As Saint Augustine might have said if he were around today, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one algorithm.” 

The new year is an opportunity to get out there and dive into the depth of understanding and inspiration that can only come from seeing and experiencing places in person.

And what better way than to find inspiration for your craft than by learning in and from the very places setting the global standard in urban innovation, cultural vibrancy, and sustainable development? 

As leaders in destination development, place branding and marketing, the cities the Resonance team is planning to visit in 2025 will not only inspire your work but also provide actionable insights for driving success in your own communities. We invite you to explore the world’s most remarkable destinations—each a beacon of transformation—through events that bring together the brightest minds in city branding, tourism, and urban strategy. 

It may not be the New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2025, but these 10 extraordinary cities and the pivotal events happening in each one will help you empower your destination and community in 2025 and beyond. And yes, we enriched each place with insights from our 2025 World’s Best Cities rankings to make it even more inspiring.

1. Monaco | January 27-28, 2025

Monaco may be small in size, but it punches above its weight in luxury tourism, urban planning, and sustainability. Long one of Europe’s safest and most economically stable destinations, Monaco has also embarked on groundbreaking placemaking projects like the Portier Cove land extension, creating eco-friendly residential and recreational spaces.

Resonance is proud to help our client, City Destinations Alliance (CityDNA), organize their 18th Annual CEO Meeting 2025 in Monaco this January 27 – 28.

This transformative event empowers European DMO leaders to tackle challenges like sustainability, digital transformation, and shifting visitor behaviors. Featuring global insights from visionaries like Monaco Secretary of Attractiveness, Development and Digital Transformation Frederic Genta and innovative strategies from serial entrepreneur and strategic advisor Sam Beni, the meeting fosters collaboration, ideation, and future-proofing solutions for the tourism industry’s evolving demands. EVENT: CityDNA CEO Meeting

2. Singapore | February 12, 2025

Singapore ranks among the world’s most innovative cities, excelling in governance, infrastructure, and sustainability. The city-state’s economic ascent is nothing short of astonishing. In 1965, its GDP was a modest US$974 million; by 2023, it had surged to $501 billion, a staggering 51,337% increase in less than six decades. This meteoric rise is underpinned by its business-friendly policies, including taxes capped at 24% and no capital gains tax, making it a magnet for investors and entrepreneurs. Home to 64 of Asia’s top 100 companies and over 200 international banks managing US$2 trillion in assets, Singapore stands as the world’s fourth-largest financial center.

The city also ranks #5 in our World’s Best Cities report, and is an ideal place for Resonance to unveil the inaugural Asia-Pacific Best Cities report in partnership with the Centre for Livable Cities. This event is an unmissable opportunity for city leaders and planners to gain insights into emerging trends, benchmark performances, and explore Singapore’s model of sustainable urban innovation. EVENT: Centre for Livable Cities

3. Mumbai | February 20, 2025

Mumbai is India’s financial capital and cultural powerhouse, famous for its glitzy Bollywood film industry and towering skyscrapers while also housing some of the world’s largest slums—a juxtaposition emblematic of its identity. Mumbai has been in and out of our Top 100 World’s Best Cities in recent years and is a fascinating host city for ULI India’s annual conference, where Resonance President & CEO Chris Fair will keynote, addressing how Mumbai and other Indian cities can lead global urban innovation while tackling climate goals. Attendees will gain actionable insights into balancing growth with sustainability. EVENT: ULI India

4. Budapest | April 9-11, 2025

Budapest’s charm lies in its rich history, architectural heritage, and thriving cultural scene. Ranked in the Top 20 of our 2024 Europe’s Best Cities ranking, the city is synonymous with digital nomads and bold companies looking for old European vibrancy on a budget (and the first-mover advantage that comes with it). Foreign investment is also drawing big hotel flags, from the new Matild Palace—the city’s first Luxury Collection hotel—opening inside a UNESCO landmark in 2022, joining newcomers Párisi Udvar Hotel, W Budapest and the Dorothea Hotel (whose rooftop is a sweet dinner spot before hitting some of Europe’s best nightlife).

