BestCities Global Alliance and ICCA have unveiled three finalists of the 2024 Incredible Impacts Programme – International Hip Preservation Society (ISHA), European Academy of Childhood Disability (EACD), and World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The three will compete for a US$20,000 grant at the upcoming ICCA Congress in Abu Dhabi this month.
Following a presentation of their entry, the three associations will await voting by Congress attendees. Voting results and the final score evenly weighted between jury and audience will determine the winner.
The three finalists share a common goal of achieving equity for people everywhere
In a press release introducing the finalists, BestCities and ICCA said all three share a common goal of achieving equity for people everywhere.
ISHA’s 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting served as a catalyst for its expansion across Africa, with a key objective of building hip preservation hubs that are accessible to patients across the continent – regardless of class, age or gender.
EACD developed the EACD+ programme to improve quality of life for people with a childhood-onset disability by expanding their access to sports, culture and technology. Following the success of EACD2024 in Bruges, Belgium, EACD sought to expand the programme to future host destinations, and created an Impact Creation Task Force that raises awareness of the needs and rights of people with childhood-onset disabilities and advocates for more inclusive policy making throughout Europe.
WAN-IFRA initiated the Copenhagen Criteria project in 2024 to identify news values that will help news organisations better appeal to younger audiences. The association intends to advance the Copenhagen Criteria at the World News Media Congress in Krakow, Poland in 2025, including other marginalised groups, such as women and immigrants, to ensure diverse voices contribute to the conversation about news consumption.
The Incredible Impacts Programme celebrates the value of international association meetings by rewarding innovative thinking and creativity across the industry. Programme finalists demonstrate proven impact in shaping a better world, inspiring others to incorporate their own legacy initiatives into future events.
Udon Thani is positioning itself as a future regional hub for business events, thanks to significant infrastructure developments ahead of the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026. The expo, which will run across five months under the theme, Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water & Plants for Sustainable Living, is set to attract millions of visitors.
At the 164.8-hectare expo site, a large exhibition area is being constructed. It consists of a main hall and convention centre. The site also features an Isan local life display zone with an Isan village and Isan cultural centre to showcase local edible plants.
Infrastructure development to support the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 will result in useful facilities for the local people
Expansive garden areas are being developed, featuring a commemorative building, themed and agricultural gardens, an international garden, and a glasshouse with indoor displays.
In the 85-hectare eastern zone, a wetland conservation forest, restoration garden, and wetland learning centre focused on carbon offsetting will be established.
According to Sakda Katwkaew, deputy CEO of the Udon Thani Provincial Administrative Organization, the province is set to benefit from several of these structures well beyond the expo.
“The three main buildings are part of the legacy plan – the main hall will become a convention centre and the commemorative building will be transformed into the GMS Museum and Royal Museum. The Isan cultural centre and wetland learning centre will also remain, while the rest of the area will be transformed into public parking,” he said.
Complementing the expo’s development, Udon Thani has opened Thailand’s first MICE Electrician Testing Center at the Udonthani Vocational College. The centre recently launched the country’s inaugural MICE Electrician Certification Exam, marking a milestone for Thailand’s business events industry. This initiative is expected to boost the number of skilled, internationally certified Thai electricians, enhancing the country’s ability to attract more global events.
NatureBoss, a sustainability-focused event planning service based in Australia, has seen “overwhelmingly positive” interest from planners who want to integrate sustainability and wellness into their corporate events since its launch last year.
Matthew Boyd, CEO of NatureBoss, said the rise of such requests was “tied to a broader events sector shift toward environmental responsibility and employee well-being”.
NatureBoss connects companies and conference delegates with eco-conscious tourism providers
“Businesses are more conscious of their impact and want to reflect that in the events they host,” he elaborated.
One popular activity is Conservation Day, which takes participants to engage in tree planting, habitat restoration, and clean-up efforts. It promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and personal growth, while fostering a deeper connection with nature and contributing to long-term ecological well-being.
Other popular requests include Sustainable Culinary Experiences, which involve sourcing local organic ingredients, minimising food waste, and offering plant-based or low-impact menus; and teambuilding activities that align with sustainability, like eco-volunteering or conservation projects.
On why NatureBoss was created, Boyd said: “I noticed that while there were many great eco-tourism providers, there wasn’t a streamlined way for event planners – especially in the MICE industry – to easily find and book sustainable options.”
What sets the company apart from other providers in the market, he stressed, is its network of more than 350 environmental partners and conservation experiences across Australia, combined with a focus on sustainability reporting.
He said: “We don’t just provide tourism options – we actively curate experiences that align with a company’s sustainability goals and values. NatureBoss acts as both a connector and consultant, ensuring that each event not only meets business objectives, but also leaves a positive environmental impact.”
