Excellence in Professional Congress Organisation

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.
Advocacy
- Initiatives
- Dear Associations of the World
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.
Community
Partnerships

IAPCO partners are organisations that have aligned themselves with IAPCO’s mission to promote the professional development of congress organisers and the industry.
Knowledge Hub
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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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 93 members, operating from over 181 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.

Dear Associations: IAPCO campaign to highlight the value accredited PCOs bring to associations

Under our Unlocking Excellence banner, we introduce our latest campaign: Dear Associations, where we speak directly to the clients of our members – the associations shaping industries, advancing knowledge, and serving communities worldwide.

Our purpose is clear: to demonstrate the real difference IAPCO Accredited Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) make. From conferences to communities, their impact is significant and measurable.

25 – 28 February 2026

IAPCO Annual Meeting & General Assembly 2026

The Odyssey Reinvented – A Very Human Journey Toward the Meetings of Tomorrow

Athens, Greece

16 – 19 March 2026

EDGE Auckland

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of IAPCO EDGE Seminars from where it all began, Auckland New Zealand. You won't want to miss this one!

IAPCO Education Seminar New Zealand

25 – 27 March 2026

IAPCO and Leading Centres of Europe Workshop 2026

After three years of diving into our joint business models, strategic partnerships and communication styles, we are excited to present to you a new installment of our annual senior leaders workshop, co-hosted by IAPCO and the Leading Centers of Europe!

Munich, Germany