 Innovation Award Finalists & Winner” to discover and be motivated by innovative projects that are making exponential positive change not only possible, but probable. Be inspired by the projects that are helping innovative destinations lead and motivate in a webinar packed with superlative,…

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13 December 2024

CMP Exam Prep Course

Earning the Events Industry Council’s Certified Meeting Planner designation showcases your industry expertise to employers and clients and enhances prestige among peers. However, with the last standardized exam in the rearview mirror for many, navigating the CMP-International Standards (CMP-IS) and related study material can be intimidating. This course from the long-time leaders in professional development…

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15 December 2024

Leadership Forum, Pebble Beach, CA, USA

The Northstar Leadership Forum brings together the industry’s thought leaders – planning professionals and suppliers – for three days of education, networking and sharing of best practices. Our forum is unlike any other industry gathering: A unique, high-level experience where business relationships and friendships are forged. Hosted at The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble…

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26 January 2025

Association Impact Masterclass, Dublin, Ireland

Held ahead of the BestCities Global Forum in Dublin, Ireland this new groundbreaking training programme, part of the ICCASkills certification programme. This initiative will add valuable enhanced capabilities to the skillsets of association professionals worldwide, enabling them to design, deliver, and measure the impacts of their activities. If you are interested in attending this event,…

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1 February 2025

Winter CDME Courses, Austin, TX, USA

The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. PLEASE NOTE: An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for…

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10 February 2025

AIME Knowledge Program, Melbourne, Australia

The Knowledge Program is a ticketed event for Hosted Buyers, Hosted Media and Exhibitors. Visitor Buyers may purchase an upgrade to attend this program. The theme for 2025, “We Matter!” seeks to highlight and celebrate the global business events industry as a powerful catalyst for economic growth. Keynote speakers from AIME’s speaker bureau partners, along…

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6 April 2025

AIPC Academy 2025, Brussels, Belgium

The AIPC Academy is the only comprehensive professional development program specifically serving the needs of international convention centre managers! Designed to address the critical need for centres to maintain fully qualified staff in a highly competitive industry, the AIPC Academy provides a targeted, cost effective form of training and development along with the means to…

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20 May 2025

IMEX Frankfurt | Expert Education

At IMEX you can enjoy expert education, explore the latest event trends and experience your most productive days of the year. Whether you’re an events newbie or a pro (or anything in between), IMEX is exactly where you need to be. Discover 200 free education sessions at IMEX Frankfurt. More information coming soon in 2025.

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12 July 2025

Summer CDME Courses, Chicago, IL, USA

The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…

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18 October 2025

Fall CDME Courses, Sacramento, CA, USA

The CDME program prepares senior executives, who want to advance their careers to blend theory with experience and application of knowledge to help industry leaders thrive in a constantly changing environment. The program focus is on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. An approved CDME Application is required prior to registering for courses. Please…

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Events

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4 December 2024

Destination Southwest, Woodlands, TX, USA

Join your industry peers for the must attend hosted-buyer event bringing together the most highly-qualified meeting and incentive buyers with top destinations, hotels/resorts, attractions, DMCs, DMOs, technology and merchandise providers, and tourism offices from the Southwest U.S. Meet buyers who are ready to book business in: Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and Texas.

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8 December 2024

Destination Mexico + Latin America, Tulum, Mexico

Destination Mexico and Latin America — Northstar’s destination-specific hosted-buyer event — brings together the most highly qualified meeting and incentive buyers from North America with top destinations, hotels/resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs, technology and merchandise providers, and tourism offices from the region. Attendees participate in one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain industry insights from our guest speakers…

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15 December 2024

Leadership Forum, Pebble Beach, CA, USA

The Northstar Leadership Forum brings together the industry’s thought leaders – planning professionals and suppliers – for three days of education, networking and sharing of best practices. Our forum is unlike any other industry gathering: A unique, high-level experience where business relationships and friendships are forged. Hosted at The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble…

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12 January 2025

Convening Leaders 2025, Houston, TX​, USA

Go beyond your orbit this January, where event professionals unite to shape our industry’s future, together.​ Convening Leaders is more than a conference — it’s a launchpad for your next leap. It’s YOUR opportunity to pioneer new paths and build connections that will propel you and your organization forward.​ Join decision-makers across the event industry…

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24 January 2025

BestCities Global Forum, Dublin, Ireland

As a gathering that champions the power of face-to-face interactions, this forum promises enriching workshops and sessions designed to both challenge and inspire attendees. Planners will benefit from unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers from diverse industries and explore innovative approaches to meeting design, sustainability, and impact. All whilst getting to know the 13 BestCities…

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27 January 2025

18th Annual CEO Meeting 2025, Monaco

This focused event will provide you with an opportunity for open, peer-group discussion of current trends, issues and concerns relating to city tourism. Through this event, we provide a platform for you, all our CEO members to discuss sensitive issues or proprietary strategies. This facilitates decision-making in an environment of trust and openness among top…

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4 February 2025

Marketing & Communications Summit, Austin, TX, USA

The summit is the preeminent gathering place of marketing, communications and public relations professionals dedicated to helping destination organizations thrive. Sign up to get email alerts when additional information is released about the next summit.