NatureBoss operates on a commission-based model, earning a percentage from its tourism partners for each successful booking they facilitate. Another revenue stream for the company is its consultancy services to event organisers looking to integrate sustainability into their broader event strategies.
Boyd aims for the company to become the “go-to partner for sustainable corporate events across Australia” and plans on expanding the company’s provider network into New Zealand and South-east Asia.
“We’re seeing strong demand from neighbouring countries, so a regional expansion is definitely on the horizon,” he added.
For now, Boyd’s immediate focus will be NatureBoss’ upcoming partnership with local conservation groups to offer “impact retreats”, which will “give groups the chance to both unwind and actively contribute to environmental restoration projects during their events”.
Yokohama, a city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, has developed a business events and tourism strategy for 2030, where the plan is to attract more visitors by highlighting the city’s cultural, natural, and historical assets.
Yokohama’s initial focus is to enhance its appeal as a destination by developing more attractions and experiences centred around the city’s waterfront, port, cultural arts, and event calendar. This approach aims to increase visitor satisfaction and encourage repeat visits.
Local businesses and citizens are encouraged to help create an urban resort that appeals to a global audience; Yokohama pictured
Next, Yokohama intends to continue attracting major international conferences and medical conventions. Alongside these efforts, the city plans to invigorate the local economy by engaging local companies, DMCs and residents to promote the sustainable growth and development of business events and tourism in the area.
The plan will also prioritise the development of human resources that will support the growth of business events and tourism services. Additionally, the city will foster partnerships with businesses, research institutions, startups, and industry clusters that can contribute to the business events sector.
Building on this strategy, the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau has introduced eight new tours specifically designed to cater to the preferences of convention attendees. These tours were developed based on a survey indicating that visitors are particularly interested in Yokohama’s cultural attractions, sightseeing spots, and local cuisine.
Tours include bar-hopping in Yokohama’s dining district; a wellness experience at a Zen temple; a seafront walk along the Port of Yokohama; and an introduction to the city’s design and architecture at sites including the Red Brick Warehouse and Yokohama Landmark Tower.
Singapore, Tokyo, and Bangkok have emerged as top destinations for corporate meetings and events in Asia-Pacific for 2025, according to a new report by American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).
The other two destinations that made the top five rankings are Hong Kong and Sydney.
The 2025 Forecast reflects notable shifts in each region, where changes in the rankings are largely influenced by accessibility, corporate demand, and cost efficiencies.
American Express Global Business Travel 2025 Forecast lists Singapore (pictured) as the top-most favourite destination for meetings in Asia-Pacific
For North America, the top five destinations are New York, Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas and Dallas. New York has overtaken Las Vegas as the top destination, while Miami and Dallas entered the top five for the first time, replacing Los Angeles and Toronto.
In Latin America, Cancun surged to the top, driven by accessibility and all-inclusive options, followed by Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Costa Rica, and Sao Paulo.
Over in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), the top destinations for corporate meetings are London, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, and Berlin. London remains the dominant city in EMEA, with Madrid rising to second place, overtaking Barcelona.
Gerardo Tejado, senior vice president of professional services at Amex GBT, commented: “The Asia-Pacific region continues to be a dynamic hub for corporate events. Its combination of accessibility, diverse offerings, and cultural experiences makes it an attractive choice for businesses seeking to make a lasting impression.”
The World Research Travel Organization (WRTO) has chosen Penang, Malaysia as the host city for its World Research Travel Conference 2024.
Scheduled for November 3 to 7 at Setia SPICE Convention Centre, the event will bring together global experts, educators, and industry leaders to explore the future of research travel, a rapidly growing field that combines education and travel for enriching experiences.
World Research Travel Organization takes its global conference to Penang
Research travel allows families to combine travel with educational experiences, and is gaining rapid traction worldwide. The World Research Travel Conference 2024 will delve into this market’s potential, highlighting its educational value and catering to diverse learning needs.
The conference will emphasise collaboration between different sectors to create a more efficient and sustainable research travel ecosystem. Discussions will focus on integrating resources for the industry’s long-term growth, while promoting environmentally responsible and socially conscious travel practices.
This year’s conference holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. As a gesture of this enduring partnership, China will be the event’s guest country for the first time. This initiative aims to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations, fostering collaboration in tourism, education, youth engagement, and marine ecology.
South by Southwest Sydney (SXSW Sydney), a premier festival for creatives, will kick off this week from October 14 to 20, turning International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) into a bustling hub packed with more than 300 sessions led by over 1,000 world-class speakers as well as workshops, mentoring, networking events, and more.
