BestCities Global Forum 2025 in Dublin
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24th Mar, 2025
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Back in January, as international association delegates prepared to land in Dublin for the BestCities Global Forum 2025 and the organisation’s 25th-anniversary celebration, Storm Eowyn had other plans. One of the most severe weather events in recent years swept across Ireland, grounding flights, disrupting transport, and forcing last-minute changes to travel plans. In response, BestCities, Fáilte Ireland (the National Tourism Development Authority), and the Dublin Convention Bureau worked swiftly behind the scenes – rebooking flights, arranging extended accommodation, and ensuring that delegates could travel safely while still experiencing the forum’s programme.Jesús Guerrero Chacón reports
Last January, the storm provided an unexpected yet fitting real-time test of risk and crisis management – topics covered in HQ’s March 2025 edition. As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, destinations and event organisers must be prepared to adapt swiftly. The forum became a live demonstration of how collaboration between industry stakeholders can ensure business events remain resilient in the face of sudden disruption. The emphasis on adaptability and partnership was at the core of the forum’s theme, “Creative Collaborations: Innovating for Greater Communities.” Despite the initial challenges, the Global Forum stayed firmly on course, proving that agility and teamwork are key in safeguarding the success of international meetings. Over three days, association executives and media explored how technology is shaping the future of our industry and how associations can better prepare for evolving challenges.
The Association Forum, a signature session of BestCities, brought together leading figures in the sector, with discussions led by Patrick Delaney, Managing Partner at SoolNua, a global thought leader in the meetings industry and a perfect moderator to showcase Irish language and culture to attendees. Key themes included:
- Risk Management,
- AI & Innovation,
- Sponsorship & Funding Models,
- Sustainability,
- Impact Measurement.
Artificial Intelligence: From Disruption to Integration
AI has already transformed how many associations operate, but what comes next for those who have embraced this technology, and what will happen to those who are still reluctant? Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland, led a deep dive into how AI is shifting from a tool to an active partner in event management. His session, “From Tools to Partners: How AI Agents are Revolutionising Business,” explored real-world applications, from automated content summarisation to personalised networking assistants anticipating attendees’ interests before they even arrive at an event.
In another session, “Practical AI Tips to Escape Your Daily Grind,” Maryrose Lyons, Founder of the AI Institute, provided hands-on strategies for working smarter with AI, introducing small language models, AI-powered knowledge bases, and time-saving digital tools that streamline daily operations.
Beyond functionality, the discussions tackled ethical concerns, including data security, algorithmic bias, and the balance between AI automation and human interaction. Delegates, including the media representatives, were encouraged to integrate AI thoughtfully, ensuring it enhances rather than replaces human connection within associations.
Designing Events for Neurodivergent Attendees
Accessibility was another central theme, with Adam Harris, CEO of As I Am (Ireland’s national autism charity), sharing Dublin’s ambitious goal of becoming the world’s first autism-friendly capital by 2027. His session explored how business events can be more inclusive, beyond physical accessibility, by considering sensory experiences, event navigation, and staff training.
Harris also previewed the Autism Europe Congress 2025, the first edition led by an autistic-run organisation. This milestone represents a significant shift in event design, placing accessibility at the core rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Overcoming Barriers Beyond the Event Space
In “No Limbs, No Limits”, activist and journalist Joanne O’Riordan, one of the world’s few people born with tetra-amelia syndrome, delivered a compelling session on the need for universal design in cities, event venues, and public spaces. A passionate sports journalist and Paralympic commentator, O’Riordan highlighted how sports can open doors, challenge perceptions, and build a sense of belonging.
Her advocacy resonated with the themes explored by Tom Parsons, CEO of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA). In his session, Parsons demonstrated how Gaelic sports foster deep-rooted community engagement, offering members a competitive arena and a lifelong network of mentorship, support, and identity.
Both sessions emphasised a common message: sports are more than just games. They are means to resilience, opportunities and inclusion. Both speakers showed how sport breaks down barriers, creates leadership opportunities, and instils pride and purpose.
This theme extended beyond the sessions themselves. Forum attendees participated in a community impact initiative with the Solas Project, a Dublin-based programme that empowers young people through education, sport, and mentorship.
Sustainability and Regenerative Events
Sustainability remains at the forefront of association and destination priorities. Guy Bigwood, CEO at the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, urged attendees to move beyond carbon neutrality and consider how events can create positive environmental and social impact. His session challenged associations to rethink their approach and embrace sustainability as an integral part of event strategy.
ICCA Masterclass: Strengthening Impact Through Collaboration
Following the forum, the ICCA Association Impact Masterclass added another layer of strategic learning for international associations. Hosted in Dublin and supported by BestCities Global Alliance and the Dublin Convention Bureau, the masterclass convened 14 senior association executives and 16 destination partners to explore legacy-building, UN SDG alignment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Co-led by Genevieve Leclerc (MEET4IMPACT) and Gary Grimmer (GainingEdge), the masterclass focused on how associations can align their events with long-term impact strategies rather than viewing them as isolated experiences.
Looking Ahead: Guadalajara Prepares for 2026
As the forum wrapped up, all eyes turned to the next host city: Guadalajara, Mexico, which will welcome BestCities Global Forum 2026. With its rich cultural heritage, growing meetings industry, and commitment to innovation, Guadalajara is set to showcase Latin America’s influence in global business events.Stay tuned for an upcoming HQ interview, where we will explore how Guadalajara is preparing for its turn in the spotlight and what international associations can expect from next year’s edition.
Published by Meeting Media Group, the publisher of Headquarters Magazine (HQ) – a leading international publication based in Brussels, serving the global MICE industry and association community.
