Santiago de Chile will once again become a focal point for urban innovation when it hosts the fourth edition of Smart City Expo Santiago de Chile (SCES) from 23 to 25 July. Bringing together more than 2,500 participants at the Estación Mapocho Cultural Center, the event will explore how cities can become more sustainable, resilient and citizen-centred through technology, collaboration and forward-looking public policy.

Held under the theme "Recovering the City for People: Smart Santiago, Sustainable Future", the expo is organised by the Government of Santiago, through its Regional Corporation, together with the Metropolitan Regional Council and Sé Santiago, and is produced by Fira de Barcelona in partnership with Interexpo. The event aims to foster dialogue between governments, businesses, universities, technology providers and civil society on the future of urban development.

The three-day congress will revolve around five key themes: data-driven cities, 360° human security, smart mobility and sustainable habitats, urban metabolism and climate action, and digital ecosystems designed to enhance quality of life across the Santiago metropolitan region.

More than 50 international speakers will contribute to the programme, including Sandra Baer, CEO and President of Personal Cities; former Quito mayor Mauricio Rodas; strategic consultant Leonardo Maldonado; former Stockholm mayor Anna Könnig; and Cardinal Fernando Chomalí, Archbishop of Santiago, who will examine the ethical, social and spiritual implications of artificial intelligence. Additional contributors include José de la Uz, President of the Spanish Network of Smart Cities (RECI) and Mayor of Las Rozas, alongside Eleanor West, analyst at the OECD.

Alongside the conference sessions, an exhibition will showcase the latest technologies and urban solutions from more than 70 companies, institutions and innovation organisations. Participants include Hikvision, NTT Group, ISS, ZKTeco, Tivit, UN Women and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), presenting initiatives spanning digital infrastructure, mobility, sustainability and public services.
 

Turning Discussion into Action

Beyond the conference programme, Smart City Expo Santiago will also provide a platform for high-level political dialogue. Meetings bringing together Chile's 16 regional governors and the 52 mayors of the Metropolitan Region will culminate in two landmark initiatives: the signing of the Smart City Declaration of Santiago and the official launch of RECI Hispanoamericano, a new network connecting Spanish-speaking smart cities across Latin America. Together, these initiatives seek to strengthen regional cooperation and accelerate the exchange of knowledge and best practice in urban development.

Fira de Barcelona's International Reach

Smart City Expo Santiago de Chile forms part of Fira de Barcelona's expanding international portfolio for 2026, reflecting the organisation's growing role in convening global conversations on urban innovation. Alongside Santiago, Smart City Expo events will take place in Curitiba, Santiago del Estero, Puebla and Santiago de Cali, while the international calendar also includes Tomorrow.City in Shanghai and the United States, Mexico Hospitality Expo in Guadalajara, Tomorrow.Blue Economy in Niterói, and inaugural editions of Argentina Alimenta in Buenos Aires and Aqaba Blue Ocean: Future in Action in Jordan. Through this expanding network of events, Fira continues to connect governments, industry and academia around shared approaches to building smarter and more sustainable cities.
 

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Downtown Coal Harbour © Albert Normandin

This report, part of a new editorial partnership between HQ and BestCities Global Alliance in 2026, explores how Vancouver has become a global example of innovative, inclusive, and progress-oriented business events. Based on insights from recent major technology conferences held in the city, it highlights how Vancouver converts events into measurable social, economic, and environmental impact, treating legacy planning as a foundational requirement.

Author: Manuel A. Fernandes

Visiting Vancouver for the BestCities Global Forum 2022 offered a first-hand view on how the city is embedding sustainability and impact into its events ecosystem. Beyond traditional hospitality and conference delivery, Destination Vancouver shows how intentional planning, strategic partnerships, and world-class venues can create lasting social and economic outcomes. The Vancouver Convention Centre, a double LEED® Platinum-certified facility, exemplifies this approach. Its six-acre green roof, advanced water treatment, and marine heating and cooling system showcase environmental leadership, while providing a tangible blueprint for sustainable event design. As such, sustainability extends beyond the physical infrastructure into operational models and event programming.
 

Measuring Impact: The Conference Legacy Impact Study

A cornerstone of Vancouver’s strategic approach is the Conference Legacy Impact Study, conducted with Capilano University. The study shifted focus from short-term economic returns to long-term, multidimensional legacy planning across economic, environmental, political, sectoral, and social domains. Michael Drake, Vice President of Meetings, Conventions & Events (pictured above) at Destination Vancouver, notes: “The findings reinforce the strategic necessity for our organisation to take the lead in identifying and measuring outcomes or at least proposing actionable steps. Key insights revealed that the type of event significantly influences outcomes.”

The research revealed that recurring conferences often drive deeper economic and social engagement, including collaboration with Indigenous communities and investment in local projects. It also informed the creation of the Naturally Innovative Alliance (NIA), a first-of-its-kind public/nonprofit partnership that aligns government and sector development agencies to amplify the impact of a major tech conference – the international emerging-tech investment conference which was hosted in May 2025. “Designed for shared governance and co-developed programming, this collaborative model moves beyond traditional DMO roles by explicitly using a major business event as a platform dedicated to long-term development and broader impact,” Drake says.

"The next generation of resilient and sustainable urban destinations will be defined by flexibility, innovation, and shared purpose."
 

Legacy Drivers in Innovation and Education

Vancouver places education and mentorship at the heart of its legacy strategy. Initiatives like IMPACTFest function as capacity-building platforms, providing leadership development and skill-building opportunities for students, teachers, and emerging entrepreneurs. This process is vital for translating learning into tangible, real world actions, which successfully equips professionals and emerging entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to accelerate sector growth and drive new inventions.

