What is The Place Brand Observer?
The Place Brand Observer (TPBO) is an independent publication and resource hub that shines a spotlight on standout places and the people shaping them — through strategy, creativity, and purpose. Born in Aotearoa New Zealand, made with love in Switzerland, and shared with the world, TPBO has been curating stories and insights for over 12 years. It tracks cities, regions, and countries navigating change and building trust, from world capitals to smaller, often-overlooked places. It’s all about smart positioning, meaningful placemaking, and long-term reputation building.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
TPBO offers a wealth of resources and insights, including:
- Over 12 years of curated stories and expert insights from across the globe
- Places to Watch series highlighting cities, regions, and countries making a real difference
- Place Brand Leaders Yearbooks and special editions showcasing thought leadership and standout cases
- Custom Reports helping places understand perception and build on strengths
- A World Map of Place Impact Makers featuring over 450 professionals worldwide
- Hall of Fame recognizing sustained contributions by leading professionals
- Resource Hub packed with expert knowledge, how-to articles, and practical guidance
Spotlighting Places to Watch
The Places to Watch series is a real highlight. It features cities, regions, and countries that are making a genuine impact through thoughtful strategy, inclusive development, and long-term vision. These editorial spotlights dive into the people and ideas behind places that stand out for their purpose, innovation, and impact. It’s a great way to see who’s leading the way and why it matters.
Benchmarking and Observatories
TPBO’s Observatories provide independent profiles of brand performance and perception for cities and countries worldwide. Drawing from leading indices and expert perspectives, these profiles help decision-makers understand strengths, challenges, and how places are seen on the global stage. It’s like having a pulse on the global reputation game — essential for anyone involved in place branding.
Who’s Who in Place Branding
The World Map of Place Impact Makers is the most comprehensive global directory of its kind, featuring over 450 professionals. From brand strategists to placemakers and scholars, this network reflects the people driving positive change in places. Plus, the Hall of Fame honors those nominated by peers for their sustained contributions — a real nod to the leaders shaping the field.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 4: Quality Education
Resource Hub and Expert Insights
The Resource Hub is a trusted entry point for anyone interested in place branding — whether just starting out or looking to advance their strategy. At its core is an expert panel made up of leading academics and practitioners whose input shapes many features and reports. The how-to articles break down complex ideas into practical guidance, covering essentials of strategy, implementation, and common pitfalls to avoid. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge, really.
