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Managing Director
BestCities Global Alliance
Loren Christie brings more than 30 years' experience in tourism and hospitality to his role as Managing Director of BestCities Global Alliance. In this role, he works with 13 premier destinations and their community of clients and partners as they collaborate to ensure that business events are a force for positive impact.
Previously, he held various leadership positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts during his 17-year career there, including Director of Sales for International Congress, Business Transient and Leisure Sales at the Toronto Metro Market. From 2017 to 2020, Loren moved to Destination Toronto, the destination management organization for Canada's largest city, where he led the International Congress and Canadian sales teams.
For the past five years, Loren has also run his own consulting and project management company, working with clients including IAPCO, #Meet4IMpact and Canada's Queer Chamber of Commerce. He sits on the Technical Advisory Committee for the GDS and is the Vice-Chair of the Board for Ontario's Regional Tourism Organization 9. Loren is also a recognized TV personality in Canada appearing as the travel contributor on CTV's Morning Show for the past 25 years.
Date
Hear a comprehensive analysis of the current and up-coming changes in the global business world. The BestCities Global Alliance discusses the latest and most significant environmental, economic, political, legal, social and technological factors affecting global business events.
Learning outcomes:
Explore factors affecting business events in EMEA, the Americas and APAC
Apply strategies to navigate these complexities successfully
Gain a deeper understanding of the power of working with an alliance
This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 1: Understanding the Market, 0.75 credits
* CSEP Approved
In a year marked by geopolitical tensions and heightened global scrutiny, today's global event organizers face more than logistics challenges —they require strategic foresight. Hear global voices unpacking how current headlines are influencing site selection, delegate experience, and risk management for international meetings. Learn what trends are emerging, what stakeholders are watching, and what proactive steps you can take to safeguard your events and foster trust with your audiences and partners.
Learning outcomes:
Learn practical tips/pieces of advice to ensure your international event is a success
Discover strategies to navigate these complexities successfully
Gain a deeper understanding of the benefits of working with a global organization like ICCA or the BestCities Global Alliance
This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 6: Destination Planning