The week began ahead of the official opening of IMEX Frankfurt with the latest edition of the CityDNA CVB Café, which brought together 45 Convention Bureau professionals from across Europe. Discussions focused on topics including artificial intelligence integration, sustainability, destination competitiveness, funding challenges and the evolving role of Convention Bureaux within destination ecosystems
CityDNA also participated in the IMEX Place Leaders Forum. 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 contribution of business events to long-term place development, governance, reputation and competitiveness.
During the week, both representatives also attended the Board Meeting of JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council), contributing to discussions on the future direction and strategic priorities of the global business events sector.
A key focus of CityDNA’s activities at IMEX Frankfurt was the celebration of the 40th edition of the CityDNA Summer School, one of the meetings industry’s longest-running educational programmes for emerging professionals.
Since its launch in 1987, the programme has supported the development of more than 2,200 professionals through practical education, international networking, peer learning and mentorship from an international faculty.
To mark the milestone, CityDNA organised a Summer School presentation and a dedicated anniversary networking event that brought together alumni, faculty members, partners and industry colleagues. The activities also promoted the 2026 edition of the Summer School, which will take place in Dijon from 24 to 28 August.
The anniversary celebrations concluded during the IMEX Gala Dinner, where CityDNA introduced the new CityDNA Summer School Award. The award recognises individuals whose long-term contributions have had a significant impact on the programme through leadership, mentoring 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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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 IMEX Frankfurt 2026, the CityDNA stand also served as a meeting point for members, partners and industry professionals. The programme included an introductory session for participants interested in learning more about the alliance’s activities and membership community.
Tags: Pier Paolo Mariotti, EURAC Research IMEX City Destinations Alliance
