BestCities Global Alliance has announced the details of its 2024 BestCities Global Forum. This annual gathering, designed with meeting specialists in mind, has grown into a pivotal event in the business events industry, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among industry leaders and city representatives since its inception in 2016.

Taking place in Melbourne, Australia, from the 18th to the 21st of January 2024, the Global Forum Melbourne will bring together a diverse mix of industry business leaders, renowned professionals, and leading speakers and facilitators, aligning with BestCities’ unwavering commitment to champion the societal benefits of international association meetings.

Among the highlighted speakers are Mark McCrindle and Mike van der Viyver. Social researcher, best-selling author, influential thought leader and TEDx speaker Mark McCrindle is recognised globally as coining the name for the emerging generation, Generation Alpha. Leading meeting designer, advisor and author Mike van der Viyver will steer workshops with engaging debate and discussion surrounding association challenges and optimising meeting design.

Under the theme Meeting the Challenge: Creating Connections with Purpose, the 2024 programme will explore how in-person meetings play a vital role in cultivating meaningful connections and purpose for meeting planners, associations, and delegates. Attendees can network, express their viewpoints, and explore the advantages of investing in conferences for regional stakeholders.

Loren Christie, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance, said BestCities is steadfast in its commitment to champion the societal benefits of international association meetings, which will be a key focus during the Global Forum Melbourne:

“Attracting industry thought-leaders, international associations, and member destinations, BestCities’ flagship event aims to unite senior global meeting planners with our BestCities destinations.

“During our time together, meeting planners can expect to make profound connections and explore the sense of purpose that in-person meetings can foster within the meeting ecosystem, all while immersing themselves in the cultural capital of Australia – Melbourne, where creativity and innovation collide.”

Melbourne Convention Bureau Chief Executive Julia Swanson said the 2024 BestCities Global Forum promises to be an exceptional event:

“The Alliance is an amazing network of leading cities at the forefront of business events, and we are excited to be hosting the Global Forum here in Australia’s events capital, Melbourne.

“We are also delighted to coincide the 2024 Global Forum programme with a world-class event such as the Australian Open, providing outstanding opportunities for team building and cultivating stronger connections with your peers. 

“Melbourne offers unique experiences that open doors to valuable knowledge sharing, resulting in groundbreaking contributions to international associations.”

Confirmed speakers across the programme include:
  • Nigel Collin  Global Forum Facilitator
  • Belinda Moore  Director at Strategic Membership Solutions
  • Mark McCrindle  Founder and Principal of McCrindle Research
  • Mike van der Vijver  Meeting Designer and Advisor
  • Natalie Simmons  Founder and CEO of Barefoot Citizens Consulting
  • Olena Lima  Founder and Principal of Consultant of MemberBoat

Speaker details available in he 2024 BestCities Global Forum Melbourne Programme. The Global Forum Melbourne is open to International Associations, Association Management Companies, Agencies, Corporate Meeting Planners, (Core) PCOs and guests. Check out 2024 BestCities Global Forum for more information, or to register.