Events
IDA’s World Towns Leadership Summit convenes place management leaders from around the globe in a small group setting to explore key city building issues and learn how different countries and cultures address challenges in their context. A diverse cohort of attendees will be enlightened by key research and inspired presentations, all aimed at initiating deep discussions while exploring real-world professional practice challenges. The event is held using the world café discussion format.
This summit is a fantastic way to visit new towns around the globe and appreciate how different customs, cultures, politics and economics impact the work of place management. This year’s World Towns Leadership Summit will take place 20-24 April 2026 in Dublin, Ireland and Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Conference Details
The 2026 World Towns Leadership Summit will be held in Dublin, Ireland and Belfast, Northern Ireland. This event is brought to you by IDA and our local host organizations We Are DublinTown and Linen Quarter BID.
Due to strong demand for the 2026 program, the World Towns Leadership Summit is currently at capacity. The waitlist for the event is now closed. Please note, there will be no on-site registration. If you have any questions, please email IDA at registration@downtown.org. Thank you!
The form includes a few brief questions to help us thoughtfully manage attendance and ensure a diverse and balanced representation of participants. Please note that completing the form does not guarantee registration for this event. Since space is limited, priority consideration may be given to members of IDA and/or related international associations. Once your submission is received, a member of the IDA team will contact you to confirm your participation if space becomes available and provide an invoice for payment.
All below prices are USD.
- Regular Registration Rate until Tuesday, 17 March 2026: $600
- Late Registration Rate until Monday, 20 April 2026: $700
- Spouse / Partner* Rate: $175 (includes all Summit activities)
*A special spouse/partner rate is available for individuals accompanying registered attendees to the 2026 World Towns Leadership Summit. This rate is offered exclusively for non-professional companions, such as immediate family members, spouses or partners who are not involved in the place management industry or related fields. Please contact our registration team if you have questions about eligibility for this rate.
Cancellation Policy: Written notice of cancellation is required. Cancellations received via email by 17 March 2026 will receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. Cancellations received via email after 17 March 2026 will not be refunded. Refunds will be processed approximately 30 days after the event. Please send the cancellation notification to the International Downtown Association by emailing registration@downtown.org.
Payment Methods: For your convenience, payments may be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Please email registration@downtown.org for assistance.
Outstanding Balance: Please note, if you have an outstanding balance for this event, you will not receive your badge on-site or be allowed to attend tours until payment is received. The deadline for outstanding balances is Friday, 3 April 2026. Please contact registration@downtown.org prior to your arrival on-site to pay your outstanding balance.
By registering you are agreeing to IDA’s Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Complaint Policy, Event Agreement and Code of Conduct and IDA Attendee Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release Form.
Passport & Visa Requirements
World Towns Leadership Summit takes place across the island of Ireland. Please note that Dublin is in the Republic of Ireland and Belfast is in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland). Depending on your citizenship, you may need separate travel authorizations for each:
- For Dublin (Ireland): Check Irish visa requirements via the Irish Department of Justice.
- For Belfast (UK): Check if you need a UK Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at uk/check-uk-visa and https://www.gov.uk/eta
Note: A visa and/or electronic travel authorization (ETA) for one country does not automatically grant entry to the other. Please ensure you have the correct documentation for both jurisdictions before you travel. This information may be requested from hotels as well.
Dublin Accommodations
Programing in Dublin will begin Sunday-Wednesday, 19-22 April 2026. The Mercantile Hotel, located at 28 Dame St., Dublin, Ireland, offers standard rooms plus breakfast. Please book your room with breakfast by emailing ushine.okuo@mercantilehotel.ie and ana.winter-lemos@mercantilehotel.ie. Rooms are based on availability at this time. Reference the promo code IDA042026 to confirm if rooms are available under the IDA rate as it is not guaranteed.
Belfast Accommodations
Programming in Belfast will begin Wednesday-Friday, 22-24 April 2026. The Clayton Hotel Belfast, located at 22-26 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HS, United Kingdom, is offering a rate of 115 pounds (approximately $155 USD) per night, plus tax, for a standard room for conference attendees. Room rate includes a standard breakfast. Please book your room by Wednesday, 8 April 2026 online using the promo code: LINE220426.
Additional overflow rooms will be provided at the Maldron Hotel Belfast City, located at 20 Brunswick St, Belfast BT2 7GE, United Kingdom, offering a rate of 115 pounds (approximately $155 USD) per night, plus tax, for a standard room for conference attendees. Room rate includes a standard breakfast. Please book your room by Wednesday, 8 April 2026 online using the promo code: LINE220426.
Transportation
Dublin Airport (DUB) is approximately 25 minutes (15 kilometers/9.5 miles) from the city center. Dublin Express is approximately 9 euros (10 USD) one-way, based on the time of day. More information about Dublin Express is listed here. Taxis are approximately 20-30 euro (30-40 USD) one-way, based on the time of day. Taxis can be booked at the airport or via the Freenow app here.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is approximately 35 minutes (15 kilometers/9.5 miles) from the city center. Translink is approximately 9 pounds (12 USD) one-way, based on the time of day. More information about Translink is listed here. Taxis are approximately 30-40 pounds (40-50 USD) one-way, based on the time of day. Taxis can be booked at the airport or via Uber, fonaCab app here, or Freenow app here.
