Why Meeting Organisers Choose BestCities Destinations
Who are we? “When the world wants to meet we set the standard.” The world’s first convention bureau alliance with 12 partners in six continents: Berlin, Bogota, Cape Town, Chicago, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver. We deliver the world’s best convention bureau practices for the meetings industry.
Our Vision BestCities Global Alliance will be recognized globally for being innovative and setting and delivering the world’s best convention bureau practices for the meetings industry.
How can we make this happen? Our BestCities Quality Management System (QMS) provides an established set of quality standards and processes across the Alliance. Annual certification guarantees to clients that all BestCities destinations live up to these standards.
This is the first alliance wide QMS programme for convention bureau organizations.
Why clients choose us? Each BestCities member: Delivers CVB practices which comply with internationally recognized Quality Management System; Has at least one purpose-built convention centre which can accommodate up to 3,000 pax in plenary mode; Has a minimum of 10,000 hotel rooms in the city; Has a ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association) or UIA (Union of International Associations) record of at least 10 international association meetings over last five years.
In addition, each BestCities member is an attractive destination, with positive environmental reputation and cultural sensitivity.
BestCities: BEST meeting experiences for both organizer and delegates
TOKYO
BOGOTA
Tokyo, a full partner by August 2015; Bogota, a full partner by 2016
Why is a BestCities bureau different? “The Quality Management System has elevated our operating structure which has made us more proficient. We are proud to be among the best of the best of destination marketing organizations.” – Dubai Business Events “Becoming a BestCities bureau has provided us with a major competitive edge because it attests to our ability and commitment to provide the highest service standards for our clients.” – Melbourne Convention Bureau “The commitment to uphold the standards under the Quality Management System underscores the spirit of excellence in the delivery of services to all our clients.” – Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau
Why is a BestCities bureau different? “As the only African representative in this Alliance, the Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau considers itself privileged to be given a platform to meaningful input into the global best practice model.” – Cape Town & Western Cape Convention Bureau “In working with a BestCities bureau, international meeting planners can be assured of not only receiving consistently high customer service standards but also that there will be an unsurpassed delegate experience for their attendees.” – Marketing Edinburgh, Convention Bureau “BestCities bureaus care most about their clients’ successes, and will readily go the extra mile to ensure this. That is the BestCities signature – unparalleled dedication and professionalism.” – Wonderful Copenhagen Convention Bureau
Why is a BestCities bureau different? “There is no question that the strong quality management standards for which BestCities partners are held accountable correlate with the world-class service delivered to its association clients. Since we joined the alliance, we have adopted many “best practices” from our partner cities that have allowed us to provide the best possible service to our international clients. This means that when you come to Houston, you can expect the same level of service that you would expect in Dubai, Vancouver or Melbourne (among our other partners). This allows the meeting planner looking to take a meeting to the United States to have confidence that Houston can deliver at the same level as their partners around the world.” – Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
Why is a BestCities bureau different? “BestCities unites ten exciting cities and very successful meeting destinations in the world. Being a member of the alliance allows us, the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin, the opportunity to offer our clients the highest possible service and ensures that we deliver excellent and unparalleled experiences to each and every organisation that we work with.“ – visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office “Tourism Vancouver has been a proud member of BestCities since it was formed in 2000. By working with our destination partners, we are better able to deliver on the Alliance’s commitment to constantly improve the international meeting client experience.” – Tourism Vancouver
How can BestCities Global Alliance help you? Our global network helps you access new destinations which promise the same level of excellent service; Our exchange of bid intelligence and development of best practices ultimately makes your meetings organization easier; Our worldwide KPI monitoring and benchmarking ensure continuous improvements in our service delivery; The combined knowledge and destination expertise of our partners create unparalleled synergy in international association meetings market; Be identified with our BestCities brand, which guarantees your organizing team a consistent level of service excellence, and your delegates the BEST meeting experience.
Participate in a BestCities client workshop as our hosted VIP guest Case study: BestCities Client Workshop, Cape Town
Seven international association clients converged in Cape Town for a 4- day client workshop comprising site visits, a unique programme with a CSR component, client forum and a chance to share ideas and exchange information; and the opportunity to meet all BestCities bureaux.
BestCities Client Workshop, Cape Town “It was really a good event – far more outstanding than many others I have attended. You know, we were quite keen on Cape Town for quite some time, but not having visited the city, I was not going to make any commitment.” – Prof Denys Wheatley, President, International Federation of Cell Biology “I gained considerable insights into the various was that organizations such as my own select venues and manage their major conferences and have much food for thought to take back to my fellow officers in the WFP. BestCities seems to have a very good grip on the arrangement and management of major meetings and selected venues. I found Cape Town to be a superb venue for future conferences and the local hospitality was excellent and greatly appreciated.” – Dr Les Chappell, Executive Secretary, World Federation of Parasitologists
Case study: BestCities Edinburgh “Incomparable Service Standards”
“The Edinburgh Convention Bureau are exceptional in the service that they provide. They provided an endless stream of knowledge and experience that meant we were able to organize our event without having to buy in expertise in conference organization. They helped us in maximizing our delegate attendance, which even included providing a “Visit Edinburgh” stand at the previous year’s conference in Vienna. During our conference, ECB provided volunteer Edinburgh Residents to help provide local knowledge to our international delegates. ” – Vivienne Gracian, World Conference of Forensic Mental Health
Client Surveys 2009-2013 In a survey on meeting organisers conducted by Lynn Jones Research over 3 years, respondents were asked to rank (out of 10, 10 being the highest)
The BestCities commitment to meeting organisers: Consistent and excellent service standards. Annual audit of service standards to ensure compliance to our Quality Management System. Engage our global network to enhance client relationships that promote a better understanding of client needs. Evaluate our clients satisfaction post event and post bid for scope for improvements. Accurate, relevant and timely responses to client requests. Explore new ideas and opportunities via our Client Forums to enhance your meeting experience and value.
WHEN THE WORLD WANTS TO MEET WE SET THE STANDARD.
For more information, please visit www.bestcities.net or contact your BestCities bureau.
