Breaking into the business events industry can be as exciting as it is complex. With fast-evolving trends, diverse stakeholders and rising expectations, knowing where to begin is not always obvious. Since 1987, the CityDNA Summer School has been a launchpad for new professionals, offering the knowledge, skills and network to take those first steps with confidence.
From August 25-29, 2025, the 39th edition of the City Destinations Alliance Summer School will take place in Luxembourg. Designed for rising talent in DMOs, CVBs, hotels, PCOs, congress centers and beyond, the program delivers a high-impact learning experience that blends strategic content with hands-on application.
Over four intensive days, participants explore the pillars shaping the future of the industry: sustainability, legacy, EDI, innovation, strategic partnerships, digital transformation and AI. Sessions range from bid strategies and client expectations to site inspections and group work, all led by a diverse faculty of senior professionals and thought leaders.
But what truly sets the program apart is its enduring focus on people. From collaborative workshops to the celebratory graduation gala, the Summer School cultivates meaningful connections that often grow into long-term professional relationships.
This strength is especially visible at IMEX, where alumni and faculty regularly reconnect, sometimes years later, right on the show floor. These spontaneous reunions are more than a pleasant surprise; they reflect how both IMEX and the CityDNA Summer School serve as platforms for learning, exchange and growth.
If you're at the beginning of your journey, or nurturing the next generation of talent, the CityDNA Summer School is a smart place to start.
Booth G140
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