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

13/09/2025

✨ “High-performance teams don’t just meet expectations — they smash them.”

In the latest edition of The PCO Magazine (Issue #118), IAPCO Member Arinex reveals the seven forces that transform a good conference team into a powerhouse capable of running five concurrent hubs across continents, exceeding bid goals, and boosting staff happiness by 20% year on year.

📖 “Seven Ways to Build a High-Performance Team That Smashes Benchmarks” explores how Arinex:
🔹 Embeds a clear, shared purpose into everything from onboarding to planning
🔹 Creates psychological safety so issues surface early, not on show day
🔹 Elevates expertise through specialist business units
🔹 Champions radical collaboration across hierarchies and geographies
🔹 Leverages tech as the great equaliser to free up creativity
🔹 Fuels excellence through recognition and peer-driven praise
🔹 Delivers purpose-driven impact through sustainability and reconciliation commitments

Together, these forces act like gears in a high-performance engine — aligned, intentional, and unstoppable.

📍 Find it on page 33 here 👉 https://www.iapco.org/resource/the-pco-issue-118-edition-3-2025.html

12/09/2025

We are proud to share that Martin Boyle, CEO of IAPCO will be joining an exclusive group of global association leaders as a Keynote Listener at the upcoming Skift Meetings Forum 2025, taking place on Monday, 15 September in New York City.

The Keynote Listener role is part of a new initiative designed to spotlight industry figures who are helping shape the future of business events. Martin will represent the global IAPCO PCO community, bringing the value and impact of PCOs to the forefront.

Martin will be joined by a distinguished cohort of fellow Keynote Listeners: Nicola Kastner (CEO, Event Leaders Exchange), Cameron Curtis (CEO, LGBT Meeting Professionals Association), Dr Senthil Gopinath (CEO, ICCAWorld), Liz Lathan (Co-founder, Club Ichi), Vinnie Polito (CEO, Society of Independent Show Organizers - SISO), and Amy Calvert (President and CEO, Events Industry Council). The session will be moderated by Miguel Neves, Editor-in-Chief at Skift Meetings.

Skift Meetings Forum brings together some of the most forward-thinking professionals in the industry to explore today’s boldest opportunities and toughest challenges — from geopolitics and AI to creative event strategy and leadership.

Martin will actively participate in all sessions and contribute reflections and key takeaways as part of the forum’s closing panel — ensuring the voice of the PCO network is heard in shaping what comes next for our industry.

📍 New York City
📅 15 September 2025
🔗 See more at: https://live.skift.com/skift-meetings-forum/

11/09/2025

What sets IAPCO Accredited PCOs apart from the rest?

It’s passion, consistency, and proven credibility.

In this video, Ellen Franck, Jimena Ruiz, Kirstin Aram and Roslyn McLeod of IAPCO Members Meetagain, Business Travel Consulting, , and Arinex reveal how accreditation, peer learning, and rigorous quality standards elevate their work, giving clients total confidence that their event is in expert hands.

When you see the IAPCO badge, you know you’re working with professionals who are trained and trusted to deliver excellence every time.

Watch now to hear directly from the experts.

Discover more at iapco.org

06/09/2025

✨ “Good teams deliver. Great teams transform events into milestones.”

In the latest edition of The PCO Magazine (Issue #118), IAPCO Member ICOM Group shares the story behind CardioAlex.25 — the leading cardiovascular conference in Africa and the Middle East, and a mission-driven event advancing global knowledge and patient care.

“CardioAlex is true evidence of what happens when people rally behind a purpose bigger than themselves.” – Ahmed El Shal, Chairman, ICOM Group

📖 “From Good to Great: The Teamwork Behind the Success of CardioAlex.25” explores how:
🔹 6,500+ attendees and 136 international speakers came together in Alexandria & online
🔹 Partnerships with 15 global and regional organisations created real impact
🔹 Seamless teamwork across departments turned complex challenges into opportunities
🔹 A culture of trust, shared purpose, and adaptability elevated delivery from good to exceptional
🔹 Sustainability initiatives and destination experiences extended the impact beyond the conference hall

📍 Read the full story on pages 20–21 👉 https://www.iapco.org/resource/the-pco-issue-118-edition-3-2025.html

05/09/2025

🎓 EDGE in Tokyo: A Continued Commitment to Education and Excellence
From 1–2 September 2025, IAPCO Destination Partner Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) hosted the fourth edition of the IAPCO Hosted EDGE Seminar in Tokyo, Japan — marking another milestone in a valued collaboration.

For the first time, the seminar was delivered in a hybrid format, attracting approximately 90 online registrations, in addition to the in-person attendees — expanding its reach and accessibility across the region.

As with all IAPCO Hosted EDGE Seminars, this edition featured a tailored education programme developed by the IAPCO Training Academy, designed to deliver a dynamic learning experience for local meeting and convention professionals.