Drake highlights: “For major international events over 10,000 attendees, like the 2024 NeurIPS, the 2025 International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML) or the 2025 SIGGRAH, these efforts are paramount, as they support the goal to ‘Ensure maximum opportunities for youth to see future careers in technology,’ thereby shaping the next generation of innovators.” Complementing this, tech meetings such as HTML500 provide free, large-scale coding events to expand access to high-value services, particularly among minority and underrepresented groups. These events, among the 10,000 technology conferences held last year, align with the Capilano study’s outcomes of increasing opportunities for youth and adults to acquire relevant job skills.
 

BestCities Global Forum 2022

Sustainable, Inclusive and Equitable Tech Ecosystem

Inclusion remains central to Vancouver’s legacy planning, addressed through the legacy driver of DEI Initiatives. The city ensures that professional development opportunities, digital skills access, and entrepreneurial pathways reach Indigenous innovators and other underrepresented communities. For accessibility, tools like the AI transcription platform Wordly ensured immediate access for diverse, international audiences at events like the 2025 SIGGRAPH and the 2024 NeurIPS. Drake explains: “The strategy for tech events focuses on intentional direction towards underrepresented communities with a main goal of maximising participation opportunities. Partnering global events with organisations such as the First Nations Technology Council is a key to this success.” By entrenching DEI into major events, Vancouver strengthens local ecosystems while showcasing the city as a global leader in inclusive innovation.

Sustainability in Vancouver is integrated beyond venue certifications into the core design of conferences and events. The B.C. Pavilion, for instance, employed reusable booth structures, biodegradable materials, and locally sourced rentals during major events. Drake emphasises: “Sustainability is a critical pillar of Vancouver’s brand and legacy strategy as well. The city is scaling sustainability beyond fixed features – such as the Vancouver Convention Centre’s LEED Platinum certification or vendor certification, into the event design itself.” This approach ensures that eco-friendly practices are rooted into operational and strategic decision-making, setting a standard for global conferences and encouraging social procurement that aligns environmental and societal goals.

"Technology and digital tools are vital for enhancing resilience, accessibility, sustainability, and legacy outcomes."
 

Strategic Leverage of Tech and Innovation

Tech conferences are leveraged as platforms for economic and innovation hubs, not just an event. The NIA demonstrates how strategic partnerships between government agencies and sector bodies can amplify the outcomes of international tech conferences. Drake observes: “Crucially, the NIA directly facilitated commercial wins, with international investors attending side events, an outstanding number of business meetings held, and new Venture Capitalists recruited, leading directly to increased trade and investment.” Furthermore, Vancouver utilises emerging technologies – AI, XR, data analytics, and smart venue integration – to enhance delegate experiences, accessibility, and visibility of the local ecosystem, ensuring events remain future-ready and globally competitive.

The collaboration with the BestCities Global Alliance allows the city to refine its legacy frameworks, adopt evidencebased strategies, and project Vancouver as a benchmark for sustainable and socially impactful events. Drake concludes: “By actively participating, Destination Vancouver contributes to and benefits from global best practices in legacy delivery, ensuring events meet high international standards, and establishing the city as a recognised contributor to research in this field.” In the broader visitor economy, the strategy focuses on encouraging tourism activity by recognising the clear correlation that the more local businesses attendees visit, and the more contacts they make, the higher their intention to revisit Vancouver as second-time visitors.
 

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Washington, DC has recorded its third consecutive year of record-breaking tourism performance, reinforcing the resilience of the US capital’s visitor economy amid a challenging international environment. According to new figures released by Destination DC, the city welcomed more than 27.2 million visitors in 2025, marginally surpassing the previous year’s record while generating unprecedented economic impact across spending, tax revenue and employment.

Visitor spending reached a record US$11.9 billion, contributing US$2.4 billion in tax revenue and supporting more than 114,000 jobs across the city. Although overall visitation remained largely stable year-on-year, the figures underline the growing economic contribution of tourism to Washington’s broader urban economy.

“The fact that Washington, DC saw record economic impact for the third straight year, especially in a challenging global environment, speaks to both the enduring appeal of our destination and efficacy of our sales and marketing,” said Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “As we celebrate that, however, we remain steadfast in our efforts to entice international visitors that stay longer and spend more.”

Of the 27.2 million visitors recorded in 2025, approximately 25.1 million were domestic travellers, representing a slight increase compared to the previous year. International visitation declined by four percent, though the city outperformed the broader US trend, where inbound travel fell by 5.5 percent nationally.

The results also reignited discussion around the economic value of destination marketing investment. Between April 2023 and October 2025, Destination DC benefited from an additional one percent hotel tax allocation through the Tourism Recovery District initiative. According to an ROI study conducted alongside the DC Office of the CFO and Future Partners, the organisation’s US$19.5 million spring and summer advertising campaign in 2025 generated US$470 million in visitor spending and US$41.3 million in tax revenue for the city.

“Overall, the record economic contribution from visitation creates immediate impact. That’s why now is the time to reinvest in marketing, because when DDC has additional dollars to spend and a steady source of funding, the city sees bigger returns,” Ferguson said.

Despite those returns, Destination DC’s advertising budget has since been reduced by two-thirds following changes to the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget, although the DC Council approved a US$6 million earmark to support ongoing marketing and sales efforts.

The figures also demonstrate the speed of Washington’s tourism recovery since the pandemic. Visitor numbers dropped sharply to 13.4 million in 2020 before rebounding to more than 26 million by 2023 and stabilising above 27 million across both 2024 and 2025. City officials now view upcoming global events and cultural milestones as critical opportunities to maintain momentum.
 

