HQ #123 / Decisions that Stand, Events that Deliver!

At a time when the business events industry is navigating growing complexity and constant change, HQ #123 takes a closer look at how destinations and organisations are redefining themselves through identity, governance and long-term impact. Together, these narratives highlight the growing importance of authenticity, trust and local culture in creating business events that truly resonate.

The edition is grounded in real conversations with associations such as the European Risk Management Council and Alzheimer’s Disease International, reflecting on how events continue to play a critical role in knowledge exchange, advocacy and community-building in an increasingly demanding environment.

Throughout the issue, contributors explore how operational excellence, sustainability and intelligent governance are becoming everyday practices rather than abstract ambitions. Insights from the latest Destinations International report offer a valuable snapshot of how destination leadership is evolving, while an in-depth conversation with The DNA of Cities unpacks how a city’s intrinsic character — its “DNA” — shapes decision-making, placemaking and resilience over time.

The storytelling is further enriched by destination perspectives that show strategy in motion. Prague shares its Unconventional Conventions approach, while a Vancouver-focused report sets the starting point for a broader conversation on innovation and technology across cities within the BestCities Global Alliance. Complementing these features, the issue includes live reports from ICCA and Guadalajara, capturing real-time insights from global forums and on-the-ground discussions shaping the international meetings landscape.

Discover HQ #123, an edition shaped by insight, place and perspective — and by the people reimagining the future of business events.