For a decade, leading on destination sustainability meant having a strategy. In 2026, it means proving what the strategy achieved. This report sets out what changed across the GDS-Index this year: where destinations are moving fastest, where progress has stalled, and why leadership in destination sustainability no longer sits where it used to.
Fáilte Ireland’s Ciara Gallagher explains why focusing on ambassadors, legacy, sustainability and societal impact makes good business sense from a tourism-metrics perspective as well as in terms of inward investment, positive healthcare outcomes, scientific progress and identifying concrete solutions to important societal challenges. From Conference & Meetings World…
Executive Director Dorian Kronenwerth outlines JMIC’s priorities for the years ahead, and argues that the future of business events depends on speaking with one voice. He sets out how JMIC plans to turn stronger advocacy, sustainability and collaboration into practical tools that help the global events industry demonstrate its value. From Headquarters Magazine…
As climate change, food security and economic development become ever more closely linked to water, scientific expertise is no longer enough. For the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), creating lasting impact means ensuring research informs policy, partnerships and practical action long after the congress has concluded. From Headquarters Magazine…
The International Coral Reef Symposium, a leading scientific conference on conservation, climate science and ocean sustainability, held its 16th edition at New Zealand International Convention Centre, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. The location gave space for Pacific peoples’ own perspectives, reinforcing the case for combining Indigenous knowledge with scientific research on reefs worldwide. From Boardroom…
GCB Managing Director Schultze argues that while the world of business events has access to more data than ever before, and destination and venue information is widely available, the real value emerges only when different data sources are connected and placed into a meaningful context. Schultze outlines what Germany is doing to illuminate these connections.
Singapore’s MICE industry is moving into a new phase of sustainable growth, with the launch of MICE Sustainability Roadmap 2.0, placing social and economic sustainability alongside environmental considerations. Announced at Singapore MICE Forum 2026 by guest-of-honour Gan Siow Huang, the refreshed roadmap was developed by the Singapore Tourism Board and SACEOS.
In June 2026, Vienna hosted the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation. The Festival of Robots, taking place ahead of the congress, and sustainability focus, formed a core pillar of the impact strategy by bridging science with the local community, while the Community Building Day highlighted DEI in science, encouraging inclusive environments in STEM.
Why does The Iceberg consider the just-released IMEX White Paper, “Place Leadership and the Business Events Sector”, to be so important? In almost four decades of monitoring and supporting this sector, The Iceberg Curator, Martin Sirk, has reviewed hundreds of research reports, policy documents, and thought-leadership papers, yet he notes that “few match this paper’s…
Speaking at this year’s Place Leaders Forum at IMEX Frankfurt, future of cities expert Prof. Greg Clark articulates the potential for business events to fulfil a pivotal role within destinations’ strategic thinking, thanks to the emergence of new competitive realities as we enter an era where the Innovation Economy interacts with the Experience Economy. Our…
Kigali has joined the BestCities Global Alliance as its 14th member, placing Rwanda’s capital within a network of leading international convention destinations. The move reflects Kigali’s growing profile as a meetings destination in Africa, combining modern event infrastructure, accessibility and a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and economic development.
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.
Every year, AIPC, in collaboration with Access Intelligence, conducts its Annual Member Survey to track the trends shaping the global convention centre industry. Covering industry outlook, business strategies, client expectations, technology, sustainability and workforce development, the 2026 survey gathered responses from 67 convention centres, providing valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges facing our sector.
TBOE’s report highlights a business events sector that has transitioned from post-pandemic recovery into a phase of stabilisation. Survey findings show that growth is moderating, while interviews point to a more complex operating environment shaped by structural constraints and external pressures. Competitiveness is increasingly related to value, connectivity, sustainability, policy alignment and long-term impact.
In partnership with The Meetings Show, event sustainability platform TRACE by Isla has created this series of interactive response cards to assist meeting planners in overcoming objections and making the case for management commitment to and investment in sustainable practices. Each card gives a comeback line with proof behind it and a practical next step.
Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) has appointed sustainability specialist Johanna Fuhlendorf as its new Programme Director, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the global initiative as it enters its next phase of development. The appointment is the first dedicated leadership role created specifically for NZCE since its launch in 2021. From Headquarters Magazine…
In a conversation with Guy Bigwood, the GDS-Forum 2026 emerges as a reflection of the meetings industry’s shift from ambition to accountability. Highlighting themes such as impact measurement, destination stewardship and regenerative development, the GDS-Movement CEO argues that stakeholders are increasingly demanding evidence of progress rather than sustainability pledges alone. From HQ Magazine…
The Events Industry Council (EIC), in collaboration with the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), today announced the next phase of its targeted refinement of the Sustainable Event Standards (SES), marking a significant step forward in strengthening alignment, usability and real-world application across the global business events sustainability landscape.
The Sustainable Event Goals are 13 interlinked goals designed to minimise negative environmental and social impacts while maximising positive economic outcomes, and translating the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into clear, actionable, event-specific guidance for organisers, suppliers, destinations, and partners across the global Business Events ecosystem. From Kenes Group…
The International Water Association World Water Congress & Exhibition brought together academics, utility leaders and water professionals from around the world to advance global scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange in water management. It is a strong example of how hosting an international event can elevate domestic participation and raise the profile of national stakeholders.
The goal of GLOBExCHANGE 2025 was to bring Canada’s clean economy transition to life. The event served as a catalyst for collaboration across government, industry, finance and civil society, translating climate and sustainability commitments into tangible partnerships, policy initiatives and new sectoral platforms.
Powered by 