IAPCO

Dear Destinations,

1,508 conferences are confirmed for 2027-2029, but don’t yet have a venue.

Each one of these events represents delegates, industries and significant economic impact.

The question is where will they land?

IAPCO members help destinations engage at the right moment, shaping outcomes before decisions are made.

Access global opportunities today: https://www.iapco.org/advocacy/dear-destinations-of-the-world.html

How do leaders turn disruption into opportunity?

Issue 123 of The PCO Magazine explores “Leading Through Change: Building Resilient Leaders”—examining how adaptability, strategic decision-making, strong teams, and purposeful innovation are helping organisations navigate an increasingly complex business events landscape.

This edition also shines a spotlight on the LATAM region, celebrating the creativity, leadership, and momentum driving meetings and events across Latin America, with insights from our Ambassadors in the region, alongside the latest highlights, updates, and perspectives from across the global IAPCO community.

Thank you to all IAPCO Members, partners, and contributors who shared their expertise and experiences.

📖 Read and download the latest issue: https://www.iapco.org/resource/the-pco-issue-123-edition-2-2026.html

Collaboration is shaping the future of the business events industry, and IAPCO is proud to be part of the ICCAWorld Mediterranean & France–Benelux Chapter Meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece, from 17–19 June.

As strategic partners, IAPCO and ICCA share a commitment to strengthening the global meetings industry and advancing professional development in underserved regions.

IAPCO President Sissi Lignou will bring the voice of IAPCO’s global community to a panel discussion, sharing insights from the Global Socio-Political Impact Survey Update 2026 and showcasing how IAPCO Members drive progress across the industry.

We look forward to connecting with industry leaders, association professionals, and partners while helping advance the conversations that are shaping the future of our sector.

Thessaloniki Convention Bureau

Applications are now open for the 2026 IAPCO & FIEXPO Latin America Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and the Jorge Castex Scholarship.

Designed to empower emerging leaders across the meetings industry in Latin America and the Caribbean, this unique initiative brings together leadership development, peer learning, international industry engagement, and access to a global network of emerging leaders.

The Jorge Castex Scholarship honours the legacy of Jorge Castex, IAPCO Past President, former Chair of the IAPCO Training Academy, and one of Latin America’s most respected meetings industry leaders. The recipient will receive complimentary access to IAPCO ACE I, delivered online.

📅 Registration is open until 30 June 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://www.iapco.org/education-and-training/awards/iapco-fiexpo-emerging-leaders-programme-latam.html

At the 13th Latin American Political Forum, held on 9 June during FIEXPO Latin America 2026 in San José, Costa Rica, IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle represented the global voice of IAPCO-accredited PCOs in discussions with ministers, policymakers, destination leaders, and industry stakeholders from across Latin America and the Caribbean.

The dialogue focused on advocacy, destination competitiveness, bureau funding, and the future growth of the meetings industry.

As the global community for accredited PCOs, IAPCO remains committed to ensuring our industry’s voice is heard where policies are shaped and decisions are made.

Stay tuned for more updates from FIEXPO 2026 in the coming days.

Dear Destinations,

841 international conferences are already confirmed but without a destination*.

That’s global business actively seeking a home.

See how IAPCO members help destinations engage early and shape where events go next.

Discover how to secure what’s already in motion: https://www.iapco.org/advocacy/dear-destinations-of-the-world.html

*Between 2027–2029

✨ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 was more than a moment, it was momentum.

🌍 From Monday to Thursday, IAPCO brought advocacy, education and global connection to the forefront, uniting members, partners, Ambassadors and industry leaders from across the world.

From a record 42-member Hosted Buyer Group to high-impact education, strategic dialogue, partner engagement and vibrant community moments, IAPCO’s presence championed the value, voice and future of professional congress organisation.

Together, we strengthened relationships, sparked new ideas and amplified the impact of the global meetings industry.

🎥 Relive the energy with IAPCO President Sissi Lignou and CEO Martin Boyle in our IMEX Frankfurt 2026 after movie.

As we continue . See more at iapco.org

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🎥 Highlights from the IAPCO Council Meeting hosted by the Maastricht Convention Bureau.

Following IMEX Frankfurt, IAPCO Council gathered in Maastricht for strategic discussions, stakeholder engagement and destination experiences that reinforced the power of collaboration across the global meetings industry.

Produced by Maastricht Convention Bureau, this highlights video captures key moments from the programme and features insights from IAPCO President Sissi Lignou, Maastricht Convention Bureau CEO Jurgen Moors, Niels Klinkhamer of Klinkhamer Conferences & Events, and Jan-Tjitte Meindersma of Maastricht University.

Together, they explore how destinations, PCOs, academia, policymakers and the wider knowledge ecosystem can work together to create meaningful, long-term impact through international meetings and congresses.

▶️ Watch the highlights video and discover why Maastricht continues to stand out as a leading destination for international association meetings.