IAPCO

IAPCO International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Its remit is to raise quality standards within the meetings industry.

ABOUT IAPCO
Mission Statement
The IAPCO mission is to raise the standards of service amongst its members and other sectors of the meetings industry by means of continuing education and interaction with other professionals. Vision
IAPCO is the international accreditation member-driven association for Professional Congress Organisers around the world. Its members embrace the following Core Values:

They are proud of their profession; they live up to the ‘P’ in PCO

They get involved; they are a small and active group taking responsibility for their association and the industry at large

They are extra-ordinary; they care about delivering the highest quality of professional services and make decisions accordingly

They uphold the trust; they have a responsibility to their clients, and to the whole meetings industry, to conduct business in a trustworthy way

They set the benchmark; they are at the forefront of innovation within their profession and always strive to improve

Learning is essential therefore; education is at the core of their association and everything revolves around it

🌏 Unlocking Potential for the Global Stage: IAPCO Delivers EDGE Seminar in Jakarta IAPCO proudly returned to Indonesia l...
05/12/2025

🌏 Unlocking Potential for the Global Stage: IAPCO Delivers EDGE Seminar in Jakarta
IAPCO proudly returned to Indonesia last week for a Hosted EDGE Seminar in Jakarta, held 26–28 November 2025. Co-hosted by Pacto Convex and Kadin Indonesia, and organised in collaboration with the newly opened Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE) PIK2, the three-day programme marked an exciting milestone for the region’s meetings and events industry.

Led by the IAPCO Training Academy, the programme delivered a dynamic, practice-oriented curriculum—strengthening participants’ capabilities through global standards, emerging trends, and hands-on tools essential for delivering world-class international events.

Reflecting on the opportunity for the region, Stephen Noble, Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, noted: “Delivering IAPCO education in Indonesia is about more than sharing global best practice, it’s about unlocking local potential and empowering event professionals to lead with confidence on the world stage.”

👏 A special thank you to our IAPCO members who contributed their expertise as faculty for the first time: Benoît Dubuisson, Managing Director, Downtown Europe, and Florian Fehringer, Director of International Projects, Mondial Congress & Events.

Together, we continue to elevate excellence and unlock potential worldwide. See more: https://www.iapco.org/resource/unlocking-potential-for-the-global-stage-iapco-delivers-edge-seminar-in-jakarta.html

04/12/2025

✨ IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026
Stockholm—a city in perfect balance between past, present, and future; a forward-thinking community of pioneers, creators, and innovators (from Nobel to Spotify) where openness, inclusion, and sustainability turn ideas into action.

Stockholm’s ethos underpins our theme, Bridging Minds: A Collaborative Innovation Journey, translating creativity into practical change. Shaped by centuries of openness and invention, the city’s legacy isn’t just a backdrop—it’s reflected throughout the programme.

This anniversary edition of IAPCO EDGE in Stockholm offers a programme that is dynamic, interactive, and deeply personal—featuring customisable parallel learning journeys most relevant to professional and personal growth, plus a city-woven social programme across landmark venues and signature Stockholm experiences.

🗓 18–21 January 2026
🔥 Limited places left
👉 Secure a place now: https://registration.invajo.com/a6608a75-3266-42f1-b0e9-256173947744
🌐 Explore the full programme: https://www.iapcoedgestockholm.org/

Visit Stockholm Meetagain Nordic Hotels & Resorts

03/12/2025

📣 The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, welcomes the IAPCO community to Athens for the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026 — a globally significant event that brings together the people shaping the future of international conferences, collaboration, and innovation.

In his message, the Mayor highlights Athens as a city where ancient heritage meets modern creativity — a destination that embraces sustainability, culture, and progress, and continues to inspire the world with its unique energy and vision for the future.

