Event planning in 2026 continues to be set against a backdrop of rapid change, from technology transforming how we connect, to destinations reimagining the experience of hosting global audiences. For planners and delegates alike, the focus continues shifting toward places that offer a mix of cultural richness, supporting infrastructure and the opportunity to create memorable events outside of the meeting room.
These seven cities stand out as just a few of the inspiring choices for the year ahead.
Austin, Texas
Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin combines vibrant culture with cutting-edge tech infrastructure, making it a dynamic choice for events.
- Best time of year to visit: March to May or September to November. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
- Getting there: Average flight time from New York City – 3.5 hours.
- Fastest way to downtown: From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS): taxi in around 20 minutes.
- Hotel snapshot: The Fairmont Austin offers expansive meeting spaces and skyline views. Elsewhere, boutique-style property the LINE Austin in downtown Austin provides meeting facilities that include a rooftop event space with views of Lady Bird Lake.
- Activities groups will love: Live music tours, food truck tastings, and paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake are a must. Or excursions into Texas Hill Country for wine and craft beer.
Bangkok, Thailand
A bustling capital city with rich culture and modern infrastructure, Bangkok has long been a hub for international events in Asia and continues to be an exciting option.
- Best time of year to visit: November to February, when temperatures are cooler and humidity is lower.
- Getting there: Average flight time from New York City – 17-19 hours.
- Fastest way to downtown: From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the Airport Rail Link takes around 30 minutes.
- Hotel snapshot: The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, opened almost 150 years ago, offers timeless luxury. And the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is about sleek modernity with panoramic city views, plus 1,727 square metres of flexible event space.
- Activities groups will love: Private long-tail boat tours along the Chao Phraya River, Thai cooking classes, visits to the Grand Palace or rooftop cocktails overlooking the skyline.
What our team says:
“Bangkok – and Thailand in general – is very service-driven. And the value for money based on what you receive makes holding events there very cost-effective. Bangkok also has high hotel inventory offering a choice of traditional style properties or contemporary options. Public transportation, especially the metro system, is easy to use. Plus, the cuisine is spectacular!”
Head of Events Marali Kempthorne
Cannes, France
Renowned for its glamorous film festival and Mediterranean charm, Cannes offers a sophisticated backdrop for events. Plus, a stunning coastline and variety of luxury hotels make it a destination ideal for extending a business trip to incorporate leisure time too.
- Best time of year to visit: April or September to October, when the weather is warm but it’s not so busy. The Cannes Film Festival is in May, so it can be difficult to book at this time.
- Getting there: Average flight time from New York City – 8 hours.
- Fastest way to downtown: From Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): taxi or private transfer in around 30 minutes.
- Hotel snapshot: The InterContinental Carlton Cannes, which experienced a major renovation just two years ago, offers historic grandeur. And for modern luxury, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes offers prime seafront views and extensive meeting facilities.
- Activities groups will love: Private yacht cruises along the French Riviera, wine tastings in Provence, or exploring the old town of Le Suquet with its panoramic views.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Emerging as one of South Asia’s premier meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) hubs, Colombo offers a range of cultural experiences. It’s a city of modern infrastructure that suits group events. Sri Lanka’s capital also offers good global air connectivity and has a growing reputation for international conferences.
- Best time of year to visit: November to March, when warm, dry weather makes it ideal for events and incentives.
- Getting there: Average flight time from New York City – 18 hours.
- Fastest way to downtown: from Bandaranaike International Airport: taxi or private transfer in around 45 minutes.
- Hotel snapshot: Shangri-La Colombo delivers refined luxury and expansive meeting spaces designed for high-impact events. And Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams brings a contemporary edge to the city’s event scene, with meeting facilities with panoramic views and stylish accommodations.
- Activities groups will love: Cultural tours of the Gangaramaya Temple, tea-tasting experiences, wellness breaks with Ayurveda and yoga. Or offer coastal excursions to Galle and Bentota.
What our team says:
“Colombo is easily accessible from major global hubs and offers modern and business-friendly, tech-ready hotels and convention centers, with versatile meeting spaces and dining options. The city also offers a large number of cultural experiences such as dance, temple visits, cookery classes, heritage tours and whale watching.
“In terms of value for money, it is one of the most affordable capital cities in the region. You can budget significantly lower on accommodations, dining and activities without compromising on quality. Plus, Sri Lanka is a safe and welcoming country, which helps ensure a stress-free experience.”
Senior Events Manager John Cosgrove
Nashville, Tennessee
A vibrant music city, Nashville is fast becoming one of the most dynamic convention cities in the country, also thanks to the destination’s warm Southern hospitality, exciting culinary scene and stylish venues.
- Best time of year to visit: March to May or September to November, when the weather is milder and lively festival seasons are running.
- Getting there: Average flight time from New York City – 2.5 hours.
- Fastest way to downtown: from Nashville International Airport (BNA): taxi in around 20 minutes.
- Hotel snapshot: The JW Marriott Nashville is a luxury property in downtown Nashville, close to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Bridgestone Arena, while The Hermitage Hotel, built in 1910, offers historic elegance and an iconic space for cocktail receptions in its Grand Lobby.
- Activities groups will love: Culinary tours showcasing Southern cuisine, guided visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame, exploring Nashville’s diverse neighbourhoods or enjoying the city’s rooftop venues with panoramic city views.
What our team says:
“I’ve recently visited Nashville, and it’s buzzing! There are so many venues playing live music on the same strip – Lower Broadway – which would be a perfect destination for a group to enjoy. I’d also recommend a visit to the Nashville Music Hall. It’s a special city to visit, as there’s so much to see and do post-meetings.”
Event Travel Manager Marcelo Postay
Porto, Portugal
World Heritage City Porto is known as Portugal’s second city after the capital. Built on the banks of the River Douro, it’s renowned for its riverside charm, wine heritage and growing reputation as a MICE destination.
- Best time of year to visit: May to September, as its warm weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Getting there: Average flight time from New York City – 7 hours.
- Fastest way to city centre: from Porto Airport (OPO): Metro line takes around 25 minutes.
- Hotel snapshot: The Yeatman is a luxury wine and spa hotel, offering spectacular views over the city and 13 event spaces of varying styles and sizes. On the banks of the River Douro, the Pestana Palácio do Freixo is all about baroque grandeur, offering a range of meeting spaces, including a manor house for special events.
- Activities groups will love: Port wine cellar tours, river cruises along the River Douro or exploring the city’s UNESCO-listed historic centre by Tuk Tuk.
Rabat, Morocco
As Morocco’s capital, Rabat is a hidden gem for MICE. This UNESCO World Heritage City sits on the Atlantic coastline against a backdrop of historic landmarks and is an excellent mix of modern infrastructure and rich cultural heritage.
- Best time of year to visit: April to June or September to November, when the temperatures are milder.
- Getting there: Average flight time from New York City – 7.5 hours.
- Fastest way to downtown: from Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA), taxi in around 20 minutes.
- Hotel snapshot: The Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses offers luxury facilities, extensive meeting space and, as its name suggests, an abundant rose garden. Elsewhere, Hotel La Tour Hassan Palace, built in 1912, pays tribute to Moor architecture, which is blended with modern amenities, including meeting spaces of varying sizes.
- Activities groups will love: Guided tours of the Kasbah of the Udayas (a UNESCO World Heritage site), visits to the Hassan Tower and Mausoleum of Mohammed V, or exploring Rabat’s expansive parks and gardens.
Get in touch
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