“We live in the best and most beautiful city in the world, with fantastic restaurants and hotels, great parks and a public transit system that takes you all over the city and region. And we love to show off our city to visitors from across the country and around the world,” said Muriel Bowser. “We had some great events last year, like World Pride and the FIFA Club World Cup, and this summer we have a full lineup of America 250 events. So, we want people to check out all we have to offer, book their trips and come visit us in Washington, DC.”

A major focus for the city now centres on America’s 250th anniversary commemorations throughout 2026, with Washington positioning itself as the symbolic centrepiece of the national celebrations. Destination DC has launched dedicated promotional campaigns and microsites tied to the anniversary, while a series of major openings and infrastructure developments are expected to further strengthen the city’s appeal.

These include the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration, expansions at the National Air and Space Museum, improvements to the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial areas, and several new memorial and cultural projects scheduled across the city.

Alongside leisure tourism, Washington continues to reinforce its position as a leading meetings and convention destination. In 2026, the city is expected to host 18 citywide conventions, representing approximately 246,000 attendees, 376,000 room nights and an estimated US$317 million in economic impact.

“The continued growth in tourism’s economic impact in Washington, DC, speaks to the strength of the destination and its global appeal. International visitors tend to stay longer, spend more and build deeper connections to the United States,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA. “As we look ahead to major moments like America’s 250th anniversary, destinations like DC will play an important role in inspiring global travelers to visit.”

Industry leaders also used the announcement to highlight the wider strategic importance of tourism to the US economy.

“Travel is essential to the U.S. economy – but too often it’s treated as optional in policy decisions. That has to change,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “Prioritising travel means strengthening our economy, supporting millions of jobs and ensuring the United States stays competitive on the global stage. That's where we need to stay focused in the months to come.”
 

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced Expo Guadalajara as its newest Diamond Sponsor — and the first organisation from Latin America to join this top-tier partnership.

Based in Mexico, Expo Guadalajara is the country’s largest venue and the biggest across Central and South America. Through the multi-year Diamond Sponsorship agreement, the venue will benefit from continuous international visibility and promotion across UFI’s global events and activities, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the advancement of the exhibition industry.

For UFI, the partnership strengthens its capacity to support members and stakeholders worldwide, particularly across the Americas.

Elena Hurtado, Managing Director of Expo Guadalajara, comments: “UFI’s mission to support and advance the exhibition industry aligns closely with Expo Guadalajara’s long-term vision.

Becoming a Diamond Sponsor is a strategic step in our internationalisation efforts, focused on strengthening global partnerships with industry leaders as part of our 2050 strategy.

It also reflects our leadership in driving a more human, conscious, and sustainable MICE industry, as the first venue in Mexico to implement a comprehensive sustainability strategy and establish a social foundation.”

Panittha Buri, UFI President, adds: "Our Diamond Sponsors play a vital role in advancing UFI’s mission, and we are delighted to welcome Expo Guadalajara among them.

This Diamond Sponsorship further strengthens our long-standing collaboration, including them being our host venue for the 94th UFI Global Congress, which will take place in 2027.

We look forward to working closely together, alongside our members across Central & South America and North America, and our Regional Directors Ana Maria Arango and Martha Donato, on a range of initiatives to support the continued growth and development of this important region.”
 

About UFI Diamond Sponsorship

The UFI Diamond Sponsor status represents the highest level of partnership within the association. It offers leading industry organisations the opportunity to actively support UFI’s global mission while benefiting from high-level networking and engagement opportunities across the international exhibition community.

Don't miss the report on the BestCities Global Forum in Guadalajara coming soon in our magazine, where we discuss the advances made by Expo Guadalajara in terms of sustainability.
 

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Destinations International (DI) announced the contract extension of President & CEO Don Welsh through December 31, 2027. Welsh and the Executive Committee of the DI Board of Directors mutually agreed to extend the previous agreement, which had been set to conclude at the end of 2026. 

“Don’s leadership continues to be a tremendous asset to Destinations International and the global destination organisation community,” said Leslie Bruce, CDME, chair of the DI Board of Directors and president & CEO of Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. “Under his guidance, DI has strengthened its relevance, expanded its impact and positioned itself for long-term success during a period of significant change and opportunity for our industry.” 

The DI Foundation Executive Committee also welcomed the announcement, underscoring the importance of sustained leadership as the organisation continues to invest in research, education and workforce development initiatives that support the global destination community. 

“Don has been a steadfast champion of the DI Foundation’s mission and a powerful advocate for the role of research, education and impact in shaping the future of our industry,” said Martha J. Sheridan, chair of the foundation and president & CEO of Meet Boston. “His continued leadership provides stability, vision and confidence for our investments in the people and programs that will define the next generation of destination leadership.” 

Over the next two years, Welsh will continue to focus on strategic priorities for the organisation, including supporting DI’s new Chief Revenue Officer, Sharon Houghton, as she leads the association’s revenue strategy, and working closely with Chief Operating Officer Gretchen Hall, CDME and Chief Impact Officer Sophia Hyder Hock to expand DI’s impact and membership engagement, including through an expanded emphasis on advocacy. He also will assist DI Foundation Managing Director Chelsea Welter to continue to raise the profile of the foundation and identify new revenue opportunities. 

Welsh commented on the extension: “I am grateful to the boards of both DI and the DI Foundation for their continued confidence and support, and deeply appreciative of our members for their continued belief in the mission of DI and our partners for the content, resources and support they provide. We have an outstanding team, and I could not be more energised to continue to lead DI’s important work through 2027.”  

Destinations International is the world’s largest resource for destination organizations, convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs) and tourism boards. With more than 10,000 members and partners from over 770 destinations, the association represents a powerful forward-thinking and collaborative community around the world.

Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Córdoba will host the FIEXPO Workshop & Technical Visit from 10–13 August 2026, as part of a wider programme of activities led by FIEXPO Exhibitions Group aimed at strengthening the meetings industry across Latin America.

Córdoba’s MICE Positioning

HQ has previously reported on Córdoba’s approach to measuring event impact and its positioning as an international meetings destination, check our report here.

FIEXPO Exhibitions Group will hold its first Workshop & Technical Visit of the year in León, Guanajuato, from 17–20 March 2026, bringing together qualified buyers and meetings industry leaders from across Latin America and international markets.

HQ has previously explored how Guanajuato is aligning its meetings strategy with sustainability, governance, and measurable legacy. In a June 2025 interview, María Guadalupe “Lupita” Robles León, Secretary of Tourism and Identity for the State of Guanajuato, outlined the state’s commitment to halving event-related emissions by 2030 through carbon tracking and offsetting tools. Read the full interview on HQ’s website.

Ottawa Tourism is highlighting a wave of development that is elevating the city’s already outstanding business events offering. With significant new investments in venues, hotels and public infrastructure, as well as recently enhanced air connectivity from Europe, Ottawa is offering even more reasons for organisers to choose Canada’s capital for their conferences, meetings and major events.

Developed in collaboration with Ottawa Unlimited, a partnership between Ottawa Tourism, Invest Ottawa and Ottawa Board of Trade, these enhancements are part of a broader vision to maintain and improve Ottawa’s position as a thriving, people-first city that is as inspiring as it is accessible.

More than $1.5 billion in public and private investment is now flowing into the city’s downtown core, supporting a wide range of new projects, from cultural landmarks and active streetscapes to mixed-use developments and initiatives that enhance the delegate experience.

Among the standout projects is History Ottawa, a 2,000-capacity venue by Live Nation Canada opening on Rideau Street in early 2026. With its central location, flexible layout and cutting-edge AV, the venue will host a wide range of business and entertainment events, helping to meet the growing demand for modern, mid-sized gathering spaces.

Opened this summer, the Hard Rock Hotel Ottawa offers 150 guestrooms, 22 suites, a 1,800-seat theatre (with standing room for 2,200), plus a casino, restaurants and lounges, ideal for planners seeking a high-impact, all-in-one event venues.

In the ByWard Market, the newly opened AC Marriott Ottawa brings 159 stylish guestrooms and 3,648 square feet of bright, functional meeting space across five rooms. Its neighbour, the Moxy Ottawa, is another new addition, with 224 rooms and a bold, design-forward atmosphere ideal for creative gatherings.

Scheduled to open in 2026, Ādisōke – Ottawa’s new central library and archive – will offer accessible gathering space for receptions, workshops and cultural programming. As a partnership between the City of Ottawa and Library and Archives Canada, it reflects a wider investment in culture, community and Indigenous reconciliation.

Ottawa’s international connectivity is also giving business events a significant lift. The return of direct Air Canada flights from London Heathrow (March 2025) and a new Air France service from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (April 2024) are making the city more accessible than ever for European attendees. Both routes offer multiple weekly flights and seamless onward connections from across the UK, France and continental Europe. For associations, corporates and international delegations, this improved access removes logistical barriers and increases confidence when planning global events in Ottawa.

“Ottawa is seeing smart, sustained investment in the things that matter to event organisers - venues, hotels, walkability, and connectivity,” said Stephanie Seguin, Ottawa Tourism’s Vice President, Business and Major Events. “And through partnerships like Ottawa Unlimited, we’re creating a city that is engaging, vibrant and welcoming – an ideal setting for memorable business events.”

As part of this transformation, Ottawa is embracing creativity with new public art installations, murals and the transformation of streetscapes into spaces for connection and inspiration. These efforts contribute to an urban experience that blends function with culture – where delegates can explore, unwind and connect in meaningful ways beyond the meeting room.

For more information about Ottawa, visit Ottawa Tourism
 

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At the 2025 edition of FIEXPO Latin America in Costa Rica, HQ spoke with María Guadalupe ‘Lupita’ Robles León, Secretary of Tourism and Identity for the State of Guanajuato, Mexico. A key voice in the meetings industry in the Americas, Robles León participated in the 12th Latin American Political Forum on the Meetings Industry to outline how Guanajuato is setting a regional precedent through governance, sustainability and knowledge-sector alignment. In this Q&A, she discusses the state's integrated tourism policy, its evolving MICE infrastructure, and how Guanajuato became the first Mexican state to sign the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

Guanajuato has long held cultural and political importance in Mexico. How does this shape its positioning in the global meetings market?

Centrally located in Mexico, Guanajuato offers a rich cultural landscape with strong traditions, gastronomy and a vibrant arts scene. Our cities are walkable, heritage-rich and supported by modern infrastructure, making them ideal for hosting events that offer more than just business. Delegates not only engage in professional exchanges but also immerse themselves in a Mexican destination that reflects the identity and diversity of our country.

Can you elaborate on the different cities that form part of the state’s MICE ecosystem?

We have six key destinations that contribute distinct strengths to our MICE offering. León is our State’s business hub, with the expansive Poliforum León complex, over 8,000 hotel rooms, and excellent connectivity, making it ideal for large-scale conventions and fairs. Guanajuato Capital, a UNESCO World Heritage city, offers a culturally immersive setting with modern venues that enrich business events with historic character. Silao is a strategically positioned industrial city with strong transport links, versatile venues including haciendas, and proximity to the Guanajuato International Airport. Irapuato houses the modern Inforum Exhibition Centre, equipped for major conventions and exhibitions. San Miguel de Allende combines its colonial charm with a new International Convention Centre and boutique hospitality, well-suited for creative and premium corporate events. Salamanca, meanwhile, is a business-oriented city with a full-service hotel with meeting spaces. The proximity of these cities allows for seamless multi-site event experiences.