Join us in the city where the journey towards “The Odyssey Reinvented” begins.🌿

📅 25–28 February 2026
📍 Megaron Athens International Conference Centre
📝 Register now at iapco2026.com

Χάρης Δούκας Δήμος Αθηναίων
AFEA Congress Convin SA ERA Congresses & Events Erasmus Conferences & Events S.A. This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau Μέγαρο Μουσικής Αθηνών / Megaron - The Athens Concert Hall

*Participation in the IAPCO AM&GA is exclusive to IAPCO Members.

02/12/2025

✨ IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026: Meet Speaker Sissi Lignou
We are delighted to spotlight one of the distinguished speakers at IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026—Sissi Lignou, IAPCO President, and President & CEO of AFEA Congress.

With over two decades in the global meetings industry, Sissi unites strategic vision, international congress expertise, and a distinguished record of service to IAPCO and the wider community. From the Athens 2004 Olympic Games to her leadership of AFEA Congress, she has helped shape standards of excellence in professional conference organisation—driven by a profound commitment to education and to empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

In her own words:
“The true value of IAPCO EDGE, IAPCO's signature educational seminar, lies not only in equipping future meeting professionals with expertise in quality conference organization—taught by the industry’s top experts and leaders—but also in the inspiration and the professional networks it builds. It is the ideal platform for elevating the skills of PCOs and shaping emerging leaders who will become the next generation of accredited PCOs.” — Sissi Lignou

Join Sissi and the full lineup of industry-leading speakers in Stockholm.
👉 Register now: https://www.iapcoedgestockholm.org/

Visit Stockholm Meetagain Nordic Hotels & Resorts

01/12/2025

🎬 IAPCO at IBTM World 2025 – Relive the Highlights: Our After-Movie Is Now Live!
Step inside the show with IAPCO President Sissi Lignou, Council Member Ajay Bhojwani and CEO Martin Boyle as they share insights from three days in Barcelona.

: IAPCO's Pop-up Education sessions turned insight into action on AI, innovation, sustainability and legacy. Thank you to our speakers: Members Hazem Nabil (ICOM Group) and Antonella Nalli (Triumph Group International), and Partners Herson Engcoy (Snapsight) and Alexander Alles (Joint Meetings Industry Council).
We also previewed IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026 with the LOC Visit Stockholm, Meetagain and Nordic Hotels & Resorts, offering a first look at the programme meant for "Bridging Minds: A Collaborative Innovation Journey."

: At our Press Conference, IAPCO advanced its Sustainability Strategy through a partnership with Business Events Australia (BEA), introducing two key initiatives: 🌟 the IAPCO Sustainability Award powered by BEA and 🌱 the IAPCO Sustainability Toolkit to advance sustainability in events.
Our advocacy continued via the Association Leaders Forum and the IAPCO Collaboration Award 2025, supported by IBTM, presented to MCI Australia.

& : IAPCO returned to the show alongside Partner Events Industry Council (EIC) and industry leaders Global DMC Partners, International Association of Exhibitions & Events - IAEE, Meeting Professionals International - MPI and SITE - Society for Incentive Travel Excellence—thank you for the meaningful collaboration.
We shared new opportunities with our Hosted Buyer group, deepened connections with our Members and Partners, and explored new meaningful collaborations. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible IAPCO community—your energy and engagement are what make IBTM truly matter—and to IBTM Events for hosting such an inspiring edition.

👉 Watch the after-movie and be part of what’s next as we continue . See more: www.iapco.org

01/12/2025

IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly Athens 2026: 🗝️ Unlocking Excellence through Dialogue

“Like the great thinkers of ancient Greece, we believe in the power of dialogue to illuminate, to challenge, and to transform. In the classical world, dialogue was more than conversation — it was a method of discovery, a means of sharpening thought through the meeting of minds. At IAPCO, we honour that same tradition. The IAPCO Dialogues are our modern-day symposium: a dedicated space where members come together to share insights, question assumptions, and build collective wisdom. Here, knowledge is not transferred but co-created — shaped by real experience, honest reflection, and open exchange. The Annual Meeting is our agora — a place not only for connection and collaboration, but for confronting the challenges we face with courage, creativity, and community. Through dialogue, we move beyond individual solutions and toward shared progress. In this spirit, we don’t meet simply to speak. We meet to listen, to learn, and to lead — together,” says Mathias Posch, Chairman & Partner, International Conference Services, and Accreditation Committee Chair, IAPCO.