The event will coincide with the SXSW Sydney Tech & Innovation Expo from October 16 to 19, showcasing groundbreaking new technologies from exhibitors such as Andromeda Robotics, B Lab, Charitabl, and more. Part of the Expo is the SXSW Sydney Pitch 2024, which will see 22 startup finalists compete live at the event in front of a prominent panel of judges.
International Convention Centre Sydney is ready for SXSW Sydney 2024
ICC Sydney will also host Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling UK sensation Jorja Smith when she brings her ‘falling or flying’ Australian tour to Sydney on October 15 for a performance as part of the SXSW Sydney Music Festival. In addition, headline film premieres and screen launches will take place each day in Darling Harbour as part of the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the positive impacts of SXSW Sydney continue to resonate with both trade and consumer audiences, promising even more opportunities for Sydney communities to discover exciting talent, explore inspiring ideas, and make meaningful new connections in 2024.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox credited ICC Sydney’s world-class infrastructure and its highly skilled event professionals for creating the perfect environment to showcase the Harbour City as a creative industries hub during SXSW Sydney 2024.
ICC Sydney general manager, Adam Mather-Brown said the venue’s well resourced team of passionate professionals were ready to welcome patrons of SXSW Sydney while making a difference for the community.
“Beyond providing an extraordinary experience for the diversity of SXSW Sydney visitors, we welcome the opportunity to collaborate on delivering a positive legacy for years to come – from the economic benefit across our dynamic city to environmental sustainability solutions and facilitating connections with First Nations Peoples and culture or our local, entrepreneurial and creative community – every area of our corporate social responsibility strategy is brought to the fore through SXSW Sydney,” Mather-Brown said.
SXSW Sydney chair and TEG group CEO, Geoff Jones, said: “TEG has partnered with ICC Sydney on the delivery of hundreds of events over the years. We are looking forward to again hosting SXSW Sydney in this world-class and state-of-the-art venue to showcase thought-provoking speakers, and the newest in games and entertainment from across the globe.”
TFE Hotels and New Zealand’s Heritage Hotels have entered a management agreement that will see five hotels in iconic business events destinations refurbished in the next two years.
Under the partnership, Heritage Hotels retains ownership while TFE Hotels will manage five properties, increasing their Auckland footprint from three to five hotels. These properties are the Adina Citylife Auckland, Rendezvous Heritage Auckland, Adina CityLife Wellington, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Christchurch, and Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown.
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
In a press release, TFE Hotels’ global sales officer, Shahnaz Bakhshay, shared the importance of Auckland as a target market for her company as well as her Wellington properties’ readiness to cater to delegates attending world-class events in the city. Bakhshay also remarked that Queenstown is “an ideal incentive destination”, and the company will be tapping into the “strong corporate conferencing, incentive, and weddings markets”.
According to Tourism New Zealand, the business events sector was worth NZ$403 million (IS$248.3 million) to the country in 2023, with business events attendees New Zealand’s fourth largest market by visitor spend. WellingtonNZ, the Regional Economic Development Agency, also showed that major events as a contributor to the local economy, with more than NZ$73 million in visitor spend injected into the region in the latest financial year.
TFE will add the new Rendezvous Heritage and Adina Citylife properties into its global Events with Benefits programme, allowing conference organisers and meetings bookers the chance to earn reward points across TFE’s growing network.
Given the expanded presence in New Zealand, TFE Hotels will also establish a country office in Auckland in the coming months.
There's more to just meetings. The varied wellness attractions in the vicinity of Korea's unique venues make it convenient and attractive to add a K-wellness experience to corporate events
There’s more to just meetings. The varied wellness attractions in the vicinity of Korea’s unique venues make it convenient and attractive to add a K-wellness experience to corporate events
From historical and culturally significant spots to contemporary facilities, Korea’s 52 unique venues offer a range of options for event planners.
For those looking to offer something different, consider infusing an element of wellness to business.
Ranked ninth globally by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), Korea’s wellness industry is a booming market. GWI describes wellness in Korea as “a blend of centuries-old traditions and modern science and technology, in an environment rich in natural resources.”
From Seoul to Jeju, event planners can consider these unique venues that create distinctive experiences for MICE visitors.
Korea’s only waterfront convention centre offers a sophisticated space in an iconic spot
As Korea’s only waterfront convention centre, the Floating Island Convention offers a unique and serene venue for events.
Comprising three man-made floating islands in Seoul’s main Hangang River, with a recognisable 13m high dome-shaped structure, the centre houses a 762m2 convention hall, and seven small and large banquet halls, ideal for international conferences, business meetings, and cultural gatherings.