Guanajuato has taken a clear lead on sustainability. What distinguishes its model from others in the region?

We were the first state in Mexico to implement a sustainability model aligned with over 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. It includes two core initiatives: the Guanajuato Sustainable Tourism Distinction for Events, and a carbon footprint calculator specifically designed for events. These tools are not just symbolic; they are operational, guiding organisers through more than 200 sustainable practices.

Can you share how these tools work in practice?

When an event is organised in Guanajuato, we invite planners to participate in the sustainability programme. The Guanajuato Sustainable Tourism Distinction provides a structured guide to sustainable practices. Planners also receive access to our carbon footprint calculator, which quantifies the emissions produced by each event, from transport to waste. The calculator is designed to go beyond measurement. It recommends concrete actions for organisers to reduce their footprint and provides a monetary estimate for compensating any remaining impact.

 

This compensation is channelled into the Emblema Project, a local initiative funding environmental restoration activities in protected areas, including reforestation, water resource recovery and biodiversity protection. These tools have already been used by more than 170 events, generating over 3,000 sustainable actions in just one year. The model supports our commitment to cut CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030, the most ambitious target adopted by any Mexican state so far.

Beyond environmental goals, you talked about the social legacy of events at the 12th Political Forum. How is Guanajuato addressing this?

The social impact of events is central to our approach. It is about more than financial gain. Conferences generate knowledge transfer, academic collaboration and even improvements in local infrastructure. We are now measuring and communicating those intangible legacies. For instance, medical congresses might lead to new research partnerships, while industrial events bring attention to local capabilities in sectors like automotive, medical technology or leather goods. These align with Guanajuato’s economic clusters, which play a vital role in defining the types of events we attract and support.

Which international markets are you prioritising in terms of outreach and promotion?

Our primary international market is the United States, due to geographic proximity. Colombia is next, where we have seen tangible results from focused promotional efforts. Spain is also key, especially with our regular participation in FITUR (in Spain), MICE trade shows like FIEXPO or ibtm Americas in Mexico or IMEX Vegas, and roadshows across multiple cities. In each market, we tailor our efforts based on sectoral interest, medical and academic associations in Spain, business and trade events in the US, and a growing presence in Colombia for sustainability-focused events. We work closely with airlines and international wholesalers to improve air connectivity and reach.

As a newly appointed Secretary of Tourism and Identity for the State of Guanajuato with a background in innovation and neuromarketing, what is your strategic focus for the years ahead?

My focus is to consolidate Guanajuato as a leading MICE destination through inclusive governance and innovation. That means involving every stakeholder, from communities to government to industry leaders. It also means adopting practical technologies, like real-time hybrid meeting platforms and VR site inspections, to improve event planning and reach. But above all, it is about ensuring that tourism leaves a positive and measurable legacy for our people.

 

During the FIEXPO Gala Dinner, Lupita Robles was honoured with the prestigious FIEXPO Award 2025 for Outstanding Destination Management. This recognition reaffirms Guanajuato’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and identity-driven tourism and meetings industry, ensuring that both tourists and business travellers enjoy meaningful experiences across the state.
 

 

 

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Published by Meeting Media Company, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Since its founding in 1963, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has kept tabs on and formed connections between top meeting venues and host cities around the world. And once again, Montréal ranks first in international association meetings in North America. This is their ninth consecutive year ranked as #1.

The city’s unique blend of innovation and joie de vivre outpaced other leading cities like Toronto, Boston, Chicago and Miami. Over the course of 2024, 70 international associations chose Montréal, filling the calendar at venues like the trend-setting Palais des congrès de Montréal, the city’s universities and other unique and innovative event spaces. Those events brought thousands of attendees who experienced Montréal’s cozy hotels and patented hospitality.

Nine years of excellence

At a moment when the tourism industry is surpassing its numbers year over year, Montréal is confirming its place as a leading figure in North America based on the total number of events held. Montréal ranked #28 globally and reinforced its strength in tech-related meetings. 

“Our highly engaged scientific community dedicated to hosting meetings makes a huge difference in key economic sectors like life sciences, engineering, AI and clean technology,” says Martine Laberge, Director of Sales, Business Events Montréal.

This resounding success is the result of the close collaboration between Tourisme Montréal and the Palais des congrès de Montréal as well as the common vision shared by all of the city’s stakeholders. Thanks to their dynamism, their know-how and their dedication to service excellence, these teams have contributed to hosting around 25 major events such as the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Connect 2025 with 5,000 delegates, the Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research’s ISPOR 2025 with 5,000 delegates, and the 2025 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Convention with 4,000 delegates.
 

© Eva Blue - Tourisme Montréal

A city that works for you

Why did Montréal continue to rank so high once again? Because of invested partners like Business Events Montréal and a whole network of stakeholders across the city that works collaboratively to maintain Montréal’s status as one of the top cities in the world for meetings and events. The network includes the convention centre, hotel partners and a few other suppliers. They are called Team Montréal!

The Montréal advantage 

Montréal is proud to lead the pack when it comes to international meetings in North America, and there’s a few local advantages that make our city unlike any other that we’d like to make a little noise about. 

• Montréal is a student city, ranking as the best city in North America for students for 10 years running
• Montréal is more accessible than ever, with direct flights from more and more cities in the USA and Europe
• Montréal leads the way in science and technology, setting new standards of excellence and invention in fields like artificial intelligence, engineering and the life sciences on the international stage
• Montréal is an award-winning city, ranking at the top of countless international lists for everything from safety to culture to general appeal

Come and see what all the fuss is about. 
 