As one of the two facilitators of “The Dialogues” at the IAPCO AM&GA Athens 2026, Mathias will inspire open exchange and collective thinking, leading conversations that challenge perspectives and spark collaboration — alongside Nicky McGrane, Founder & CEO, Conference Partners International, and Training Academy Regional Representative Europe, IAPCO.

At IAPCO AM&GA Athens 2026, “The Dialogues” will revive that timeless tradition of turning conversation into collaboration and ideas into impact.

📅 25–28 February 2026
📍 Megaron Athens International Conference Centre
📝 Register now: iapco2026.com

*This is an IAPCO Members-only event.

AFEA Congress Convin SA ERA Congresses & Events Erasmus Conferences & Events S.A. This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau

30/11/2025

✨ “Wellness isn’t a perk — it’s a prerequisite.”
In The PCO Magazine (Issue #120), Melissa Murphy, Event Strategist at Arinex, explores how genuine wellness design begins not with add-ons — but with empathy, inclusivity, and truly listening to what participants need.

In an era where delegates juggle caregiving, neurodiversity, anxiety, fatigue and post-pandemic pressures, wellness has become central to event design. No longer a yoga break or smoothie bar — but a foundational responsibility for PCOs.

Drawing on real-world examples such as the International Childhood Trauma Conference (ICTC 2025) and the Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC), the article shows how wellness-centric events can reshape experiences from the inside out.

💡 What does transformative wellness design look like in practice?
🔹 Care built into logistics — onsite childcare, quiet rooms, sensory spaces
🔹 Emotional safety — onsite counsellors and trauma-informed staff
🔹 Neuroinclusive design — visual-first comms, low-stimulus lounges, user testing
🔹 Movement & mindfulness — energising breaks, walk-and-talks, creative networking
🔹 Community & purpose — lived-experience partnerships, inclusive markets, local culture

🌿 When we design for the whole human — body, mind and belonging — we move from hosting conferences to building communities. That’s where the future of events truly lives.

📖 Read the full article on page 8 👉 https://www.iapco.org/resource/the-pco-issue-120-edition-5-2025.html

29/11/2025

K.I.T. Group GmbH – African Agenda, an IAPCO Accredited PCO, proudly partnered with the ICAN-Infection Control Africa Network to deliver the 9th ICAN Congress 2025 in Cape Town.

As the first in-person ICAN Congress since 2018, it united 260 delegates from 32 countries for four days of insights, learning, and collaboration.

Despite USAID funding cuts that impacted delegates and sponsors, as well as post-pandemic challenges, K.I.T. Group – African Agenda delivered a seamless, high-quality event featuring a three-stream programme and four interactive pre-congress workshops.

The result? A milestone congress that advanced infection control capacity and united professionals across Africa, all powered by the expertise of an IAPCO Accredited PCO.

Read the full case study here: https://www.iapco.org/resource/advancing-infection-prevention-control-across-africa-and-beyond-k-i-t-group-african-agenda-delivers-9th-international-ican-congress-ican25.html

28/11/2025

🌟 Celebrate the leaders of tomorrow — today.
Nominations are open for the IAPCO Emerging Leader Award 2026, recognising exceptional early-career talent across the IAPCO community.

