World
Strategic differentiation: A tale of two cities Down Under
Iain Stirling takes on a sporting tour to Australia and finds two city teams at the top of their meeting game, albeit with two very different offers that encourage planners to think carefully about how to use and choose their ideal destination. When Tourism Australia extended an invitation to experience the Wallabies versus British & Irish Lions rugby union test match, with the added opportuni...
Fifth edition of AIPC Future Shapers programme underway
The 2025 AIPC Future Shapers programme has begun, bringing together another globally diverse group of emerging leaders in convention centre management. Over the next eight months, participants will engage in a high-impact leadership development programme combining expert-led masterclasses, collaborative industry challenges, and strategic business case presentations. The programme is designed to ac...
BCD M&E publishes 2026 trends guide for meetings and events
BCD Meetings & Events has released its ninth What’s Trending 2026 guide. It is sponsored by Minor Hotels and Hilton. The report sets out what will shape meetings and events next year, with global findings and regional detail to help planners adjust programmes, budgets and formats in practical ways. The guide says meetings are now treated as strategic spend. It also points to design trends such...
Travel brands face greenwashing backlash as travellers demand authenticity
More than half of travellers believe travel brands are guilty of greenwashing, according to a new report from THG Studios that highlights mounting scepticism around sustainability claims in the industry. The Manchester-based creative marketing agency’s white paper, “The Conscious Traveller”, found that 57% of consumers suspect travel companies of making misleading environmental c...
Helsinki’s Messukeskus renews energy efficiency commitment to 2035
Messukeskus (Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre) has signed a new energy efficiency agreement running from 2026 to 2035, committing to cut energy consumption by 10% from 2024 levels. The move supports the venue’s target of becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2030. The centre has participated in energy efficiency agreements since 2008. Solar panels on the venue’s roof currently generate 5...
Business events in New Zealand: Optimism, innovation, and opportunity in 2026
As New Zealand prepares to welcome the world to its new International Convention Centre in 2026, the country’s business events sector is brimming with fresh energy and ambition. With major infrastructure projects coming online, government backing at the highest levels, and a spirit of collaboration driving innovation, the industry is positioning itself as a global leader in delivering world-class ...
Case study: Sydney’s landmark hosting of the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis
A global forum advancing women’s health through science, collaboration, and world-class event delivery In May 2025, Sydney / Warrane welcomed over 1,100 delegates from more than 60 countries for the 16th World Congress on Endometriosis, a milestone event that underscored Australia’s leadership in women’s health and scientific innovation. Held at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydn...
Julie Coker talks tourism: Growth, sustainability, and New York’s global spotlight”
Julie Coker, recently appointed president and CEO of NYC Tourism + Conventions, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the travel and hospitality industry to one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Having held senior roles in Philadelphia, San Diego, and with Hyatt in Chicago, she now oversees the strategy for attracting visitors, driving business events, and ensuring New Y...
New Legends Global brand brings together Legends and ASM Global
Legends and ASM Global have officially united as Legends Global. The new brand claims it has created “the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands”. The new brand builds on Legends’ acquisition of ASM Global in August 2024. The services of Legends Global cover the entire lifecycle of venues and events: feasibility and consulting, owner’s representation, sales, partne...
Steen Jakobsen appointed new CEO of GainingEdge
Global tourism and business events industry consulting firm, GainingEdge has announced that Steen Jakobsen (pictured) will begin work as the company’s new CEO on 1 September, 2025. Jakobsen has more than 25 years of international experience in the global tourism and business events industry. He served as director of the Copenhagen Convention Bureau for 14 years, followed by 10 years as vice-presid...
Amex GBT cleared for CWT acquisition, after lawsuit dropped
American Express Global Business Travel will acquire rival CWT for $540m after the US Department of Justice dropped its antitrust lawsuit on 29 July. The deal values CWT at $30m less than the original March 2024 agreement. The DOJ had alleged the merger would create an oligopoly in business travel management services. The lawsuit was dismissed weeks before its September trial date, clearing the fi...
Global conference comes to Cambridge for 9th World Congress
Cambridge, UK hosted the ninth World Congress on Family Law & Children’s Rights from 27 – 30 July 2025. Over four days, the city welcomed 300 delegates from around the world to engage in critical discussions on advancing the rights of children, youth, women, and vulnerable families. The Congress is held every four years and has previously taken place in globally recognised cities including San...