Anna Look argues that the most important impact of conference subvention programmes such as Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund (ICAF) comes from the conversations that can be initiated with local intellectual and business leaders, enabling them to understand how their bidding for and hosting of international meetings can exploit and showcase their expertise and attributes.
A focused, global virtual experience that expands advocacy beyond government relations—bringing together destination leaders, boards, partners, and community stakeholders. Gain practical tools, shared language and clear next steps to strengthen advocacy in your destination. Advocacy is now essential for securing funding and support, aligning stakeholders and communicating impact beyond tourism…
Small & Boutique Meetings — Northstar’s premiere hosted-buyer event designed specifically for small and boutique-sized meetings — bringing together highly-qualified meeting buyers with destinations, hotels, DMCs, technology and merchandise providers, and other suppliers ready to welcome smaller events. Attendees participate in one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain industry insights from our guest speakers and network with this…
Bringing together the most highly qualified meeting and incentive buyers with top destinations, hotels/resorts, cruise lines, DMCs, DMOs, technology and merchandise providers, and tourism offices from the Caribbean, attendees participate in one-on-one prescheduled appointments with strongly vetted buyers, gain industry insights from our guest speakers, and network with this exclusive group.
Destination East is the premier hosted-buyer event for qualified meetings and incentive professionals sourcing programs in the East. Destination East will include destinations, hotels, DMCs, technology and merchandise providers, and other services provided in the Eastern US. Learn from, and be inspired by, our guest speakers who will provide targeted education…
Northstar’s premiere hosted-buyer event designed specifically for small and boutique-sized meetings, bringing together highly-qualified meeting buyers with destinations, hotels, DMCs and other suppliers ready to welcome smaller events. Attendees participate in one-on-one pre-scheduled appointments, gain industry insights from our guest speakers and network with this exclusive group.
The spike in the price of airline fuel has raised the stakes for international associations wondering where to hold their next annual congress. For organisations used to the familiar tread of rotation patterns and long-term planning cycles, the impact of higher airfares on budgets and congress attendance is another factor to throw into the mix.
As global dynamics shift and power relations are being redefined, which countries are securing the preference of international audiences? Join this webinar on 03 June for a preview of findings from the 2026 RepCore® Nations analysis, exploring how countries are perceived around the world and what this may mean for their competitiveness and international standing.
This first-of-its-kind global event will take place May 13, 2026, designed to expand advocacy beyond government relations to empower stakeholders across the destination ecosystem, and redefine how the industry approaches advocacy by convening destination leaders, board members, public officials, private sector partners and community stakeholders for a dynamic, interactive experience spanning multiple global time zones.
In a vote of confidence for the positive societal and economic impact of Business Events, C$15 million has been earmarked over the next three years to help attract events in strategically important sectors. Administered by Destination Canada, ICAF has helped secure 116 international conventions, generating C$803.3 million in direct economic impact and supporting 6,692 jobs.
Destinations International has released a comprehensive new resource designed to help destination leaders strengthen relationships with residents and stakeholders while advancing long-term community alignment. Grounded in insights from the Futures Study and shaped by global industry leaders, the Destination Professional’s Guide to Community Engagement offers a practical framework to help destination organizations measure meaningful impact.
City Nation Place has released a benchmarking report into the different approaches taken by a range of destinations to build competitiveness in attracting and retaining talent. There are certain to be many lessons that can be taken on board when designing business event strategies that share this same objective.
visit.brussels, the city’s DMO responsible for tourism, business events, and for attracting and supporting international associations is looking at the potential loss of over half its personnel & decimated programmes. Industry peers are urged to sign and share the petition in opposition to these cuts.
Ireland celebrated the success of 109 Conference Ambassadors at the most recent CARA (Conference Ambassadors Recognition Awards) gala evening in Dublin, recognising academics and business leaders who were responsible for attracting major international association conferences to the country during the years 2023 and 2024. Highlights of the evening were two Spotlight Awards, for Sustainability and…
This report provides insights into how the perceptions, experiences, concerns and thoughts of Amsterdam’s residents regarding local tourism issues have evolved. The study, by Inholland University of Applied Sciences, amsterdam&partners, & MMGY Global / TCI Research, found that Amsterdam’s residents do not oppose tourism per se, but call for a more thoughtful and balanced approach.
Social carrying capacity is increasingly used to guide sustainable destination management, yet many destinations still struggle to translate the concept into practical, place-specific strategies. Our next Feeling the Pulse webinar explores this through an academic lens with two distinct sessions, each featuring unique content. You’ll get insights from a pilot study in Garda Trentino informed…
Social carrying capacity is increasingly used to guide sustainable destination management, yet many destinations still struggle to translate the concept into practical, place-specific strategies. Our next Feeling the Pulse webinar explores this through an academic lens with two distinct sessions, each featuring unique content. You’ll get insights from a pilot study in Garda Trentino informed…
Dr Emma Delaney analyses some key issues regarding subventions and other financial incentives, drawing from the perspective of PCOs. Amongst her conclusions: flexible, co-created incentive packages are more effective than rigid, conditional offers, and when aligned with a destination’s goals, incentives can facilitate sustainable, inclusive and high-quality conferences and stronger societal impact. From CEF…
Ottawa Tourism and Invest Ottawa highlight their growing partnership to attract high-value international conferences and events, supported by the Think Ottawa program and Destination Canada’s International Convention Attraction Fund. With Ottawa’s strengths across aerospace, defence and security, cybersecurity and AI, the destination team is building a future pipeline of business events aligned with these sectors.
European city destination leaders gathered in Barcelona in February for the 19th CityDNA CEO Meeting. Hosting the meeting in Barcelona was symbolic – few cities have more visibly navigated the political, social and structural pressures surrounding urban tourism. European destination CEOs addressed a central reality: the role of the Destination Management Organisation has fundamentally evolved.
Timed to recognise the founding of the world’s first destination organisation on February 19, 1896, in Detroit, Michigan, this worldwide advocacy event recognises the leaders and organisations that drive tourism, economic growth and community vitality. Greetings by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and state Governors of Illinois and Wyoming were amongst many messages of support.
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