CityDNA Summer School Celebrates 40 Years of Developing Future Industry Leaders

The CityDNA Summer School will celebrate its 40th anniversary this August, marking four decades as one of Europe's longest-running professional development programmes for the business events industry. Taking place in Dijon, France, from 24–28 August 2026, the milestone edition will once again bring together emerging professionals from across the meetings sector to build knowledge, expand networks and prepare for leadership roles.

Since its launch in 1987, more than 2,200 participants have completed the programme, with many progressing to senior positions within convention bureaux, destination management organisations, venues, agencies and industry associations. Over the years, the Summer School has established itself as a key talent development initiative, reinforcing CityDNA's commitment to strengthening destinations by investing in people.

"The CityDNA Summer School has never been just about transferring knowledge," says Barbara Jamison-Woods, President of City Destinations Alliance. "It is about helping people find their place within the business events industry. Over the years, we have seen participants become managers, directors, faculty members and mentors themselves. The 40th edition is a celebration of that legacy, but also a commitment to the future.""
 

Addressing the industry's talent challenge

As destinations and organisations continue to face recruitment and retention challenges, programmes that support early-career professionals have become increasingly important. The CityDNA Summer School aims to equip participants with both technical expertise and the leadership skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving meetings landscape.

The 2026 curriculum will explore key topics shaping the future of business events, including destination bidding, stakeholder engagement, sustainability, legacy, equity, diversity and inclusion, association and corporate clients, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The programme combines workshops, case studies, collaborative challenges and mentoring from experienced industry professionals.
 

Learning from industry experts

The anniversary edition will be led by Dennis Speet (Amsterdam Convention Bureau) and supported by a faculty drawn from across the international meetings ecosystem, including representatives from IMEX Group, IAPCO, The Iceberg, convention bureaux, destination organisations and event technology specialists.

A defining feature of the Summer School remains its volunteer faculty, whose members contribute their expertise while mentoring the next generation of professionals. Several faculty members are themselves former Summer School participants, highlighting the programme's long-term impact on career development and industry collaboration.

This commitment to mentorship was recognised during IMEX Frankfurt 2026, where the CityDNA Summer School Award was jointly presented to current Course Director Dennis Speet and former Course Director Pier Paolo Mariotti for their outstanding contribution to the programme.

"Receiving this award is both a great honour and a very emotional moment," says Speet. "Having first experienced the Summer School as a faculty member for many years before becoming Course Director, I have seen firsthand the impact this programme can have on new professionals entering the industry. Being part of that journey, and helping shape future talent together with such a dedicated community, has been incredibly rewarding."

Dijon hosts the landmark edition

The choice of Dijon as host city carries symbolic significance, as it is home to the CityDNA headquarters. Hosted by Dijon Bourgogne Tourisme & Congrès, the programme will take place at the Green Key-certified Mercure Dijon Centre Clémenceau, reflecting CityDNA's continued focus on sustainability alongside professional development.

As the Summer School reaches its 40th edition, its mission remains unchanged: helping emerging professionals build successful careers while strengthening destinations and the wider business events community. Places for the 2026 programme are limited to maintain an interactive learning environment. For more information and registration, visit the website.
 

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