The CVB Expert Meeting (open to all CVBs) is a compact 1.5-day format combining focused discussions, informal networking and shared moments around the table. Whether you are leading a bureau, managing operations or driving strategy, this meeting is built to offer both practical value and meaningful connections in a relaxed and open environment.
The Visitor Experience Expert Meeting (formerly TIC Expert Meeting) offers a mix of incentive and exchange opportunities for all attendees. This event is for managers and TIC front office professionals coming from small and large cities and working for either public or private tourist information organisations – whether they are CityDNA members or not.
This interactive session is designed for CVB professionals to exchange ideas, share best practices, and engage in peer-led discussions on key industry topics. After the discussions, we’ll continue with a networking reception, providing the perfect opportunity to connect with industry peers before IBTM World begins.
Participants gain insights into current issues, industry trends, and key customer perspectives, setting the stage for intense competition on the IMEX show floor. The Summit creates a global forum to assess key market challenges and develop innovative strategies, bringing together over 50 senior-level convention centre executives, client representatives, and marketing specialists.
From GatheringPoint.news, by David Adler: Thousands of event, hospitality, and tourism pros are heading to Las Vegas for IMEX, chasing the rush they create for others—the chemistry of awe, risk, and belonging that makes the world’s hardest job worth it. IMEX is not just another convention. It’s the annual gathering of an ecosystem…
What if a conference could alter the trajectory of a student’s life? Influence public policy? Spark a regional movement for women’s safety or accelerate the next major scientific breakthrough? These possibilities are no longer hypothetical, they are the foundation of BESydney’s Social Impact Strategy, a pioneering framework that redefines the role of business events…
The latest edition of Sarawak’s Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards (BILA) programme celebrates the power of business and professional events to generate positive societal value | From Borneo Post: Sarawak today celebrated visionary individuals and organisations driving transformative change through business events at the Borneo Inspires Legacy Awards 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching…
Sally Beerworth and Caroline Fleming from Good Talent Media share best practices on how organisations can move from reactive to proactive advocacy, to turn good ideas into impactful influence: For associations and not-for-profits, advocacy isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential to delivering on our mission. These days, making your voice heard feels like shouting…
Having advised civic leaders in over 300 cities worldwide, Prof Greg Clark is ideally placed to interview City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) leaders on the role of business and professional events in shaping the evolution and competitive positioning of European destinations, showcasing intellectual capital, attracting talent, start-ups and inward investment, whilst safeguarding local citizens’ interests.
From Meetings International: The German Convention Bureau (GCB) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO have announced the launch of their new Research Centre for Future Meeting Studies (RCFMS). The Research Centre builds on and continues the work of the “Future Meeting Space” innovation network, which was initiated by the two organisations back in…
The editors at Nature Mircobiology outline why they attended 27 scientific conferences last year. In short, it’s for virtually the same reasons as the researchers, students, speakers, technologists and professors who make up the rest of their attendee ecosystem! A great summary of why conferences are so vital for everyone in the scientific community.
More cities are designing or renovating their major meetings venues with the interests and needs of local citizens and communities front of mind, as well as accommodating the usual priorities of meeting organiser clients. This article highlights convention centres in Cincinnati, Dallas, Montréal, New Orleans, and Fort Lauderdale that exemplify this community-focused approach. From PCMA…
Despite continuing geopolitical uncertainty, meeting planner optimism continues to trend upward, although 2026 expectations have softened slightly for both meeting volume and attendance. Download the free report for exclusive data, region-by-region breakdowns, and deeper insights into the global events industry. From M&C Asia…
The latest FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) Congress in Copenhagen launched a major campaign to address the global scourge of AMR (antimicrobial resistance), incorporating robust data collection, dissemination of best practice, and support for advocacy campaigns to influence policy worldwide. During the plenary session ‘Acting together for One Health: Strengthening global collaboration to combat AMR’,…
Uncertainty is making way for optimism in APAC’s events industry, a sign of the region’s quick rebound from tariff shocks, according to the Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey September 2025. Download the free report for exclusive data, region-by-region breakdowns, and deeper insights into how optimism – and caution – are shaping global events. From M&C…
Many cities, states and countries have not yet set up dedicated convention bureaux. For these destinations, Maharashtra (the State containing economic powerhouse Mumbai) is an excellent case study on how to incorporate political and economic development priorities into the structure and objectives of a new bureau. From Meetings International…
Botswana’s ambitious plans to diversify from the industry that has defined its economy – mining gemstones – and to embrace a future with business events as a key tool to drive economic diversification. Keitumetse Setlang, CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation (pictured) says, “Botswana has strong potential to become a premier destination for the business events industry…
Meetings International’s Roger Kellerman laments the failure of so many countries’ national governments to adopt transformative event strategies, and suggests a few actions the events sector can take to help solve this problem: If a country creates a strategy for events and major sports championships, only to never actually implement it, this inverted power move…
Industry guru Gary Grimmer on the need for a new acronym to effectively communicate the true USP of business and professional events: Leveraging International Networks and Knowledge. From Meetings International: Over the years, it has been common to hear association leaders, meeting planners, and people from convention bureaux, venues, and PCOs say that collectively, we…
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) is seeking input on its public policy priorities in 2026. From tariffs and international travel restrictions to workforce development and sustainability, policy issues will continue to have a significant impact on the industry next year. Take this brief survey to help ECA shape the agenda for the year ahead.
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