BestCities Global Alliance has finalised the programme for the 2025 Global Forum, which will take place January 24–26, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland.
BestCities’ flagship event is attended by industry thought leaders, international associations, and destinations that are members of BestCities, as well as meeting planners from any discipline who arrange large international events that rotate around the world.
The 2025 Global Forum will explore technological and social advancements supporting a better world through the theme “Creative Collaborations: Innovating for Greater Communities.” Topics will cover AI and the ways artificial agents are revolutionising business, community building through sport, and more. Associations will also be able to discuss challenges they face with association peers. Networking opportunities are woven through explorations of Dublin, with attendees invited to visit EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum, pull a pint at the Guinness Storehouse, and marvel at ancient manuscripts at Trinity College’s Old Library.
Global Forum speakers represent some of the best and brightest minds in Ireland, including:
- Barry Rogers, head of the Dublin City Tourism Unit, will stage a 10-minute, TED Talk-style overview of Dublin and its collaborations with city stakeholders.
- Adam Harris, founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, will talk about how public and private sector organisations and communities can become more inclusive and accessible.
- Mark Kelly, founder of AI Ireland and the AI Awards, will lead attendees through a crash course on AI – from its origins to its transformative role and ways we can work alongside AI to make our lives easier.
- Joanne O’Riordan, one of seven people in the world living with the rare physical disability Total Amelia, will share her experience living without any of her limbs.
- Jonathan Healy, founder of Healy Communications, will discuss ways to capture media and public attention.
- MaryRose Lyons, founder of the AI Institute, will share ways to use AI to boost efficiency, maximise ROI, and elevate the attendee experience.
Named the 2024 European Capital of Smart Tourism, Dublin offers international associations and professional conference organisers a sustainable, forward-thinking centre that has hosted some of the world’s most prestigious meetings. Attendees can collaborate at atmospheric venues like Croke Park, Europe’s third-largest stadium and home to the Gaelic Games; The Convention Centre Dublin, the world’s first carbon-neutral convention centre renowned for state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional service; or along the Silicon Docks, where leading technology and financial services companies have set up their European headquarters.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Global Forum to Dublin for what promises to be an illuminating, education-packed event,” said Loren Christie, Managing Director, BestCities Global Alliance. “We have an inspiring lineup of speakers, some sharing their personal stories and learnings with attendees, others offering insights into new technologies that promise to advance the meetings industry. The schedule and meaningful explorations of Irish traditions and culture make this a Global Forum not to be missed.”
“We are so excited to host the Global Forum in Dublin. The programme we have designed showcases current topics in our industry today, provided through the experiences of local experts who present a global viewpoint,” said Sam Johnston, Manager of Dublin Convention Bureau. “While focusing on learning and connections, we will also ensure our unique culture and ‘craic’ are abundant so each day of the Global Forum is fun and educational for our guests whilst supporting local and global communities.”
Apply here for the 2025 BestCities Global Forum in Dublin.
About BestCities Global Alliance
BestCities Global Alliance is an international network of leading convention destinations around the globe. They are distinguished by the members’ convention offices’ commitment to offering special service standards. Members include Berlin, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Dublin, Guadalajara, Houston, Madrid, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo, Vancouver, and Washington DC. By working together, BestCities adds a unique value to its member cities. This ‘Alliance thinking’ brings creative client solutions no individual partner city could deliver on their own and helps BestCities’ members achieve their objectives better than they could alone.