Past IAPCO Presidents, and Training Academy faculty members Mathias Posch (President, International Conference Services) and Ori Lahav (CEO, Kenes Group) led a powerful two-day seminar. Together, they shared valuable insights and practical knowledge on key areas of business events management, helping participants better understand global industry trends and best practices to remain competitive in today’s fast-paced marketplace.

💬 “It was truly a wonderful opportunity for us to host EDGE for the fourth consecutive year. Both Mathias and Ori have an impressive track record of holding international conferences in Japan, and participants greatly appreciated the many insights they gained into the international meetings industry. We sincerely thank IAPCO for this valuable opportunity as a destination partner.” — Japan National Tourism Organisation

At IAPCO, we place high value on partnerships that advance our industry — such as our enduring partnership with JNTO — where a shared commitment to is the first step toward in the global meetings and events industry.

Together, we continue elevating the global meetings industry through shared vision and meaningful collaboration — advancing excellence, connection, and impact worldwide.

Visit Japan from the UK

04/09/2025

🎥 “Becoming an IAPCO Member changed the course of our company.”

In this video, Ellen Franck, IAPCO Council Member, shares the profound impact that IAPCO Accreditation has had on her company — bringing legitimacy, visibility, and credibility to a growing PCO based in Sweden.

She highlights how IAPCO’s unwavering commitment to quality not only validates the PCO profession but also sets a high standard of excellence that strengthens the global meetings industry.

👉 Hear more from Ellen and the rest of IAPCO’s Council:
https://www.iapco.org/about-us/iapco-council.html

📣 More insights from IAPCO’s Council coming soon — stay connected.

03/09/2025

🌍 Global dialogue. Shared purpose. Lasting impact.

IAPCO was honoured to take part in the ICCAWorld Central Europe Chapter Meeting 2025, held from 31 August to 2 September in Poznań, Poland — an inspiring gathering of industry leaders, change-makers, and collaborators.

Representing our global community, IAPCO President Sissi Lignou contributed to high-level discussions on the power of events as connectors in times of uncertainty, and the critical role of long-term partnerships in creating lasting value.

💬“It was a pleasure to join industry leaders and speak about the important role IAPCO Accredited PCOs play in positioning events as vital connectors — especially in times of global uncertainty.
It was equally meaningful to reflect on the power of long-term partnerships in driving meaningful and lasting impact.
Sincere thanks to ICCA CEC Europe for the opportunity to contribute to such a high-level dialogue — a meaningful step forward in the evolving ICCA–IAPCO collaboration and our shared commitment to excellence in the global meetings industry.” — Sissi Lignou, IAPCO President

At IAPCO, we remain committed to collaboration, advocacy, and unlocking excellence across the global events industry.

02/09/2025

🎓 Another step forward in shaping the future of our industry — bridging experience and fresh perspectives in Luxembourg this August.

IAPCO proudly contributed to the 39th edition of the City Destinations Alliance Summer School, held in Luxembourg from 25–29 August 2025, continuing our long-standing collaboration with CityDNA.

Representing our community on the Summer School faculty was Giulia Ineke Sarri, Chair of the IAPCO Next Gen Committee and Co-opted Council Member of IAPCO.

Her session, “PCOs: The Power of Partnership,” explored how strategic collaboration across sectors can elevate event outcomes and deliver long-term value — reinforcing the essential role of PCOs in our industry.

This immersive programme brought together early-career professionals from across Europe, offering a deep dive into the structure and dynamics of the meetings industry through theory, best practice, and real-world case studies.

👏 Thank you to CityDNA for another impactful edition — and to all faculty and participants helping shape the future of our sector.

📣 At IAPCO, we remain committed to and — and to supporting the next generation of leaders in the global meetings community.

01/09/2025

🏆 Celebrate Exceptional Collaboration
Nominations are open for the IAPCO Driving Excellence Collaboration Award 2025, supported by IBTM World — and there’s just 1 month left to apply!

This award recognises outstanding partnerships in the meetings industry that deliver innovation, impact, and long-term value — from transformative congresses to visionary bids and beyond.

✨ Know a client, destination, or supplier who exemplifies the spirit of collaboration? Submit your nomination today 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Collaboration2025

🗓️ Deadline: 1 October 2025
🏅 Winners announced: IBTM Leaders Summit, Barcelona – 17 November 2025

*The lead PCO in the nomination must be an IAPCO Member.

View Full Details & Criteria 👉 https://www.iapco.org/education-and-training/awards/collaboration.html

Together, we are .

30/08/2025

✨ “What truly elevates a team?
Culture, clarity, and connection.”

