IAPCO

✨ The journey to IAPCO 2027 has begun.

From 4–6 March 2027, IAPCO Members will gather at the iconic Jio World Convention Centre for the first Annual Meeting and General Assembly to be hosted in India. 🇮🇳

Inspired by Mumbai’s unmistakable energy and the optimism of Bollywood, “All is Well!” will set the tone for three remarkable days of fresh perspectives, meaningful connections and memorable experiences.

Explore the ideas shaping our industry through four compelling themes—Health, Wealth, Soul and Connections—while discovering India’s rich culture, celebrated cuisine and gracious hospitality.

An exceptional experience awaits in Mumbai—and now is the moment to make it part of your 2027 plans.
🐦 Take advantage of the Early Bird rate and reserve your place today 👉 www.iapco2027.com/registration

Please note that this event is exclusively for IAPCO Members.

IA Meetings Alpcord Network Events and Conference Management Company

📣 “Real change requires more than the voice of one organisation, country or part of our industry. The promise is simple: stand together, speak clearly and help the world understand the value we create every day.”
Sven Bossu, CEO, AIPC

When our industry stands together, individual voices become a powerful collective force.

The Athens Promise brings IAPCO, AIPC, AMC Institute and PCMA together behind a shared commitment to strengthen the voice, visibility and standing of the global meetings and events industry.

Whether you plan, host, supply, support or benefit from business events, your voice can help the world better understand the value our industry creates.

Will you stand with us?
👉 Sign The Athens Promise: https://www.change.org/TheAthensPromise

🔗 Learn more: https://www.iapco.org/advocacy/the-athens-promise.html

Please note: No funding, payment or financial contribution is required. You must confirm your email address for your signature to be validated and counted.

💡 What happens when culture becomes a strategic tool for connection?

In IAPCO's The PCO Issue #124, Stephan Wurzinger of MCI Australia shares how APAIE 2026 in Hong Kong showcased the strength of APAC collaboration.

Delivered by MCI Australia, the event welcomed 3,500+ participants, 600+ exhibiting organisations and record regional diversity. Beyond scale, authentic local experiences, from lion dance and calligraphy to Tai Chi and campus tours, strengthened engagement across an audience.

The result? An event that positioned Asia-Pacific not only as a global events hub, but as a region redefining how events create connection and lasting collaboration.

📖 Read “APAIE 2026: Showcasing the Strength of APAC Collaboration” on pages 20–21 here: https://ow.ly/cPjs50ZtrhU

Frankfurt delivered a landmark week for Sibos 2025, hosting the largest ever in-person Sibos gathering at Messe Frankfurt, an IAPCO Convention Centre Partner.

Organised by Swift, the event brought together 12,500+ participants from 168 countries, 700+ speakers, 280+ sessions and 200+ exhibitors to explore The Next Frontiers of Global Finance.

From long-term destination positioning and city-wide collaboration to seamless venue connectivity, free public transport, high-level security, green electricity, 80% show waste recycling and 55% material repurposing or donation, Sibos 2025 showed what is possible when destinations engage early and work with expert partners to turn global events into lasting impact.

For destination leaders and policymakers, it is a clear example of how investment in infrastructure, relationships and local collaboration can help secure major international events and translate them into economic, social and reputational outcomes.

Read the full case study here: https://www.iapco.org/resource/frankfurt-delivers-a-landmark-week-for-sibos-2025.html

🌍 Your next EDGE experience starts in Amsterdam.

From 20–22 January 2027, meetings and events professionals from around the world will come together for three days of practical learning, fresh perspectives and meaningful connection.

Developed by the IAPCO Training Academy, IAPCO EDGE Amsterdam 2027 will combine international expertise with actionable insight to help professionals navigate change, strengthen their capabilities and turn ideas into impact.

Hosted by Amsterdam Convention Bureau and IAPCO Accredited Member Congress by design, the seminar will bring world-class professional development to one of Europe’s most connected cities.

📅 Early Bird registration opens soon.
👉 Register your interest to be notified when registration opens: https://www.iapco.org/education-and-training/ems-event-calendar/edge-amsterdam-2027.html

🎓 IAPCO at the 40th City Destinations Alliance Summer School

From 24–28 August 2026, the 40th CityDNA Summer School will bring meetings industry professionals together in Dijon, France, for an immersive programme combining current insights with leading examples of European best practice.

IAPCO is proud to continue its long-standing collaboration with CityDNA, reflecting our shared commitment to and advancing excellence across the industry.

As part of the programme, Giulia Ineke Sarri, IAPCO Council Member, and Head of Service Design, AIM Communication | AIM Group International, will lead:
🎯 PCOs: The Power of Partnership
📅 Wednesday, 26 August 🕚 11:00

The session will explore how PCOs contribute expertise, coordination and strategic guidance—and how strong partnerships with associations, destinations and venues drive event success from planning through delivery.

📄 Explore the programme: https://www.calameo.com/read/000674014946a401be2e1?page=1

👉 Register by 17 August 2026: https://citydestinationsalliance.org/event/ssdijon2026

“The Athens Promise is a powerful reflection of the collective strength of the meetings and events industry. Our industry has a bigger story to tell, and this is a global invitation to add your voice.”
Sissi Lignou, President, IAPCO

Born at the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026 in Athens, The Athens Promise shows how an event can create a legacy that extends far beyond the room.

Now, IAPCO, AIPC, AMCI and PCMA are inviting everyone who works in, supports, supplies or benefits from our industry to stand together and help tell its bigger story.

Will you add your voice?
👉 Sign The Athens Promise: https://www.change.org/TheAthensPromise

🔗 Learn more: https://www.iapco.org/advocacy/the-athens-promise.html

Please note: No funding, payment or financial contribution is required. You must confirm your email address for your signature to be validated and counted.

💡 In an AI-driven industry, is keeping pace enough, or must PCOs learn to lead through change?

In IAPCO's The PCO Issue #124, Eveline L. of Congrex Switzerland explores how agility is redefining the PCO’s role from event organiser to strategic partner.

AI can personalise experiences, streamline processes and support engagement, but it is a tool, not a strategy. Trust, judgement and empathy remain essential.

Drawing on Congrex’s AI task force and discussions at the Health.Tech Global Summit, the article shows why responsible innovation must balance capability with accessibility, sustainability, ethics and human connection.

The future belongs to PCOs that combine innovation with adaptability, efficiency with empathy and technology with purpose.

📖 Read “The Agile PCO” on page 10 here: https://www.iapco.org/resource/the-pco-issue-124-edition-3-2026.html

✨ Excellence is rarely achieved alone. It grows from expertise, trust and shared ambition.

Nominations remain open for the 2026 IAPCO Driving Excellence Collaboration Award, supported by IBTM World.

The award honours partnerships that transform challenges, elevate delivery and create lasting value.

Who helped make your success possible? Recognise the client, colleague, supplier, destination or industry partner whose contribution strengthened your work and made an exceptional outcome possible.

🏆 The winning IAPCO Member will receive complimentary registration for IAPCO EDGE Amsterdam 2027 or the IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2027 in Mumbai, with additional benefits for both principal collaborators.

Recognition begins with a nomination. 👉 View the criteria and submit yours:
https://www.iapco.org/education-and-training/awards/collaboration.html