There was no real movement at the top of the International Congress & Convention Association's annual rankings of the most popular destinations for international association meetings: In fact, the top six countries remain the same: United States, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, France, and Italy.
And even though the United States keeps its top position among countries, five of the top six cities are in Europe. You have to get down to number 51 to find a U.S. city, Washington, D.C., which is tied for that position with Mexico City.
Big mover Madrid, which had come from outside the top 20 to No. 6 in just two years, stays at No. 6 again this year. London showed the biggest move, up to No. 7 from No. 14 in 2011 (and No. 12 in 2010).
The ranking looks at association meetings of more than 50 people that are held regularly and that rotate among at least three different countries. More than 10,000 such events were logged for the survey — an increase of more than 800 events from the previous year's rankings.
Also setting a record was the United States, for most meetings held in one year: 759. After Washington, D.C., the most popular U.S. cities in 2011 were Boston; New York and San Francisco (tie); San Diego; and Miami.