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10 February 2025

AIME 2025, Melbourne, Australia

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. We bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from…

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11 February 2025

Global Leaders Forum 2025, Dublin, Ireland

Connect with global destination organisation and convention bureau leaders in a series of meaningful conversations designed to drive impactful outcomes. This exclusive invitation only event offers the chance to be part of pioneering discussions on sustainability, social inclusion, and the future of global tourism. Experience unparalleled insights from world-renowned speakers, including Greg Clark, CBE, FAcSS,…

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13 February 2025

UFI Asia-Pacific Conference, Melbourne, Australia

The UFI team is excited to bring the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference to Australia for the first time in the history of this conference. Australia is an essential part of the Asia business events landscape with its world-class venues, strong supporting infrastructure and thriving entrepreneurial spirit. In addition, holding our conference in conjunction with AIME, hosted…

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23 March 2025

Destinations International CEO Summit, Savannah, GA, USA

Join your industry colleagues at CEO Summit and learn how to navigate and overcome the complexities of your role. You will hear from thought leaders about the areas that stand out in our industry as topics to discuss in-depth in order to come up with strategies and solutions. Enjoy and learn from inspirational conversations with…

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9 April 2025

CityDNA International Conference & General Assembly, Budapest

City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) is a knowledge sharing alliance for cities and urban areas. With a holistic approach, our vision is for all cities in Europe to flourish. We are open and visionary, and want to inspire. We believe in sharing, and see our alliance as a community, a family, where we all work together….

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Ambassadors

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Sarah Fleming

Founder / Managing Director, SFA Connect

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Managing Director and owner of SFA Connect (trading name for Sarah Fleming Associates Ltd), Sarah has over 25 years’ experience in the Meetings Industry.  She was a board director of a leading UK PCO for ten years where she handled numerous large, high-profile events all over the world. Through this work she gained an in-depth…

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Sven Bossu

Chief Executive Officer, AIPC

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Sven joined AIPC as CEO in May 2020. Together with the Board, the Members and the Business Partners he will be spearheading a transformation programme which will result into an entirely new value proposal to Convention and Exhibition Centres across the globe based on the changing needs of the members and the challenges they are…

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Loren Christie

Managing Director, BestCities

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Loren Christie brings more than 25 years of experience in Tourism & Hospitality to his role as Managing Director of the BestCities Global Alliance. He held various leadership positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts during his 17 year career with them including Director of Sales for International Congress, Business Transient and Leisure Sales at the…

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Carina Bauer

CEO, IMEX Group

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A passionate and dedicated leader, Carina Bauer is the CEO of the IMEX Group – an organisation responsible for organising the leading global trade shows for the international business events industry. Carina is passionate about the business events sector and its impact on the world, taking a particular interest in issues around sustainability, diversity and…

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Sherrif Karamat, CAE

President & CEO, PCMA & CEMA

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Sherrif Karamat, CAE, is President and CEO of PCMA and CEMA, the world’s largest community for Business Events Strategists, providing senior-level education, networking, and market intelligence for the global business events industry. Karamat leads the vision, mission and promise for PCMA’s global family of brands. He is a prominent business architect, enabling communities to become…

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Gemmeke de Jongh

International Association Expert, VISITFLANDERS

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Gemmeke has over 15 years of experience in the meetings industry. She advises especially international associations on how to develop positive impact on the longer term with their conferences or events within Flanders (Northern Belgium) and Brussels together with the different stakeholders in the Quadruple Helix. Based in the capital of the European Union, Gemmeke…

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Martin Sirk

Founder & Owner, Sirk Serendipity

Working out of both USA and Netherlands; projects in Asia, Europe, Middle East and North America, with a mix of clients including IMEX, UFI, SITE and other international associations and meetings companies. Expert Advisor to tech start-up Kubify, Strategic Relations Advisor to IASP, the International Association for the Study of Pain, and International Advisor to…

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Jane Cunningham

Managing Director, Cunningham Consulting AB

Jane loves life in the Nordics and the spirit of Scotland. Her expertise is based on 20 years of experience across the global meetings industry. Over this time she has been fortunate to have gained wonderful experience and friends from working for some great hotels, a convention centre, a destination marketing organisation, a PCO, and…

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Guy Bigwood

Chief Changemaker & CEO, Global Destination Sustainability Movement

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For the last 15 years, Guy has been delivering award-winning consulting services focused on helping cities, governments, corporations and associations step up, scale up and speed up their sustainability programmes and regenerative practices. Guy’s pioneering work has been recognised with 22 sustainability awards including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow…

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Marta Gomes

President, ICCA

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Marta Gomes has spent nearly 20 years working in the international events and meetings industry. She has collaborated extensively with professors, association executives and destination partners to attract international congresses to Paris, one of the leading global destinations for international events. As Deputy Executive Director Sales, she is charge of sales and business development for…

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Gary Grimmer

CEO, GainingEdge

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Gary has over 30 years’ experience in the convention industry. In 2004 he founded GainingEdge, a global consulting company that offers advisory services in relation to destinations, convention bureaus and convention and exhibition centres. It also provides convention and incentive sales representation services in all of the world’s key markets. The company’s services are end-to-end,…

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Peng Ee Ooi

Founder & CEO, 49travelmice.com

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As the Founder and CEO of 49travelmice.com, Peng Ee leverage over four decades of expertise in the media, travel and MICE industries to deliver strategic consultancy and tailored solutions for the business events and travel sectors. His passion lies in mentoring high performance teams, and driving growth for clients by providing valuable insights, facilitating industry…

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Publications

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