First edition of BestCities Global Forum kicks-off in Dubai

Dubai Business Events, in collaboration with the BestCities Global Alliance and the Professional Convention Management Association, PCMA, inaugurated the first ever BestCities Global Forum yesterday in Dubai, an event set to pave the way for future collaboration among the industry.

BestCities Global Alliance, a strategic collaboration between 11 of the world’s premier meeting destinations, kicked off the BestCities Global Forum at the JW Marriot Marquis. The forum presents the ideal learning environment for senior association executives responsible for organising international events and will see the attendance of over 35 international association executives, including the World Autism Organisation, the International Society of Endocrinology, and the International Astronautical Federation, in addition to all 11 BestCities partner cities.

Ahmad Al Falasi, CEO of Corporate Services and Investment at Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, made the opening remarks, which led into thought leadership sessions. The day also included presentations about Dubai from four perspectives: business, travel, tourism & hospitality and healthcare featuring Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, and Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Airline.

Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said, "The BestCities Global Alliance is a unique example of how cooperation among the world’s top meetings destinations is facilitating knowledge sharing and enabling growth in industries that are playing a crucial role in Dubai’s vision for the future. Not only is this partnership inspiring innovation locally, as an organisation it also ensures we are able to offer our international clients much deeper insights into the experiences of our cities. Over the course of the next three days, attendees will have the chance to hear from thought leaders who are shaping our intellectual infrastructure and to familiarise themselves with Dubai’s state-of-the-art meeting facilities and services."

Over the course of the week, the event features thought provoking sessions from speakers, including Dr. Tommy Weir, Speaker and Professor of Hult International Business School, Oliver Martin, a stakeholder engagement strategist specialising in destination development, Philip Davies, President of strategic brand consultancy EMEA Siegel + Gale, and Sherrif Karamat, Chief Operations Officer, PCMA.

Paul Vallee, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance, said, "We’re thrilled to be in such great company as we launch the first BestCities Global Forum today. With an extremely high-calibre of speakers and representatives from our 11 partner cities in attendance, associations attending can tap into their collective knowledge and experience, gaining invaluable insight into how they can partner with destinations to advance the purpose of meetings, beyond delegate numbers to long-term impact and legacy development."

Sherrif Karamat said, "After being involved with the education content development of the BestCities Global Forum, we're thrilled to see such an excellent lineup of speakers here with us in Dubai this week. This forum will be a great opportunity for all of us to learn from one another about long term legacy creation and strategic partnerships while experiencing all of what Dubai has to offer for business events."