About us
About Us

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is a not-for-profit membership association and the only international accreditation organisation for professional conference organisers.
Initiatives
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Initiatives & Advocacy

Raising the levels of professionalism and advocating on the economic and social impact value that our industry brings to communities around the world.
Membership
Membership

IAPCO Membership is the epitome of excellence for PCOs in the global business events industry.
Education
Education

Education is at the core of IAPCO and everything the Association does revolves around it.
Commercial Partners
Partnerships

IAPCO partners are organisations that have aligned themselves with IAPCO’s mission to promote the professional development of congress organisers and the industry.
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Knowledge Hub

The go-to location for the latest issues of our PCO Magazine, member news, IAPCO articles and to access our many whitepapers and guidelines.
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Excellence in Professional Congress Organisation

IAPCO – Unlocking Excellence in the Global Meetings Industry The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) is the only global accreditation body for Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), representing the gold standard of excellence in the global meetings industry.

A for-purpose (not-for-profit), member-driven organisation, IAPCO exists to elevate professional standards in the planning and delivery of world-class conferences and meetings. IAPCO has over 92 members, operating from over 180 offices across the globe. Collectively, members delivered 19,469 events with an economic impact of over €17.8 billion .

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Recognising the best-qualified professional congress organisers and building strong and mutually focused relationships to achieve great results for the meetings and events industry.

Learn about our Education >

IAPCO firmly believes education is essential to further and maintain a high professional standard in the organisation and administration of congresses, conferences and other international and national meetings or special events.

Meet our Commercial Partners >

Elevate your brand and influence the global meetings and events industry by partnering with IAPCO. Reach a vast network of industry leaders, professionals and experts. Collaborate with us to shape the future of the business events industry and create meaningful, lasting impressions.

IAPCO welcomes our new President

Sissi Lignou is IAPCO's new President, officially elected on 23rd February 2025. Based in Athens, Greece, Sissi is the President and CEO of IAPCO Member company, AFEA Congress and has served on IAPCO Council for 6 years.

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9 July 2025

IAPCO-ICCA Capacity Building Workshop: Building Regional Strength: Empowering Meetings Professionals

Join us for the first-ever IAPCO–ICCA Capacity Building Workshop

Belgrade, Serbia

20 – 21 August 2025

IBTM Americas 2025

EXPLORE a world of opportunities Connect with your most creative side and find inspiration with the best speakers and exhibitors in a networking environment that has become the meeting point for the co-creators of the industry's leading events in America.

Mexico

7 – 9 October 2025

IMEX America 2025

IMEX America is the largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.  The show brings the meetings industry together to do a year’s worth of business under one roof. Suppliers and buyers from every sector of the meetings industry come together at IMEX, held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas.

USA

9 – 12 November 2025

ICCA World Congress 2025

Uniting the Global Business Events Community. When our global community unites, the energy is unstoppable. The 64th ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal, will offer unparalleled opportunities to connect, collaborate, learn and innovate.

Portugal

18 – 20 November 2025

IBTM World 2025

Join IAPCO's Hosted Buyer Programme and connect with the global events industry’s key players under one roof in the heart of Barcelona. Meet the right people for your business, workshop business challenges into opportunities, build connections and gain industry insights. Experience three days of innovation and collaboration.

Spain