Skift Meetings’ Executive Editor Andrea Doyle argues that as global associations expand into fast-growing destinations, inclusion and human rights are becoming as critical as infrastructure and airlift. ICCA’s choice of Kigali for its 2027 Congress spotlights Rwanda’s rising meetings profile but raises concerns about LGBTQ safety and stigma, prompting calls for proactive inclusion planning.
Kai Hattendorf sets out the data that prove we are experiencing an accelerating degradation of digital business environments, and argues that this dramatically revalues the utility of the exhibition hall, conference hall and networking spaces: Across the business events industry, we have long argued that trust is built through physical presence…
Seoul has announced plans to create its own versions of CES and the Davos forum as flagship international events as part of a broader effort to scale up the city’s MICE sector, The Korea Times reported. Cities are increasingly building rather than only bidding for international events, to support broader economic goals. From M&C/ASIA…
Browse all the 2025 UFI Award Winners to understand how the world’s most innovative trade shows are evolving and adapting in order to thrive in the current challenging business environment. The UFI Awards recognise outstanding achievements and best practices in the global exhibition industry. Open to organisers, venue operators, and service providers worldwide, the programme…
From HQ Magazine: Since opening in 1996, Australia’s largest convention and exhibition venue has brought together the world’s forward thinkers, hosting more than 20,000 events ranging from international summits and global congresses to community celebrations, cultural gatherings and immersive art experiences. The centre has been a significant driver of economic activity and knowledge exchange, hosting…
Traditionally, tourism and economic development were treated as two distinct functions, but this model has evolved over recent decades, as destinations recognise that these are two sides of the same coin. Visitors, investors, talent and residents are responding to the same fundamentals: quality of life, connectivity, innovation, culture, sustainability, and opportunity. From City Nation Place…
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has announced a new 30th Birthday initiative in partnership with Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) to support Queensland and Australia’s research and commercial uptake in across health, biomedical and agritech bio-innovation. LSQ is the Queensland peak body for medical and agricultural science and investment attraction in one of Australia’s fastest…
Step into the global hub of the events community. IBTM World is where connections spark ideas, collaborations fuel transformation, and the business events industry shapes what’s next. Three days in Barcelona to meet, share, learn — and move the world forward. Meet 2,500 destinations, hotels, event tech providers, and suppliers from 150+ countries…
The 65th ICCA Congress in Panama will be a powerful celebration of connection, innovation, and shared purpose. Join us to explore new perspectives, forge meaningful partnerships, and shape the future of business events in one of the world’s most vibrant destinations. This is our moment to learn, grow, and lead — together.
This event will bring together industry leaders and advocates from across the US and around the world to meet with members of Congress and congressional staff in support of ECA’s 2026 public policy priorities. Last year, 170 industry stakeholders from 30 states joined ECA to engage with federal policymakers, and for cross-industry networking opportunities.
Grounded in four pillars of best practice, Tourism for All equips destination leaders to align local businesses around shared values that support visitor readiness, long-term community well-being and the competitive advantage of welcome. Cohort 1: Mar 3-Aug 31 – registration now open. Cohort 2: Jun 5-Nov 30 – registration opens May 5.
Convening APAC is where multi-generational senior business event leaders and next generation professionals converge. Together, they shape the future of our industry and profession. Designed for corporate event marketing professionals, association meeting professionals, event owners, event managers, and business events leaders, this flagship event brings together a trusted community from across the region.
AIME has opened its 2026 edition, recording record growth in buyers and exhibitors and highlighting strong progress toward its long-term sustainability commitments under the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative. Exhibitors from 36 countries and territories are attending, with more than 25,000 meetings scheduled to take place between buyers and exhibitors across the two-day tradeshow.
Destinations International’s newly released The Impact of the Visitor Economy on Canadian Exports report brings the visitor economy and its impact into sharp focus at a time when Canada is engaged in a national conversation about competitiveness, productivity, trade diversification and evolving global market relationships. From Conference & Meetings World…
Soolnua co-founder Padraic Gilligan demonstrates how to effectively counter negative press stories by unapologetically hammering home economic multiplier facts and figures, and illuminating the bigger picture behind the cost and style of doing business in the business events or tourism sectors. From Padraicino…
Medical meeting planners need to shift their strategies to meet the preferences of younger attendees, according to new joint research of 251 healthcare professionals (HCPs) across the U.S. and Western Europe by Emota and the International Pharmaceutical Congress Advisory Association (IPCAA). From Skift Meetings…
The visitor economy plays a critical role in Canada’s broader economic and trade performance. The Impact of the Visitor Economy on Canadian Exports, commissioned by Destinations International’s Canadian Destination Leadership Council and conducted in partnership with EY-Parthenon, provides new evidence of how inbound travel contributes to export growth and drives Canada’s international competitiveness.
BESarawak has appointed Jason Tan Chin Foo as acting CEO, succeeding long‑serving industry figure Amelia Roziman, who stepped down last week after a 20‑year tenure. Tan, who joined BESarawak in 2012, assumes the role with immediate effect. He brings 18 years of experience across hospitality, business development, research, marketing, and communications. From MIX Meetings Magazine…
This study is based on a global survey concluded in December 2025. It represents up-to-date information on the status and outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 19 specific markets and regions. The Barometer has a truly global reach, with 378 companies participating in this edition from 57 countries and regions.
Destinations International has announced the contract extension of President & CEO Don Welsh through December 31, 2027. “Don’s leadership continues to be a tremendous asset to Destinations International and the global destination organization community,” said Leslie Bruce, CDME, chair of the DI Board of Directors and president & CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism…
Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance has announced that its annual Legislative Action Day will take place on 28 May, in Washington, D.C., bringing together industry leaders and advocates from across the U.S. and around the world on Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress and congressional staff in support of ECA’s 2026 public policy priorities.
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