Supported and judged by our IAPCO Destination Partners, this award honours individuals who demonstrate:
✔️ Early-career leadership potential
✔️ Creative, innovative problem-solving
✔️ A commitment to collaboration and community
✔️ A forward-thinking vision for our profession

🗓️ Nominations close: 19 December 2025
🏆 Winner announced: 26 February 2026 at the IAPCO AM&GA in Athens

What’s in store for the 2026 Emerging Leader?
• The IAPCO Emerging Leader Trophy
• Complimentary pass to the following year’s AM&GA + education bursary
• Use of the Emerging Leader Award logo in professional materials

👉 Nominate now and spotlight the talent shaping our industry’s future: https://www.iapco.org/education-and-training/awards/emerging-leader-award.html

Let’s continue together.

This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau Dubai Can Frankfurt Convention Bureau Geneva Convention Bureau Go To Guadalajara Discover Hong Kong Fáilte Ireland Visit Japan International Destination Toronto

27/11/2025

✨ IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026: Meet the Keynote Speaker, Tobias Degsell

We are thrilled to introduce the keynote speaker for IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026—Tobias Degsell, one of Sweden’s most popular and inspiring speakers. 🇸🇪

Known for his ability to see the bigger picture through the smallest details, Tobias brings analytical precision and a solution-oriented mindset that sparks innovation and collaboration. Beyond the stage, he works globally with companies and organisations, helping them break free from conventional thinking and discover new ways to create value.

In his session, “Collaboration and Its Contribution to Excellence,” Tobias will draw on his unique insights from the Nobel Prize and over a decade of cross-sector experience, spanning business, the public sector, and civil society.

Join us in Stockholm as we explore how collaboration fuels excellence and innovation under this year’s theme, Bridging Minds: A Collaborative Innovation Journey.

🔥 Early bird registration closes on 30 November.
👉 Register now: https://www.iapcoedgestockholm.org/

Visit Stockholm Meetagain Nordic Hotels & Resorts Hotels & Resorts

26/11/2025

✨ A Stage for Inspiration and Dialogue
Where ideas meet architecture, and harmony meets innovation — the Megaron Athens International Conference Centre, the official venue of the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly Athens 2026, becomes the stage for “The Odyssey Reinvented.”

In the heart of a city that bridges ancient wisdom and modern vision, Megaron embodies elegance, creativity, and the spirit of meaningful connection.

Here, every space invites collaboration, every detail inspires excellence, and every moment celebrates the power of coming together.

Join us at the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026 and experience where the future of meetings takes shape.

👉 Register now & learn more: iapco2026.com

Participation in the IAPCO AM&GA is exclusive to IAPCO Members.

Μέγαρο Μουσικής Αθηνών / Megaron - The Athens Concert Hall AFEA Congress Convin SA ERA Congresses & Events Erasmus Conferences & Events S.A. This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau

25/11/2025

✨ IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026 — early bird ends 30 November!
The countdown is on! ⏳ Early bird registration for IAPCO EDGE Stockholm 2026 closes on 30 November – this is your moment to lock in the best rate and step into the next chapter of your professional journey.

🗓 18–21 January 2026
📍 Stockholm, Sweden
🎯 Theme: Bridging Minds: A Collaborative Innovation Journey

🔥 EARLY BIRD CLOSES 30 NOVEMBER
👉 Secure your place now: https://registration.invajo.com/a6608a75-3266-42f1-b0e9-256173947744

Our Local Host Committee — Louise Nordenskjöld and Visit Stockholm, Ellen Franck and Meetagain, and David Khan and Nordic Hotels & Resorts — can’t wait to greet you in a (hopefully snowy) Stockholm this January, and they’ve prepared a fantastically warm programme to match.

🌐 Explore the full programme: https://www.iapcoedgestockholm.org/

Ready to learn, connect, and celebrate 10 years of EDGE — at early bird rates? Stockholm awaits. 🥂

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About IAPCO

INTRODUCTION

The acronym IAPCO stands for the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers.

We are a member based organisation comprising conference organising/meeting planning companies whose aims are to raise standards in our industry and to provide a quality assurance to our clients.