BestCities Global Alliance announces new board chair: Dr Edward Koh, executive director of the Conventions, Meetings & Incentive Travel division of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau.

Edward Koh takes over the position from Kit Lykketoft, director of the Copenhagen Convention Bureau. During her two-year tenure as board chair, Kit Lykketoft oversaw the addition of two new partner cities, Guadalajara and Dublin, as well as successfully navigating the alliance through the global pandemic, among other accomplish­ments.

In his new role, Edward Koh will prioritise knowledge creation and client engagement in legacy and sustain­ability, aiming to grow the global impact of meetings events. He is committed to enhancing BestCities’ focus on economic, social and environ­mental sustain­ability, enabling alliance members to offer delegates more responsible ways to meet amid the growing climate emergency.

“I am delighted to take on the role of BestCities board chair to build on the good work of my predecessors in seizing growth opportunities in the post-pandemic world for our partners and clients,” said Edward Koh. “With our renewed focus on sustain­ability as a core value propo­si­tion, we aspire to create a more responsible impact and leave a lasting legacy on the world. We look forward to generating new business insights and possi­bilities for our partners, especially at the Global Forum in Melbourne next year. We also welcome new partners to join BestCities’ expanding global network as we harness the power of collaboration and community to make a meaningful difference.”

“It has been a real pleasure serving as board chair for BestCities for the past two years,” said Kit Lykketoft. “Although the global pandemic directly impacted the meetings industry, I’m proud of the team for continuing to build the alliance and further its goal of creating a positive impact through business events. I have every confidence in passing the baton to Edward and look forward to the successes and positive forward momentum he will undoubtedly achieve in his new role.”

Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, will assume Edward Koh’s vacated role of incoming board chair. David Noack Perez, director of the Madrid Convention Bureau, will be the board treasurer.

The industry can meet Edward Koh in his new role at Imex Frankfurt, May 23–25. As part of the event, BestCities will host a media breakfast on May 24 (08.00–09.15) at the Hilton Frankfurt City Centre.