Published by Meeting Media Group, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.

Manta, a coastal city on Ecuador's Pacific shore, is gaining recognition as a promising destination for meetings and events. Located in the province of Manabí, Manta is known for its fishing industry and natural beauty, making it an appealing option for regional and international event planners. The Wyndham Sail Plaza Manta Hotel and Convention Center, in collaboration with the Manta Convention Bureau and local government, is at the forefront of positioning Manta for MICE. At FIEXPO 2024, Angelo Renato Teran Ratti, Commercial Director of the Sail Plaza, shared insights with HQ about how Manta is developing into an emerging destination for business events. Part of Ecuador's delegation, Manta also celebrated a win when Ecuador was awarded Best Stand at FIEXPO 2024.
 

For our readers who may not be familiar with Manta, Ecuador, can you tell us more about your city. What makes Manta an exciting destination to know about?

“I am certain that food is always the best way to connect with the culture of a destination. Through local ingredients, we get to experience the nature, colours and traditions of the place and the people around it”.

"I am proud that the Aray-Ratti Group invested in their home city with a facility as significant as the Sail Plaza, giving Manta a chance to shine on national and international stages. The events hosted here not only belong to the hotel but also to the people of Manta."

Teyuna - The Lost City or Ciudad Perdida

Santa Marta, located on the northern coast of Colombia, is an exciting destination for meetings and events, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world. With its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and expanding infrastructure, Santa Marta offers a distinctive blend of business and bleisure opportunities that sets it apart from established destinations.

Sara’s enthusiasm for her city is rooted in its unique natural beauty and cultural significance. Santa Marta, after all, is the first Spanish settlement in Colombia and the final resting place of Simón Bolívar, the country’s renowned liberator. But beyond its historical significance, what truly differentiates Santa Marta is its surrounding environment. “Santa Marta boasts a diverse agriculture, fishing, and tourism economy. Its seaport serves as a vital gateway for regional commerce. The city is also surrounded by two national parks – the Tayrona National Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – as well as a vast coastal lagoon, the Ciénaga Grande, that mirrors the sky and shelters stilt villages,” Sara shared, underlining the city’s extraordinary natural assets.

At FIEXPO 2023 in Panama City, Promtur Panama, in collaboration with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), announced the Panama Association Hub (PAH) launch. As the first Association Hub in Latin America, Panama joined the prestigious ranks of Washington, Brussels, Dubai and Singapore. In April 2024, ICCA further strengthened its commitment to the region by opening a new regional office within the PAH, underlining Panama’s strategic role. In July 2024, during the last FIEXPO to be hosted in Panama before the trade show moves to Costa Rica in 2025, HQ’s Deputy Editor, Jesús Guerrero Chacón, spoke with Francisco Pinedo, Business Development Manager at Promtur Panama, to discuss the Hub’s progress and its goals to promote economic growth, strengthen local businesses, increase foreign investment and create a robust platform for international conferences and events.

The road to creating the Panama Association Hub began four years ago. Panama carefully designed a strategy to develop an incentive plan that would allow the country to compete with other destinations in the region. Since 2021, Panama has focused on attracting international events, associations and incentives. “We became ICCA’s Association Partner in 2022, aligning ourselves with the Latin American and ICCA community,” explained Pinedo. The following year saw the launch of the Association Leaders Programme, an ambitious initiative designed to help local associations professionally organise events, something they had previously done more informally.

At FIEXPO 2024 in Panama City, HQ's Jesús Guerrero Chacón sat down with Catalina García Sterling (below), Executive Director of the Cali Valle Convention Bureau (Colombia), to discuss the bureau's ambitious plans to position Cali as a world-class destination for medical congresses. Through a newly established partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Cali has set its sights on becoming a key player in the global medical and wellness business. In this interview, Catalina explains how this collaboration aims to attract major international events and raise the region’s status in the medical field.

Cali, located in the Valle del Cauca region, is a dynamic city that blends culture, biodiversity, and innovation. Known globally as the ‘World Capital of Salsa,’ Cali is also the only South American city in the exclusive Food Capitals by the Délice Network, which celebrates its culinary excellence. Beyond its rich cultural scene, Valle del Cauca offers unparalleled biodiversity, from the Pacific coast to the Andes, providing unique landscapes that appeal to leisure and business travellers.

“Being a member of ICCA elevates our global standing and connects us with a vast network of industry leaders, opening doors to significant opportunities for Cali. It’s a strategic step towards positioning our region as a premier destination for international events.”

 

  

Tara Miller, Destination DC, Nina Albert, Acting Deputy Mayor, Cattleya Wongkongkatap, The George Washington University, Chris Molivadas, JLL, Jacie Roberts Lallis, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Gil Wernovsky, MD, Children's National Hospital, Andrew Wolf, MD, Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Elliott L. Ferguson, Destination DC, Melissa Riley, Destination DC

Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for the nation’s capital, today announced its inaugural Ambassador Circle Award recipients. Honorees include some of the leading medical experts in the region, and one of the city’s leading venues. 

The awards recognise distinguished leaders, innovators and researchers who position Washington, DC as a premier destination for global excellence and innovation. These ambassadors have helped to attract and shape prestigious international conferences, meetings and business events in the greater Washington, DC region with an impact of $51 million (includes forecast for meetings booked through 2029). The recipients were recognised during a luncheon at the Riggs Hotel in downtown Washington.  

“We know how important it is to compete for global market share and in doing so, we rely on the advocacy and intellectual capital of our Ambassador Circle members who champion the city as a destination for meetings and events,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC. “By engaging the academic community, medical community, universities and research centers to attract investments in innovative and knowledge sectors, we’re able to sustain our city’s reputation for advocacy, excellence and global standing. These ambassadors help connect Destination DC to the networks for their organisations and associations. The result is more international conferences in the nation’s capital, significantly impacting the local economy.” 

