This year’s BestCities Global Forum in Dublin, Ireland, was an eventful one. Held from 24-26 January, the forum coincided with “probably the strongest storm” to hit the UK in the last 10 years (according to Met Office). Despite almost a million properties being without power across the British Isles, with many road and rail links blocked, the show pushed on.
Over its 3-day duration, it brought together international association leaders, trade media and representatives from 13 BestCities destinations to tackle topics like renewable energy projects, supporting local communities and AI.
Speaker Tom Parson at Stoke ParkAI-driven insights and industry collaboration
For the first time, BestCities partnered with Snapsight, an AI tool that captured session content in real time, providing key takeaways, transcriptions and idea clouds to expand knowledge-sharing beyond the event.
Sustainability was a central topic, with BestCities partnering with Trees4Events to offset 74 tonnes of carbon emissions by planting 450 trees in Mozambique. Each tree is linked to UN-backed renewable energy projects, including a wind farm in China generating 49.9 megawatts of clean energy.
Supporting the local community
Through the Engage for Good programme, attendees raised $2,500 for the Solas Project, which supports at-risk youth in Ireland. The Dublin Convention Bureau matched the amount, bringing the total donation to $5,000.
BestCities delegates at Trinity CollegeAttendees also explored Dublin’s iconic venues, including The Convention Centre Dublin, Trinity College, Croke Park, and the Guinness Storehouse.
Delegates at the Guinness Storehouse, DublinLooking ahead
The next BestCities Global Forum will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 5-8 February 2026. More details will be announced in the coming months. For updates, visit www.bestcities.net.