IDA is committed to making our educational sessions accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, and to reasonably accommodate the assistive needs of our members, attendees and partners. We are actively working to increase the accessibility of our offerings. In so doing, we strive to comply with the available standards and guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act and related laws to the greatest extent possible. If you are having trouble accessing an IDA offering, or have a question regarding session accessibility features, please contact IDA at registration@downtown.org for assistance.
Conference Program
- Sunday 19 Apr 2026
- Monday 20 Apr 2026
- Tuesday 21 Apr 2026
- Wednesday 22 Apr 2026
- Thursday 23 Apr 2026
- Friday 24 Apr 2026
Sunday 19 Apr 2026
- Lobby, The Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St, Dublin, Ireland
- Join We Are DublinTown for an efficient guided walk through the city's storied past, featuring its most iconic landmarks!
- Group to meet by 4:15pm for departure by 4:30pm in the Lobby, The Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St, Dublin, Ireland.
- *This tour includes indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and/or light rain gear.
- The Bankers Bar, Ard Finnan House, Trinity St, Dublin 2, D02 A440, Ireland
- Located in the heart of Dublin City, The Bankers Bar is one of Dublin’s last remaining traditional Irish Pubs. Nestled on the bustling south side, just a stone's throw from the iconic Temple Bar and Grafton Street. *Please note this is a 2-minute walk (120 meters/.07 miles) from The Mercantile Hotel.
Monday 20 Apr 2026
- Lobby, The Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St, Dublin, Ireland
- Group to meet by 8:45am for departure by 9:00am in the Lobby, The Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St, Dublin, Ireland
- Day 1 will include focused study tour of Dublin Castle and the Dublin City Rates Office—James Hoban’s final Irish work—alongside potential visits to Trinity College and the General Post Office, with city planners discussing proposals to reimagine this historic district.
- *Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and/or light rain gear. Light breakfast will be held at the hotel, included in your room rate. Lunch will be provided.
- The Mansion House, Residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Dawson St, Dublin 2, Ireland
- The Mansion House, Residence of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Dawson St, Dublin 2, Ireland Description: Group to meet by 5:30pm for walking departure by 5:45pm in the Lobby, The Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St, Dublin, Ireland.
- Dress code is casual to business casual. *Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and/or light rain gear.
Tuesday 21 Apr 2026
- Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Ln, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 YPP9, Ireland
- Group to meet by 8:45am for bus departure by 9:00am in the Lobby, The Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St, Dublin, Ireland. Light breakfast will be held at the hotel, included in your room rate.
- Day 2 will kick off the Davos style discussions aimed at exploring challenges arising from polarizing national political environments and their effects on local districts. Continuing the tradition of prior summits (most recently in Cape Town, South Africa), delegates will explore how best to position place management organizations to meet the needs of local stakeholders as competition for resources increases at every level of government.
- Morning Session - Exploring the shifting geopolitical environment shaping local condition: As some nations have shifted toward more conservative and protectionist movements across the Americas, the UK, and Europe, Ireland is moving against the tide, seeking greater cooperation and openness both within Europe and beyond. Richard Guiney, CEO of DublinTown and co‑host, will open the discussion with his thoughts on how increasingly polarized narratives—also known as identity politics—are not only driving national elections, policies, and economies, but are also impacting local challenges in city centers.
- *Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and/or light rain gear. Lunch will be provided. Dinner options will be provided to the group.
- Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Ln, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 YPP9, Ireland
- Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Ln, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 YPP9, Ireland
- Afternoon Session: Future Proofing the City - Delegates will learn how the City of Dublin is taking proactive steps to reimagine the city center for a renewed future. Like many cities, Dublin city center has faced significant challenges in the wake of the global financial crisis and COVID‑19, including reduced footfall due to hybrid working, the growth of online shopping, safety concerns, littering, and visible drug use. The Taskforce aims to address these issues through ten “Big Moves” designed to make the city center safer, cleaner, more vibrant, and more attractive for living, working, and visiting. The Dublin City Task Force Report for Regeneration emphasizes the need for systemic change, improved governance, and a strong commitment to the common good to ensure the successful implementation of these recommendations.
- The Church Café Bar, Jervis St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 YX64, Ireland
- Grab dinner at The Church Café Bar! This former church is rich in history, where Arthur Guinness was married, Seán O’Casey was baptized, and Handel rehearsed Messiah on the church organ. Today, it also hosts traditional musicians and dancers, continuing its vibrant cultural legacy. Drinks may be purchased at your discretion
- *Bus transportation will be provided from the Guinness Enterprise Centre upon the conclusion of the summit session to the The Church Café Bar. The Church Café Bar is a 9-minute walk, 600 metres/0.4 miles, from The Mercantile Hotel.