The CityDNA annual conference will explore strategies for urban tourism, cultural preservation, and digital transformation. As a city that masterfully blends tradition and modernity, Budapest offers invaluable lessons for urban leaders attending the event. EVENT: CityDNA Annual Conference

5. Ottawa | May 20-21, 2025

Canada’s capital has ascended our World’s Best Cities rankings for years, finishing #52 in 2025. It has quietly emerged from the shadow of its larger neighbors, Toronto and Montreal, to become a global magnet for brainpower and innovation, with one in four residents being an immigrant. This influx of talent has fueled nearly 2,000 knowledge-based businesses in sectors ranging from cleantech and life sciences to aerospace. Resonance has partnered with Destination Canada and Ottawa Tourism on multiple initiatives, and we’re thrilled to join City Nation Place Americas in the city. This two-day gathering of place branding leaders will delve into how data and storytelling are reshaping city narratives, with Ottawa’s success serving as a case study. EVENT: City Nation Place Americas

Copenhagen | June 10-12, 2025

Copenhagen’s compact, park-filled urban grid, connected by serpentine bike lanes that end at clean, city-sanctioned urban swimming spots (and public hot tubs!), continues to capture global attention. And kudos: the Danish capital finished #45 in our 2025 World’s Best Cities ranking. This recognition was further solidified by the city’s designation as a UNESCO World Capital of Architecture, with events running through 2026 at venues like the Danish Architecture Center and the climate-resilient waterfront Opera Park.

Appropriately, The WRLDCTY Leadership Summit at Bloxhub (powered by Resonance) will gather thought leaders to co-author a new urban agenda for the next generation of cities. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into Copenhagen’s transformative approach to urban living. EVENT: WRLDCTY Leadership Summit

Chicago | July 9-11, 2025 

America’s great Midwest metropolis has the wind at its back and the eyes of new talent and the site selections who follow them. Ranked #17 in our 2025 World’s Best Cities, the city was also named the top metro area for corporate investment for the 11th consecutive year by Site Selection.

Chicago’s infrastructure projects range from the new Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Chicago, a $275-million biomedical hub, to a $20-million tech workforce center. Opening over the next two years are the $500-million Obama Presidential Center, set to open in Jackson Park, and the Marquette Greenway bike trail that will eventually connect Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan, by 2027, transforming the South Side’s landscape. 

Fittingly, the Destinations International Summit will bring more than 1,500 destination marketing professionals to the Windy City, where Resonance will release its annual America’s Best Cities report. DI’s biggest event of the year is a must-attend for destination marketing professionals from all over the world. EVENT: Destinations International Annual Conference

Vancouver | October 15-16, 2025

With its addictive views, mild climate and multiculturalism—boasting the largest pan-Asian population outside of Asia—Vancouver is widely recognized as one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver ranks #22 in our 2025 World’s Best Cities ranking. The Resonance team is also grateful to call it our hometown.

As such, this October, the WRLDCTY Forum for Urban Innovation will return to Vancouver, showcasing best practices from cities worldwide, in the context of a city long lauded as doing it right. Attendees will explore Vancouver’s approach to sustainability, housing, and technology, offering a blueprint for urban success. EVENT: WRLDCTY Forum for Urban Innovation

9. San Francisco | November 4-6, 2025

The golden city—deeply wounded by the addiction crisis, a lack of affordable housing and violence unimaginable a few years ago—is getting up off the mat. San Francisco remains a global hub for technology and innovation, ranking #12 in our 2025 World’s Best Cities rankings. Despite all the bad press, the city is the global home of artificial intelligence, with AI companies pouring into empty office space (including the Transamerica Pyramid Center, newly renovated by Foster + Partners). 

As rents drop, advocacy and local pride stir, and failed ideas are jettisoned by an educated citizenry raised on disruption and with the means to impact change, look for brighter days ahead. 

Over three days, the Urban Land Institute’s Fall Meeting will explore the intersection of technology, tourism, and urban renewal. Attendees will gain insights into San Francisco’s resilience and innovative strategies for urban challenges. EVENT: ULI Fall Meeting

London | November 5-6, 2025

London has reigned as the #1 city in our World’s Best Cities rankings for a decade. Navigating the complexities of a post-Brexit era, geopolitical uncertainties and economic challenges, London’s resilient spirit and unmatched global appeal have solidified its place at the pinnacle of our annual ranking.

As one of the most desirable destinations for students, foreign investors, tourists and business leaders, London boasts a magnetic draw for people from all walks of life: the ideal urban lab for the 11th annual City Nation Place Global conference, a must-attend for the Resonance team since the event launched in 2015.

The conference has evolved into a movement and resource center for place brand professionals and stewards of place, with every conference more inspiring and more diverse than the last. Where else can you hear from a former British Ambassador to the USA mere hours after Donald Trump’s election and then hear about how bedtime stories are building local pride in a new generation of Tasmanians. EVENT: City Nation Place

Want to join us at any of these inspiring events, or discuss how to empower your destination for residents, visitors or talent attraction? Talk to Resonance today!