The Hottest Meetings and Conferences Destinations for 2020

November 4, 2019

Each year, Global DMC Partners, a global network of independently owned destination management companies and creative event experts, releases a Global Destination Index. The index ranks the top destinations around the world for meetings, conferences and incentives based on data collected from nearly 7,000 programs in more than 500 destinations. 

Last month, the 2020 index revealed what will be the hottest destinations for the year to come — but the impact goes deeper than just where to plan next. Planners who bring their conferences and events to these cities will not only be providing an entertaining experience for attendees, but also have streamlined opportunities to give back.

Companies that focus on socially responsible initiatives through their events and incentives directly contribute to supporting local growth, reducing poverty, protecting the environment and promoting peace in their host destination,” said Global DMC Partners President and CEO Catherine Chaulet.

She continued, “During a time when travel is more accessible to the masses than ever before, we have a responsibility to inform and educate in order to alleviate overtourism and undertourism. The meetings and events industry must bring awareness to emerging or secondary destinations while showcasing ‘hidden gems’ within popular markets to avoid already overly toured areas.”  

Here are the cities that made the 2020 Global Destination Index: 

Top 2019 Global Destinations for Meetings and Conferences

1.     Paris

2.     Copenhagen

3.     Chicago

4.     San Francisco

5.     Budapest

6.     Orlando

7.     Barcelona

8.     Washington, D.C.

9.     Prague

10.  Las Vegas

2020 Meeting and Conference Destination Hot List

1.     San Diego

2.     Nashville

3.     Singapore

4.     Las Vegas

5.     New Orleans

6.     Tokyo

7.     Washington, D.C.

8.     Austin

9.     Bahamas

10.  Phoenix 

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.