In the latest edition of The PCO Magazine (Issue #118), Lisa Stern, Country Manager at IAPCO Member Office AIM Group Austria of AIM Group International, shares how moving from a good team to a great one is not about luck — but about building intentionally, with people, purpose, communication, and culture at the core.

📖 “What Truly Elevates a Team” reveals lessons from delivering a 2,000-person international pharma event in just three months — including how to:
🔹 Select the right people — with alignment and trust at the centre
🔹 Build respect and human connection early
🔹 Structure communication across borders and time zones
🔹 Align everyone around shared goals and purpose
🔹 Recognise contributions to fuel resilience

This case study is a reminder that in the events industry, no success is possible without teamwork — and greatness comes not from pressure, but from creating an environment where people can thrive.

📍 Find it on page 8 here 👉 https://www.iapco.org/resource/the-pco-issue-118-edition-3-2025.html

29/08/2025

“You learn every single moment at IAPCO.” – Alejandro Ramirez Tabche

When it comes to events, Mexico proves time and again that events mean serious business.

Alejandro Ramirez Tabche, CEO of Business Travel Consulting, highlights both the challenges — from limited government support to lingering perceptions of security — and the immense opportunities across Latin America. He champions the strength of IAPCO’s global network and makes a compelling case for why the region is a vibrant, untapped destination for international events.

He guarantees that event buyers will be pleasantly surprised by what Mexico has to offer.

✈️ Vamos

🌐 Learn more about at iapco.org

28/08/2025

We are delighted to share that IAPCO President Sissi Lignou will be a key panelist on Monday, 1 September, during the ICCAWorld Central Europe Chapter Meeting (31 August – 2 September 2025, Poznań, Poland).

Her participation reflects the IAPCO–ICCA partnership, advancing the global meetings industry by building knowledge across borders.

✨ Opening Panel – Events as Bridges in Turbulent Times
Sissi will share highlights from IAPCO’s Global Socio-Political Impact Survey 2025, showcasing how PCOs drive innovation, deliver economic outcomes, strengthen communities, and create social value.

✨ ‘From Host City to Strategic Ally – Rethinking Partnerships’
She will discuss destination partnership programmes and how aligning mission and values creates long-term legacy and impact.

💬 “It is an honour to represent IAPCO on panels that reflect our core values. As the global advocate for the PCO community, IAPCO champions our profession’s role in driving economic progress and social development worldwide.
Long-term collaboration is the foundation of excellence — a principle we encourage our Members to embody among themselves and one that guides our partnerships with industry stakeholders.
I look forward to joining our partners at ICCA to foster meaningful dialogue, drive progress, and continue unlocking excellence together.”
– Sissi Lignou, IAPCO President

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http://www.iapco.org/

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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.

IAPCO’s clearly articulated vision to “drive excellence” takes many forms, including creating opportunities for members to share best practice with one another, promoting best practice, participating in industry-wide discussions, encouraging members to adhere to the Association’s quality standards and developing education programmes which are highly relevant, not just for PCOs but also for the wider meetings industry.

MEMBERSHIP

An IAPCO membership signi es to potential clients that you have achieved a recognised quality benchmark and that you continually strive to maintain and deliver that standard.

In order to qualify for membership, an applicant must provide proof that they have organised ten International or National Events. Client references are obtained, before a site inspection of a designated international congress is undertaken. Interviews take place with international clients, the local organising committee, delegates and exhibitors participating in the selected event. This is followed by a visit to the applicant’s offices for an audit of procedures and business practices together with staff interviews.

Thereafter, members commit to the Code of Conduct and pledge to maintain the standards demonstrated during the application process. There are annual check-lists to ensure continuous professional activity and and a rigorous quality check procedure.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Every member in IAPCO has to abide by our Code of Conduct. They agree to our commitment to continually raise standards, as well as acting professionally towards clients, suppliers, congress participants, fellow members and the public. All members pledge to give their honest professional opinion without prejudice and represent their services and capabilities in an honest manner, agreeing terms of resources that can be expected to be supplied.

EDUCATION & AWARDS TO DRIVE EXCELLENCE

EDGE (Experts in Dynamic Global Education) is IAPCO’s education programme, designed to provide continuing education and to raise standards. IAPCO o ers four educational products: EDGE seminars, web-EDGE, Bespoke EDGE and Sharp EDGE, each providing a different educational offering to the meetings industry.

Awards are an incremental part of recognising excellence. IAPCO’s Innovation Award for the young innovator, the Collaboration Award, recognising exemplary partnerships, the Recognition Award, celebrating excellent delivery by a supplier, and the International Client Award form IAPCO’s Driving Excellence agenda.

SUMMARY

IAPCO members, all bound by our Code of Conduct and continual quality programme, make us what we are. With our commitment to excellence in congress organisation, we create the forum for our members to achieve the very highest of standards.