10th ANNIVERSARY: CONNECTED BY PURPOSE- GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES, SHARED VALUES

THEME

Connected by Purpose: Global Perspectives, Shared Values

Uniting diverse perspectives to create meaningful connections that drive progress.

Connected by Purpose: Global Perspectives, Shared Values positions the global business events community around the power of human connection. By embracing diverse perspectives and global diversity, the theme fosters collaboration, encourages new thinking, and strengthens shared values—creating a forum where association leaders explore new strategies, build trusted partnerships, and collectively advance progress across industries and regions.

ABOUT

BESTCITIES GLOBAL FORUM

As a gathering that champions the power of face-to-face interactions, this forum promises enriching workshops and sessions designed to both challenge and inspire attendees. Planners will benefit from unparalleled opportunities to connect with peers from diverse industries and explore innovative approaches to meeting design, sustainability, and impact. All whilst getting to know the 13 BestCities Global Alliance destination partners under one roof. 

Join global thought leaders, association executives, and city representatives for an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for innovation and culture.

We harness the power of collaboration and community to create positive impact through business events.

BestCities Global Alliance

ABOUT THE ORGANISERS


Dedicated to excellence we’re an alliance of 13 cities that never settles when it comes to business events, we continuously push for better.

The quality and reach of our global community and our open knowledge exchange, allows our partners and clients to develop and offer experiences that make a more positive impact and leave a stronger and lasting legacy on the world.

Founded with this community spirit we continue to believe that our world prospers when it comes together, works together and shares generously.

We are the BestCities Global Alliance.



Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau is a dedicated unit within Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for the Western Cape. The Bureau’s primary focus is to position Cape Town and the Western Cape as Africa’s leading business events destination.

We are committed to demonstrating how business events can stimulate key economic sectors and strengthen the knowledge economy—not only within our region, but across South Africa and the broader African continent.

Our team provides a comprehensive range of convention support services, working closely with partners and stakeholders to deliver successful, impactful events.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Open to International Associations, Association Management Companies, (Core) PCOs and invited guests, the Global Forum is the ideal opportunity for:

CROSS

INDUSTRY LEARNING

Learn from outside our industry, share your thoughts and challenges with like minded peers and make connections beyond the forum.

EXPERIENCING

CAPE TOWN

Cape Town and the Western Cape is one of the world’s most iconic destinations, where breathtaking natural beauty meets vibrant culture, innovation, and warm hospitality. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain and surrounded by pristine beaches and scenic coastlines, the city offers an inspiring setting for international conferences and unforgettable visitor experiences.

NETWORKING

The BestCities Global Forum is designed for conversations that matter. In an intimate setting, association leaders, city partners, and global stakeholders connect openly, share perspectives, and build relationships grounded in trust and relevance. From structured discussions to informal moments, networking at the Forum is purposeful, peer-led, and focused on creating connections that continue well beyond the event.

PROGRAMME

AT-A-GLANCE

Wednesday 20 January  All Day 

Arrivals

You will be transferred from the airport to check in to the hotel.

Thursday 21 January  Morning

Afternoon

Arrivals

You will be transferred from the airport to check in to the hotel.

Association Forum

Cape Town International Convention Centre

 Evening 

Welcome Function

Cape Town International Convention Centre

Friday 22 January  Morning

  

Afternoon

Education Programme & Lunch

Cape Town International Convention Centre

Education Programme

University of Cape Town, Graduate School of Business

Site Seeing

Visit to Table Mountain

Evening

Social Event

African celebration with a Taste Safari with food from around the continent and vibrant entertainment.

Cape Town City Centre

Saturday 23 January  Morning 

Site Seeing

Walking orientation through Stellenbosch

City Café

Associations will have an opportunity to meet with the city partners in Stellenbosch

Lunch

Afternoon

Evening

Lunch & Wine Tasting

Stellenbosch

Education Sessions

Stellenbosch

Gala Dinner

South African celebration in Cape Town city centre.

Sunday 24 January  Morning

Optional Tour

City orientation – including Bo-Kaap

Full Day

Optional Tour

Full day tour to Cape Point in the Cape Peninsula National Park and visit to the penguins at Boulders Beach.

Departures

We bid our farewells and transfer you to the airport.

REGISTER

INTEREST

The BestCities Global Forum is open to International Associations, Association Management Companies, Core PCOs and invited guests who have a minimum of one international event that fits the following criteria (one representative per organisation):


  • The event is over 500 participants in size;
  • The event is held on a regular basis and must rotate globally;
  • You are a decision maker or main influencer on the choice of destination for this event;
  • You have a genuine interest in at least 3 BestCities destinations as a potential future host city for this event.


REGISTER INTEREST

Do you meet the criteria?

The BestCities Global Forum is open to International Associations, Association Management Companies, Core PCOs and invited guests who have a minimum of one international event that fits the following criteria (one representative per organisation):

  • The event is over 500 participants in size;
  • The event is held on a regular basis and must rotate globally;
  • You are a decision maker or main influencer on the choice of destination for this event;
  • You have not attended a Global Forum in the last 3 years;
  • You have a genuine interest in at least 3 BestCities destinations as a potential future host city for this event.

MEET THE BESTCITIES PARTNER DESTINATIONS