For those seeking an exclusive and sophisticated setting, the medieval-inspired Villa de Noche provides a private balcony and can hold up to 300 people standing and 200 in banquet style. As evening falls, the building exterior transforms into a dazzling spectacle with LED lights creating a vibrant light show.
Address: Floating Island Convention 1 Island, Some Sevit 683, Olympic-daero, Secho-gu, Seoul
Key facility: Convention Hall (indoor), 1,500 persons (standing)
While in Seoul, combine the trip with a visit to the Lee Moon Won Korean Medicine Clinic, a clinic that specialises in professional scalp and hair treatment and care, for some rejuvenation. With over 20 years of research and development, the clinic’s unique plant-based treatments utilise natural ingredients sourced from across Korea.
A blend of tradition and modernity, the Gangneung Ojuk Hanok Village is located near meeting facilities and exhibition venues
Looking for a unique venue where Korean history and traditional culture can be appreciated?
Gangneung Ojuk Hanok Village offers a modern take on traditional hanok architecture, while designed to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Within a 5km radius, there are hotels with convention facilities, including Lakai Sandpine, Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo, Seamarq, St. John’s, as well as major exhibition and event venues (Gangneung Olympic Park, e-Zen), and the Gangneung Art Center. The nearby Gangneung Oval is also being transformed to host international conferences and meetings.
Plans are underway to transform the village into a cultural experience hub. There are now low cost carrier flights and a high speed train route to Gangneung, enhancing its appeal as a MICE and tourism destination.
For a wellness experience in Gangwon, consider a stay at Park Roche Resort & Wellness. Tucked away between lush valleys and mountains, the resort offers daily wellness programmes such as yoga, meditation, and pilates. It is also recognised as one of Korea’s Top 33 Wellness Tourism Spots.
Known as ‘Blue House located in the South’, Cheongnamdae used to be a retreat for former presidents. Meeting rooms can be rented out
Meaning ‘Blue House located in the South’, Cheongnamdae used to be a retreat for former presidents to vacation or work in the 1980s. In 2003, it was opened to the public.
Here, the surrounding water and lush scenery offers a tranquil retreat.
Inside the facility, there are various meeting rooms, an auditorium, conference rooms and halls, and a main porch with sweeping views of the natural surroundings.
A banquet for 200 guests can be hosted at the Presidential Memorial Guest House.
Key facility: Presidential Memorial Guest House (indoor), 200 persons
For some rejuvenation post-event, delegates can head to the Forest Resom Have9 Healing Spa, just a two-hour drive away, also in Chungcheongbuk Province. Situated in a mountainous area, it offers specialised programmes on Korean herbal therapy, aqua healing, and eco-healing.
The Secret Garden is ideal for corporate meetings, international conferences, events, and gala dinners
Within this curated park lies The Secret Garden, a sought-after venue for corporate meetings, international conferences, events, and gala dinners. The large grassy plaza can accommodate up to 300 guests for outdoor dinners, while a traditional octagonal pavilion, two waterfalls, and a pond add to the decorative nature theme of the venue. There is also an outdoor stage and garden with lighting for evening events, a catering area, and restrooms. Surrounded by a Jeju-style stone wall, the garden provides privacy and protection from strong winds, and canopy tents can be set up in case of rain.
Combine it with a trip to the nearby Hwansangsup Forest Gotjawal Park, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, creating a rare ecosystem where temperate and tropical plant species coexist. Within, the Damang Foot Bath Café provides individual foot baths sourced from underground springs, accompanied by herbal tea for a relaxing 30-minute therapy.
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore has appointed Kristy Lee as director of sales and marketing.
With over three decades of experience, Lee joins The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore from The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, where she led the sales and marketing teams for over 10 years.
Her extensive hospitality background includes her experience in a number of major international hotel groups such as The Langham, Hong Kong, Conrad International, and Shangri-La.
The newly-opened Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok anchors the One Bangkok development with cosmopolitan elegance. Featuring the city's largest ballroom and a spectacular new penthouse suite, it delivers exceptional hardware and deeply authentic, soulful service for business and leisure travellers alike
Behind the imposing, Brutalist concrete that defines Zurich’s Oerlikon district lies a surprising secret. While its exterior honours the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, stepping inside Mama Shelter reveals a vibrant, neon-soaked world that is a far cry from its rigid shell
A polished urban retreat designed for business travellers, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown combines thoughtful design, seamless service, and exceptional facilities.
Put wellness at the heart of your itinerary. 
Her extensive hospitality background includes her experience in a number of major international hotel groups such as The Langham, Hong Kong, Conrad International, and Shangri-La.