Wednesday 22 Apr 2026
- Dublin City Council – Dublin Civic Office, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Group to meet by 8:15am for departure by 8:30am in the Lobby, The Mercantile Hotel, 28 Dame St, Dublin, Ireland. Please ensure that you have had breakfast included in your room rate, are prepared to check out of the host hotel and bring your luggage to the meeting location in preparation for departure to Dundalk and Belfast.
- Closing out the Dublin summit session, attendees will explore the importance of sustainable and renewable energy, examine the role of smart technologies, and build consensus by summarizing the Dublin discussions in preparation for continued exploration and dialogue in Belfast.
- *Please wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and/or light rain gear. Lunch will be provided.
- Dublin City Council – Dublin Civic Office, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Bus transportation will be provided for departure to Dundalk from the Dublin City Council – Dublin Civic Office.
- Dundalk Town Hall, Crowe St, Townparks, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 W20C, Ireland
- Join the Dundalk BID for a walking tour of their town and the opportunity to experience street art murals and learn about healing through reconciliation.
- Bus transportation will be provided for departure to Belfast. First and main drop off will be the host hotel, The Clayton Hotel Belfast, located at Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HS, United Kingdom. Additional stops based on hotel accommodations will be provided as needed.
- Grand Central Hotel Observatory Bar, Grand Central Hotel, 9- 15 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7FF, United Kingdom
- Group to meet by 6:00pm for departure by 6:15pm in the Lobby, The Clayton Hotel Belfast, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HS, UK.
- Perched on the 23rd floor, The Observatory Belfast is the city’s most breathtaking rooftop bar, offering an unparalleled 360-degree view of the skyline. Enjoy a few bites and drinks with the group, while taking in Belfast views! *Please note this is a 3-minute walk (0.1 miles) from The Clayton Hotel.
- Enjoy an evening for dinner in Belfast. See below highly recommended options to choose from and reserve!
- mrDeanes, 28-40 Howard St, Belfast BT1 6PF, United Kingdom (www.michaeldeane.co.uk/mrdeanes/)
- Shed Grill & Seafood, 17 Brunswick St, Belfast BT2 7GE, United Kingdom (www.shedbelfast.com)
Thursday 23 Apr 2026
- Lobby, The Clayton Hotel Belfast, 22-26 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HS, United Kingdom
- Group to meet by 8:15am for departure by 8:30am in the Lobby of The Clayton Hotel Belfast. Light breakfast will be held at the hotel, included in your room rate.
- This tour is a three-hour experience guided by individuals personally involved in the Troubles from both Republican and Loyalist sides. Visit the Falls Road, Shankill Road and the Peace Walls for unparalleled, firsthand insight into the conflict and the journey toward peace.
- *Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and/or light rain gear. Lunch will be provided.
- Ulster University, York St, Belfast BT15 1ED, United Kingdom
- Ulster University, York St, Belfast BT15 1ED, United Kingdom
- The Director of Community Engagement at Ulster University, Director of Belfast Stories and Senior Police (PSNI) Leader will kick off the afternoon discussion with a presentation on how the vision for Belfast Stories will celebrate the complex, vibrant life of the city with a dedicated focus on Belfast's rich culture, arts, music, film and, most importantly, the narratives of its people. The presentation addressing policing, bridge building, and developing a future narrative in a post conflict society will further support and help refine the outcomes of the summit.
- Common Market, 16-20 Dunbar St, Belfast BT1 2LH, United Kingdom
- Grab your own dinner and drink at Common Market, followed by a tour of the nighttime economy at Belfast Cathedral Quarter by the Belfast Night Czar!
Friday 24 Apr 2026
- Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, United Kingdom
- Group to meet by 8:30am for departure by 8:45am in the Lobby of The Clayton Hotel Belfast. Light breakfast will be held at the hotel, included in your room rate. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and/or light rain gear.
- Attendees will depart for a casual reflection on the week, set within the Belfast Exhibition featuring an augmented reality experience. This reflective time before the closing session will allow participants to consider the week’s learnings, highlights, and key takeaways before finalizing this year’s outcomes.
- Meeting Room, The Clayton Hotel Belfast, 22-26 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HS, United Kingdom
- As the culmination of the week’s journey, this final summit session will wrap up and summarize the group’s findings from 2026 World Towns Leadership Summit. The co-host of the 2027 World Towns Leadership Summit—Auckland, New Zealand—will share insights on what to expect next, before we extend our sincere thanks to the delegates and the week’s organizers and formally conclude the summit.
- Lunch will be provided.
- Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, United Kingdom
- Group to meet by 2:00pm for departure by 2:30pm in the Lobby of The Clayton Hotel Belfast.
- The Gaol is where a number of paramilitary prisoners were held (including at various times the future first Minister Peter Robinson and the future Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness) but is now a tourist and conference facility. McConnell's Irish Whiskey is a historic Irish brand that has been revived, with a new distillery in one of the wings of the former Gaol.
- *This tour includes indoor/outdoor walking. Please plan accordingly and wear comfortable shoes, sun protection and/or light rain gear.
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