City Destinations Alliance Focuses on Collaboration, Leadership and Talent Development During IMEX Frankfurt 2026
During IMEX Frankfurt 2026, City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA) brought together destination leaders, Convention Bureaux professionals, partners, alumni of the CityDNA Summer School, and industry stakeholders through a series of activities focused on peer learning, destination leadership, collaboration, and future talent development.
The CityDNA week began ahead of the official opening of IMEX Frankfurt with another edition of the CityDNA CVB Café, welcoming 45 CVB professionals from across Europe for an evening of open and honest peer exchange around topics including AI integration, sustainability, destination competitiveness, funding pressures, and the evolving role of Convention Bureaux within destination ecosystems.
The alliance also contributed to the IMEX Place Leaders Forum, where Barbara Jamison-Woods, President of City Destinations Alliance, and Inge Bauwens, Head of Relationship Marketing & Commercial Development, joined destination leaders and international industry representatives to discuss the role business events can play in long-term place development, governance, reputation, and competitiveness.
In addition, Barbara Jamison-Woods and Inge Bauwens represented the Alliance at the Board Meeting of JMIC (the Joint Meetings Industry Council), contributing to ongoing discussions on the future development and strategic priorities of the global business events industry.
A major highlight of the week was the celebration of the 40th edition of the CityDNA Summer School, one of the industry’s longest-running educational programmes for new professionals.
Since 1987, the programme has helped shape more than 2,200 professionals through practical learning, international networking, peer exchange, and guidance from an experienced international faculty.
During IMEX Frankfurt, CityDNA organised a dedicated Summer School presentation and a special anniversary apéritif networking event bringing together alumni, faculty members, partners, and industry colleagues to celebrate four decades of education, mentoring, and community-building and to promote this year’s Summer School taking place in Dijon from August 24-28, 2026.
The celebrations culminated during the IMEX Gala Dinner, where CityDNA presented the new CityDNA Summer School Award, recognising individuals whose sustained contribution has significantly influenced both the programme and its participants through leadership, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing.
The inaugural awards were presented to Pier Paolo Mariotti, Head of Department, Meeting Management at EURAC Research and CityDNA Summer School Course Director from 2011 to 2022, and Dennis Speet, Managing Director of Amsterdam Convention Bureau and CityDNA Summer School Course Director since 2023.
Barbara Jamison-Woods, President of City Destinations Alliance, commented: “The CityDNA Summer School has always been about far more than professional training alone. It is about talent development, community, mentorship, and creating the next generation of leaders for our industry. Celebrating 40 editions during IMEX Frankfurt was a meaningful reminder of the long-term impact that education, peer learning, and international collaboration can have across destinations and the business events sector.”
Dennis Speet added: “Receiving this award is both a great honour and a very emotional moment. Having first experienced the Summer School as a faculty member for many years before becoming Course Director, I have seen firsthand the impact this programme can have on new professionals entering the industry. Being part of that journey, and helping shape future talent together with such a dedicated community, has been incredibly rewarding.”
Pier Paolo Mariotti commented: “I accept this award with humility, deep emotion, and gratitude. For twelve years, I had the privilege of serving as Director of the CityDNA Summer School, which has become one of the most relevant educational platforms within the European meetings, events and incentive industry. This recognition belongs to the many colleagues, faculty members, participants, and partners who contributed to this incredible journey and helped us progress together through knowledge-sharing and collaboration.”
Throughout the week, the CityDNA Stand also served as a meeting point for members, partners, and industry professionals, including a dedicated “Introduction to City Destinations Alliance” session welcoming participants interested in learning more about the Alliance’s activities and joining our community.
For more information about City Destinations Alliance and upcoming activities, visit: City Destinations Alliance
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About City Destinations Alliance
We are a knowledge sharing network for cities and urban regions working to unfold the potential of the visitor economy and regenerative tourism. Our vision is for all cities in Europe to flourish as great places to live, work, meet and explore. As a community of professionals, our promise to each other is to always be curious and forward thinking, share our inspiration and never stop learning.
For more information and pictures, please contact:
Bénédicte Lack, press@citydna.eu
For membership enquiries, please contact:
Inge Bauwens, inge@citydna.eu