Founded in 2010, the Ambassador Circle programme partners with local experts, top innovators, researchers and scholars in a variety of sectors (medical, biotech/pharma, technology, sustainability, education, transportation, financial and tech) to target international meetings. The network is a noteworthy group of professionals in the region who are experts in their respective fields and share a common goal of showcasing the city as a business hub for the international community.   

"We are grateful to have a strong network of private and public partners who are championing DC as a great place to visit and do business,” said Nina Albert, Acting Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. “Together, we will tell our story about why there’s Only One DC and ensure we continue to build a vibrant and diverse economic ecosystem here in the District.”
 
The 2024 awards and awardees: 

• Business Attraction Ambassador Award

Awarded in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Recognises the contributions and support of an ambassador for the District’s business attraction, retention, and expansion activities. Serves as a champion for promoting DC as a place to do business.

- JLL 

• Partner Award

Recognises a DDC member business (or team of businesses) that has leveraged resources, reach and credibility to support international meetings sales and attract visitation to DC from around the world.

- Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center  

• Impact Award

Recognises an ambassador leading a bid or program associated with a recent or upcoming conference that will have a positive economic and social impact on the city.

- Andrew B. Wolff, MD | Orthopedic Surgeon | Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Chairman of the Annual Scientific Meeting for ISHA-The International Hip Preservation Society 

• Connector Award

Recognises an individual in the community who eagerly helps DDC make connections through their existing networks. A champion of DDC’s work and a steadfast supporter of the Ambassador Circle program.  

- Cattleya Wongkongkatap, CMP, M.B.A. | Director, University Events | The George Washington University 

• Leadership Award

Recognises an ambassador who has demonstrated outstanding guidance, strategic vision and impactful leadership in the organisation of a conference. 

- Mitchell Cohen, MD, FACC, FHRS | Co-Director of the Heart Center and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology | Inova Children's Hospital Clinical Professor of Pediatrics | University of Virginia School of Medicine Chair Scientific Committee, 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery 

• Ambassador of the Year

Recognises an ambassador who has excelled in chairing a major conference and passionately represented our destination, significantly enhancing its profile and appeal. 

- Gil Wernovsky, MD, FAAP, FACC | Cardiac Critical Care Physician and Pediatric Cardiologist | Children’s National Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics | George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Co-Chair, 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery 

About Destination DC: Destination DC, the official destination marketing organisation for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organisation committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. 

© The Wharf DC | Washington DC

Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, DC, provided an update on the benefits of meeting in DC and the organisation’s convention sales and services strategies to attract events of all sizes to the nation’s capital.

“As we compete globally to attract meetings and events, we are investing in our marketing and sales through the Only One DC campaign. It highlights resources for meeting strategists only available in the nation’s capital to draw events of all sizes that leave a lasting impact on the local economy,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO, DDC (photo below).

Meetings and events play a critical role in bringing economic impact to Washington, DC. In 2024, there are an estimated 510,806 total room nights stemming from convention centre business, with an estimated 273,178 total room nights from non-convention centre business.

“Washington, DC is the only destination where planners can leverage intellectual capital and access leaders and policymakers,” said Melissa A. Riley, senior vice president, convention sales and services. “To drive growth, we're prioritising large and small meetings, as well as international meetings that make a significant global impact in Washington, DC. We’re excited to leverage our new BestCities Global Alliance partnership and invest in new markets including the UK, Mexico and Canada.”

Washington, DC Sustainability 

• Washington, DC is the first city in the world to achieve the Platinum level LEED for Cities certification. 
• At the COP28 Local Climate Action Summit in Dubai, Mayor Bowser released Carbon Free DC, the District’s comprehensive strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. 
• Major city upgrades include modernised LED streetlights as part of DC’s Smart Cities initiative. 
• The Walter E. Washington Convention Center has achieved LEED Gold certification.  
• Sustainable transit is a focus. The city’s first electric buses have been activated and Metrorail Silver Line connects Washington Dulles International Airport to downtown DC. 
• More than 40 associations, policy groups and advocacy organisations in the metro area focus on sustainability. 
   

DDC Sustainability 

• In December, DDC released the 2024 DEI Business Fellows that includes businesses focused on convention services.  
• DDC launched the Sustainability District so meeting and event planners and attendees can easily find sustainability initiatives at local hotels, restaurants and convention services.  
• In September, DDC received the Innovation Award and recognised for its DEI Business Fellowship program by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement. 
• Learn more about incorporating sustainability, from green hotels and eco-friendly attractions to climate and energy experts at washington.org/meetings.  

Walter E. Washington Convention Center 

• In October, the convention centre received the Silver Stella Award for being the best convention centre in the Northeast region by Northstar Meetings Group. 
• In November, the convention centre was awarded Best Customer Service by Exhibitor Magazine. 
• Exterior streetscape renovation includes new retail, and an interior redesign has added furnishings adjustable for flexible seating arrangements in the lounge area.  

Courtesy of DC Destination

Adding New Hotels and Venues: 

There are 19 new hotels or renovations in the pipeline, adding over 3,506 new or renovated rooms. 

