E-Newsletter

Registration still open! BestCities Global Forum 2017: “Building Global Connections Across Cultures”

Registration for the BestCities Global Forum, co-hosted by Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau and BestCities, is fast approaching, with only about three months remaining. The three day Forum, scheduled for 4 Dec to 7 Dec, 2017, will include education, insight and networking around the theme of inclusivity and multi-culturalism within the business tourism industry. The program will also give participants the chance to enjoy Japan’s rich and unique culture.

The Forum will feature three speakers, each specializing in the field of multi-culturalism. Hiroo Ichikawa, Professor and Dean at Meiji University and Executive Director of Mori Memorial Foundation, will discuss the strengths and opportunities of Tokyo, its competitiveness in the world, as well as how the City will be changing towards the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Miriam van der Horst, a Learning and Development Consultant from Learning 360 will engage the audience with her talk on how to build productive professional relationships across cultures. Rick Antonson, author and former President and CEO of Tourism Vancouver, will also discuss cultural differences based on his working experiences.
The Forum will be facilitated by Sean Blair, a professional facilitator and owner of ProMeet.

Before, during and after the Forum, attendees will have the opportunity to visit some of the new meeting venues in Tokyo as well as enjoy some cultural programs, in order to have the same experience as what their own meeting delegates will have.

The Global Forum aims to provide the participants with intimate networking opportunities, so the number of registrants will be limited. Many international association executives have registered already, but there still is a few more spaces left. The Forum is open to senior association executives considering business events that rotate globally, relevant to any of the 12 BestCities Global Alliance partner cities (Berlin, Bogotá, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dubai, Edinburgh, Houston, Madrid, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver).

To register interest and for the latest program, please click here.

For any questions, please contact:
Jane.cunningham@bestcities.net or businessevents@tcvb.or.jp

Tokyo welcomes you with an incredible new idea

A new program created this year! Every business event planner aims to create an unforgettable trip for their group and, of course, some unusual ideas would be most appreciated. How about sipping Tokyo local sake aboard the futuristic water bus “Hotaluna” – the best viewing platform of Tokyo’s endless skyline? TCVB is confident - We have just the thing!
A leading international company incentive group participated in this fantastic experience for the first time this summer, and were absolutely delighted.

Hotaluna’s sleek design resembles a silver space ship and features an observation deck that offers a 360-degree view of the capital. Hotaluna was named by its creator, Manga maestro Leiji Matsumoto, for the Roman moon goddess, “luna” and “hotaru” – firefly in Japanese. After dark, the boat leaves a trail of light behind it, giving a gorgeous “firefly effect”. Matsumoto was probably inspired by the fact that real fireflies can still be seen in Tokyo. With five colors to choose from, adjust the light to match your company’s brand image.

Tasting delicious sake produced in Tokyo on board this unique, futuristic ship while enjoying the spectacular view was a treasured experience for the participants, who relished it immensely and evaluated the trip as one of the best they had experienced. A great success! We host many other exciting programs in Tokyo, including 1-Day Tama Nature Tour, Tokyo Clean-up Relay and more.

For more information, please see here: and contact the Business Events Team at the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tokyo maintains 6th position globally in UIA Statistics Report

According to the latest Union of International Associations (UIA) statistics on international meetings held around the world in 2016, Tokyo once again ranked 6th in the category of meetings held by international associations. Two hundred and twenty five of Tokyo’s international congresses met the UIA ranking criteria.
In the Asian region, Tokyo was ranked 3rd following Singapore and Seoul, while retaining its position in the UIA’s top ten cities for seven years in a row.

Reference: Union of International Associations – International Meetings Statistics report – 58h edition

Muslim-friendly menus are available at Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo

To meet the needs of its Muslim guests, Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo introduced a Halal certified Muslim-friendly menu. The separation of kitchenware, halal storage and all necessary items are perfectly prepared to guarantee safe and comfortable meals for Muslim guests. Halal meals are available on request at Shisen Chinese Restaurant, Café California, Lobby Lounge Bamboo, In-Room Dining service and Sheraton Club lounge. One section of the breakfast buffet is also served as a “Halal Corner,” from 6:30 am to 10:00 am in Shisen Chinese Restaurant.

For Tokyo Muslim Travelers’ Guide featuring meals, places of worship, Hotel catering, shops and more, please click here.