BestCities Global Alliance, the network of convention bureaux focused on legacy and best practice, has appointed Canadian broadcaster and meetings industry stalwart Loren Christie as managing director.
He replaces Lesley Williams who led the BestCities team for three years.
Christie has spent 25 years in the sphere of travel, tourism and business events, holding various leadership roles with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Destination Toronto.
He has also spent 20 years in broadcast television, including a regular travel segment on CTV, Canada’s national TV network.
During the past three years, he has built a consulting business that provides project management and solutions for the hospitality, travel and tourism industries, with a focus on legacy, impact, and promoting equity, diversion and inclusion.
In his new role, Christie will oversee BestCities’ operations, prioritising the alliance’s focus on legacy and sustainability to advance the global impact of meetings events.
“I am thrilled to join the BestCities team and continue the incredible legacy that Lesley has left during her time with the alliance,” said Christie.
“I’m looking forward to working with the head office team, board of directors, and member destinations to expand our impact in the global meetings landscape and generate new, sustainable business.”
Dr Edward Koh, board chair, BestCities Global Alliance, said: "We are delighted to welcome Loren to the BestCities team and look forward to growing and improving our impact and business operations under his skillful leadership"
He added: “I also want to thank Lesley for her vision, dedication and commitment over the past several years. She had the challenging task of steering BestCities through a global pandemic, and contributed to the subsequent rebuilding of the global meetings industry. Lesley has done an exceptional job, leading the alliance to greater success on both counts.”
In a statement posted to LinkedIn, Williams said: "Looking back, I am incredibly proud of our successes at BestCities. We welcomed remarkable destinations - Dublin Convention Bureau and Guadalajara Convention & Visitors Bureau - into our alliance, further strengthening our global reach. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we emerged stronger and more resilient, navigating uncertain times and adapting to new realities.
"One of the greatest joys of my journey with BestCities has been leading and collaborating with an outstanding team. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in our collective achievements over the past three-and-a-half years.
"As I hand over this great team to Loren, I am confident that BestCities will continue to thrive under his leadership. Together with the entire BestCities network, Loren will build upon our strong foundation and drive the Alliance to even greater heights."
Christie will assume the role of managing director on July 1.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
