Bogota delegates to embrace ‘The Power of People’

Associations from all over the world are to descend on Bogotá, Colombia, this December, for a week of inspiring speakers, thought-provoking workshops and networking all around the theme of the Power of the People at the annual BestCities Global Forum. Striving to achieve a 100% success rating from delegates for a third year running, the programme for the 2018 Forum is packed with activities that will enhance the skills of association executives.

Details of what to expect from this year’s Forum were revealed this morning at a media breakfast hosted by BestCities during IMEX Frankfurt. Held in collaboration with the Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau (GBCB), this year’s theme will centre on The Power of People. Helping facilitate people to do more, The Power of People campaign addresses the ability for people to make change regardless of their surroundings.

At a time where geopolitical issues or religious boundaries can create barriers for knowledge sharing and collaboration, the business events industry has never had a more important role to play. BestCities looks to address this by bringing together 12 partner cities from around the world which promote the highest level of standards for conferences and events. It encourages them to look beyond tourism and leave lasting legacies. By holding the annual Global Forum it sets out to educate key senior association executives on the importance of these topics whilst also showcasing 12 top class destinations. The Power of People programme will aim to address these issues, generate progressive discussions and advance the cause of international meetings.

This year’s Forum will see an impressive range of speakers including:

• Rick Antonson an “accidental executive” and former CEO of Tourism Vancouver. Having travelled the world, written five books and played his part in some of Canada’s most renowned accomplishments, Rick will bring his path less followed experiences to the programme while discussing his time at Tourism Vancouver.
• Lina Tangarife, Director of Social Responsibility at the Social Alliance of Uniandinos. An expert in strategic management of Civil Society Organizations, she has utilised the power of the people by strengthening volunteering within companies, government and non-governmental organisations.
• Neyder Culchac, a Young Leader. From a region called Putumayo in south-west Columbia, Neyder grew up surrounded by conflict but he was determined to not let this hold him back from making positive change. Creating an initiative that transformed the lives of 480 families within his community, Neyder will share his life story and educate delegates on the power of determination.

Returning for a second year, Sean Blair, owner of ProMeet, will facilitate this year’s Forum. Held at the Agora Bogotá Convention Center, just two miles from the historic centre of Bogotá, the four-day forum includes a range of talks, interactive workshops and a cultural programme to learn about the region and culture of Latin America.

As per previous years, delegates will attend an Ambassador Dinner to meet with peers, local ambassadors and key contacts giving them an opportunity to build relationship and grow their network across the world. The popular City Café meetings and social networking opportunity returns again with all 12 of the BestCities’ partners in attendance (Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Madrid, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver).

Paul Vallee, Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance said: “With an ever-impressive programme of education, insight and networking, the third BestCities Global Forum will give delegates a deeper understanding on the power conferences and meetings have to create change through the people, and the opportunity to produce lasting legacies. It is shaping up to be an exceptional event with a great range of speakers, workshops and networking sessions.

“We work in an industry where people are truly at the heart of everything that we do. The theme of Power of the People and the campaign will work to highlight the numerous inspiring individuals who are working to better the industry and create lasting legacies.

“Everyone is very excited to head to the Latin American capital for this year’s Global Forum. Bogotá is the only destination in Latin America in the Global Forum so it will be full of new cultural experiences for everyone to enjoy.  The people make this city and so is the perfect destination to host this year’s theme. I would encourage all delegates who meet the criteria to register to attend before it’s too late.”

Jorge Mario Díaz of Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau said: „The whole city is exited to hold this year´s Global Forum. Everyone is busy preparing and putting everything they can behind it to make the Forum not only memorable and educational but also to showcase The Power Of People of the members of the Alliance.

“I am thrilled to be bringing this renowned forum to our city, and also to be able to share the wonderful people and culture of Latin America with those attending.

For the first year, the theme of the Global Forum has been shared via a digital campaign led by the GBCB. The campaign aims to give real understanding and meaning that The Power of People have within an industry that has the ability to make change. All 12 partners of BestCities Global Alliance have shown their support to the campaign..“

For the first year, the theme of the Global Forum has been shared via a digital campaign led by GBCB. The campaign aims to give real understanding and meaning to the power people have within an industry that has the ability to make change. All 12 partners of BestCities Global Alliance have shown their support to the campaign.

Registration for the BestCities Global Forum Bogotá is now open. Free to attend, with round-trip flights, accommodation and meals for all attending qualified international association executives covered by BestCities.

www.bestcities.net