• The 234-room Washington Marriott Capitol Hill is just over one mile from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and steps from Union Station, DC’s Amtrak hub. It features 13,000 sq. feet of intimate meeting space. 
• The modern, glass-façade Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill (opened September 2023) has 274 large guest rooms, 11,000 sq. feet of event space including a penthouse conference centre with a wraparound terrace, and an onsite French bistro. The hotel will be LEED Gold certified and includes a green-vegetated roof. 
• The new 445-room Arlo Hotel will incorporate a residential building constructed in the 1880s. Opening in September, the 445-room hotel will include a 12-story addition, a fitness centre, a signature restaurant and bar, rooftop pool and lounge and indoor/outdoor event space. 
• Rebranded and renovated hotels include the Salamander Washington DC, the new Westin Downtown, the Marriott Metro Center and the Capital Hilton. 

New Venues and Event Space: 

• The National Museum of Women in the Arts (photo below) opened Oct. 21, 2023. The world’s only major museum solely dedicated to championing women artists completed a two-year, $67.5 million renovation. The building's Great Hall – a popular event venue with sweeping staircases and golden chandeliers – has been preserved. 
• The Folger Shakespeare Theater’s 1932 building is undergoing a major renovation to expand public space and improve accessibility. Opening in April, the project adds a 12,000-square-foot public pavilion under the Folger’s front lawn with two accessible entry plazas. 
• The White House Historical Association has announced plans for “The People’s House: A White House Experience,” a 33,000-square-foot, three story educational experience including a Rose Garden replica and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. Opening fall 2024.  

Courtesy of The National Museum of Women in the Arts

Vitamin DC – A wealth of health experiences in Washington, DC 

• Balancing meetings with wellness is easy in DC with over 40 hotels downtown that are central to green spaces on the National Mall andbeyond. 
• Jogging or walking from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial is a bucket-list experience.  
• Electric and non-electric bicycles and scooters offer options for exploring the monuments and memorials or for riding along the Potomac River with views of Georgetown.  
• DC’s hotels are rethinking fitness areas and offering greater wellness amenities and activations for meeting breakouts. 
• Many of DC’s free museums are a short walk from the convention centre and allow for a quick culture escape. 
• Restaurants feature locally sourced menus, plant-based dishes and mocktails.  
• DDC can help customize wellness activities like morning meditation and yoga on the National Mall. 

Ottawa Tourism welcomes the National Tour Association’s (NTA) decision to host their 2025 Travel Exchange in Ottawa.

Travel Exchange is NTA’s annual convention, during which global travel professionals meet under one roof to share ideas and form partnerships. A premier yearly industry event, Travel Exchange features today’s most sought-after experiences from every U.S. state, Canadian province and 30+ countries worldwide as well as an unmatched educational programme which is aimed to skill-up the industry to meet consumer demand.

This event will be an opportunity to showcase Ottawa’s tourism industry to hundreds of travel professionals from North America and across the world. Ottawa Tourism is eager to showcase Canada’s capital city’s unique blend of sightseeing, culture, outdoor beauty, altogether in a relaxed urban atmosphere that make Ottawa a perfect destination for tour operators, student tour operators, travel agents and travel professionals who wish to plan memorable travel experiences for their clients.

Ottawa Tourism Achieves Rainbow Registered Accreditation

“We look forward to be hosting the NTA’s 2025 conference and believe it will be instrumental in bolstering a new era of growth for our visitor economy. This will be a perfect opportunity for our hotels, restaurants and attractions operators to draw in more visitors for years to come through relationships with travel trade professionals,” says Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. “Not only is this great for visibility, but having industry leaders from all corners of the world will also bring great minds together in our community to innovate and generate sustainable growth for our industry.”

“Many of us fell in love with Ottawa when the NTA Board of Directors met there in 2018,” says Catherine Prather, NTA President. “The city is alive with attractions, wonderful food and a rich culture and heritage, and the warmth of the people will make our attendees feel welcomed. We can’t wait to gather the NTA community for Travel Exchange ’25 in Ottawa.”

About Ottawa Tourism

Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Before the pandemic, the industry welcomed an estimated 11 million visitors annually and generated $3 billion in economic output.

Promtur Panama launched the Panama Association Hub (PAH), a pioneering project in the region, which seeks to attract international associations and organisations to establish their offices and operations in the country.

From Wednesday until Friday, the Argentine city of Santiago del Estero is hosting a new international edition of Smart City Expo.

The event on urban innovation will bring together nearly 80 speakers and more than 150 companies, governments and institutions that will highlight the role of the knowledge economy in transforming cities.

Organised by Fira de Barcelona and hosted by the Government of the Province of Santiago del Estero, the event, which will be held at the Nodo Tecnológico venue, will once again be the benchmark space for exchange and debate in the country and in the Southern Cone region on urban development and transformation, positioning itself as a platform for knowledge, work and collaboration for the future of communities.

Thus, and under the slogan "Knowledge Economy for Social Transformation", the second edition of Smart City Expo Santiago del Estero aims to promote initiatives that accelerate the transition towards smart, productive, sustainable and people-centred urban and rural districts throughout Argentina.

To make this possible, the central axis of the event will be the congress, which has scheduled twenty sessions to share experiences, ideas and good practices around six themes: Sustainable Communities, Communities that Care, Communities that Innovate, Communities that Produce Sustainably, Participatory Communities and Communities that Educate in the Present and for the Future.

Nearly 80 experts will take part, including Guillermo Peñalosa, president and founder of 8 80 Cities, a Canadian-based organisation that promotes urban transformation and sustainable mobility projects as a means to build healthier societies and more equitable communities.

A meeting point for innovation

The exhibition area will feature companies, organisations and governments exhibiting smart solutions that have already been successfully implemented. These include companies such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, Arsat, Aws, Fortinet, Toyota, NEC and YPF. In addition, institutions such as World Bank and UN Habitat will develop parallel training activities.

The show will also host the Norte Grande regional council, which brings together government representatives from the North West and North East provinces of Argentina in order to address strategic issues of common interest for the two territories.

Fira de Barcelona, a global brand