News - CIMunity: Conference & Incentive Management - A European Magazine for the Meetings Industry

Maharashtra launches state-led Convention Bureau

11.06.2025 | Destinations

The Government of Maharashtra has established the Maharashtra Convention Bureau (MCB) to position the state as a premier global MICE destination. The initiative was unveiled at IMEX Frankfurt and aims to attract and support international conventions, exhibitions, and business events.

Cairns to Host 20th International Bat Research Conference

11.06.2025 | Destinations

From 3–8 August 2025, the Cairns Convention Centre will welcome over 400 bat research and conservation experts for the triennial IBRC. The event is co-hosted by the Australasian Bat Society and the Pacific Bat Conservation Network.

Scotland Sees Record £ 349m Impact from Associations

10.06.2025 | Destinations

VisitScotland Business Events reports a net £349.1 million boost to Scotland’s economy from association meetings in 2023/24, double the previous year’s result. Delegate numbers rose 55% to over 146,000 attendees across 317 events.

IMEX Ranks Top 10 in Sunday Times Best Workplaces

06.06.2025 | Supplier

IMEX Group has been ranked among the top 10 medium-sized businesses in the 2025 Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards. The UK-based company employs 82 people.

Copenhagen Launches Updated Sustainability Guide

05.06.2025 | Destinations, Sustainability

Copenhagen CVB has released the third edition of its Sustainability Guide, featuring enhanced transparency, reporting features, and a new Beyond Value Chain Mitigation category. The guide aligns with Wonderful Copenhagen’s Net Zero Climate Roadmap and supports event planners in reducing CO₂ emissions.

ICCA and IFES: Strategic Partnership for Global Events

04.06.2025 | Agencies

ICCA and IFES have signed a two-year strategic partnership agreement to strengthen ties across the international events supply chain. The collaboration focuses on sustainability, innovation, and professional development.

Dubai Climbs to 4th in IMD Smart City Index 2025

03.06.2025 | Destinations

Dubai has surged eight spots to rank 4th globally in the IMD Smart City Index 2025. The city now leads in the GCC, Arab world, and Asia for smart city innovation.

CCIB Preparing to Host International Medical Congresses

02.06.2025 | Supplier

In the second half of 2025, the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB) will host major international medical and scientific congresses, projecting a 55 % increase in attendance over 2024. Overall, CCIB expects approximately eighty events and 450,000 delegates this year—a 10 % rise from 2024.

Accor Partners with MeetingPackage for Bookings

30.05.2025 | Agencies, Supplier

Accor has selected MeetingPackage as its exclusive global provider for the distribution and automation of group accommodation and Meetings & Events (M&E) bookings.

Associations Forum Publishes 2025 Salary Survey

29.05.2025 | Agencies

Associations Forum has released its 16th Associations Salary Survey, providing benchmark data within the not-for-profit and membership sector. The 2025 report highlights modest salary growth and underscores the continued importance of flexibility and organisational purpose in staff retention.

CityDNA and SITE Launch Strategic Partnership

28.05.2025 | Agencies

City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) and the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at connecting city marketing with the incentive travel sector.

ICCA Presents 2024 GlobeWatch Rankings

27.05.2025 | Agencies, Industry

ICCA has published its 2024 GlobeWatch: Business Analytics – Country & City Rankings, presenting insights from over 11,000 association meetings worldwide. The expanded report includes regional, sectoral, and strategic data to support advocacy and long-term planning.

SITE NITE Europe 2025 Draws 500 Incentive Travel Pros

26.05.2025 | Agencies

SITE NITE Europe 2025 set a new attendance record with 500 incentive travel professionals gathered at Depot 1899 in Frankfurt. The event also launched the compnay’s new “chapter-lite” affiliate membership model to expand its global community.

Marina Bay Sands Completes Major Hotel Renovations

23.05.2025 | Supplier

As part of its US$1.75 billion transformation, Marina Bay Sands has fully refreshed all guest rooms, delivering approximately 1,850 rooms—including 775 suites—for the first time.

Ottawa Tourism Presents Responsible Events Guide

22.05.2025 | Agencies, Sustainability

Ottawa Tourism has launched a Responsible Events Guide to help planners deliver sustainable, inclusive and community-focused meetings in Canada’s capital. The guide debuts at IMEX Frankfurt (20–22 May), showcasing Ottawa’s leadership in responsible destination management.

CopenPay Returns with Train Travel Rewards

21.05.2025 | Destinations, Sustainability

Copenhagen’s CopenPay experience economy programme runs from 17 June to 17 August 2025 with triple the attractions and twice the duration.

Birmingham Secures Two Major Medical Conferences

20.05.2025 | Supplier

The Eastside Rooms and Birmingham & West Midlands Convention Bureau will host the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) and LabMedUK26 in 2026. Together, the events are expected to draw over 600 delegates and generate more than £140,000 in local economic impact.

Vistula University Choir Joins Musical Mornings at IMEX

19.05.2025 | Industry

On 20 and 21 May, the Vistula University Choir will perform as part of IMEX Frankfurt 2025’s Musical Mornings, presented by the Polish Tourism Organisation – Poland Convention Bureau. The concerts in Messe Frankfurt’s Galleria blend international hits, Polish musical themes and global rhythms in a cultural showcase.

Global Conflicts Hit International Meetings

19.05.2025 | Industry

IAPCO’s 2025 Global Socio-Political Impact Survey finds that 59.5 % of professional organisers report moderate or significant disruption to planning or hosting international meetings due to conflicts. A quarter have had to cancel, postpone or relocate events over safety concerns.

Kuoni Tumlare Opens New Office in Vienna

16.05.2025 | Agencies

Kuoni Tumlare has opened a new office in Vienna as of April 2025, marking a key step in its strategic growth in Austria. The new hub will lead procurement and M&E operations for the country.