Behind each successful event is a solid and dependable partnership that seeks to deliver excellence. This IAPCO Driving Excellence Collaboration Award recognises outstanding collaboration in any form, within and across industries, and celebrates partnerships that bring excellence to the meetings industry.
The IAPCO Collaboration Award highlights the significance of effective partnerships, celebrating the achievements of organisations working together to reach a common goal.
Nominations are now closed for the 2025 Collaboration Award.
Criteria/ Rules of Entry
Current Winners
2025
MCI Australia, in partnership with the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA), has been announced as the winner of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)’s Driving Excellence Collaboration Award 2025.
The prestigious award, supported by IBTM, was presented at the Meetings Leadership Network Reception during IBTM World on Monday, 17 November 2025, in Barcelona, Spain.
The winning collaboration recognised the delivery of the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025 in Sydney, Australia — a globally significant event that brought together a highly complex stakeholder group including SIAA, IAF, ASA and the New South Wales Government.
Managing multi-layered governance structures, competing priorities and international expectations, MCI Australia and its partners delivered record-breaking participation, an unprecedented Public Day, strong financial performance and enhanced global visibility for Australia’s space sector.
The project demonstrated exceptional multi-stakeholder governance, data-driven decision-making and creative market engagement. Built on trust, shared vision and disciplined execution, the partnership exemplified the very foundations of collaboration excellence within the global meetings industry.
Sissi Lignou, President of IAPCO, said: “The IAPCO Collaboration Award recognises the highest standard of partnership. The way MCI managed and collaborated with their many partners for the prestigious IAC 2025 is a masterclass in multi-stakeholder governance, data-driven decision making and creative market engagement.
“From record participation and an unprecedented Public Day to strong financial performance and global visibility for Australia’s space sector, this collaboration demonstrates how shared purpose and disciplined execution can drive excellence across our industry. It sets a powerful benchmark for what can be achieved when partners align around impact.”
Stephan Wurzinger, Managing Director, PCO Australia & Global Director, Association Relations at MCI Australia, added: “As the most stellar event launched in Australia in years, MCI feels honoured to have been recognised by IAPCO for this award. Truly great collaboration is a force multiplier with a supernova effect — and we could not have achieved the record results for the International Astronautical Congress 2025 without the great SIAA, IAF and ASA teams in our orbit.”
The IAPCO Driving Excellence Awards are a trio of awards recognising excellence within the IAPCO member community and honouring those who set new standards for the global meetings industry.
The IAPCO Collaboration Award specifically celebrates outstanding partnerships that go beyond traditional roles, joining forces to deliver impactful and innovative congresses that elevate the profession worldwide.
Previous Winners
2024 INTERPLAN Congress, Meeting & Event Management AG and CCL Congress Center Leipzig
2024 Winners
INTERPLAN Congress, Meeting & Event Management AG in collaboration with CCL Congress Center Leipzig have been announced as the winners of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)’s Driving Excellence Collaboration Award 2024.
The prestigious award is supported by IBTM and was presented at the Meetings Leadership Network during IBTM World on Monday, 18 November 2024, in Barcelona, Spain.
The winning collaboration related to two major INTERPLAN congresses that were delivered back-to-back, beginning on 25 to 28 September 2024 with the Annual Meeting of the German Society of Urology and continuing from 30 September to 5 October with Viszeralmedicine, a joint conference of two specialist associations (DGVS and DGAV).
Organising the two congresses with around 6,000 and 5,000 participants at the same location one after the other required an outstanding schedule. At the same time, considerable cooperation and operational optimisation was made possible with many benefits for the wider meetings industry. The most important basis for this successful collaboration was the long-standing partnership and trusting cooperation of all those involved.
While individual concepts and requirements had to be implemented for each of the two congresses, the overarching aim was to find opportunities for synergy.
The goal was also to organise the handover of the building as efficiently as possible between the closely-timed events, to make sensible joint use of infrastructure and to achieve sustainable outcomes. The most important step was to ensure that clients were closely involved and the requirements of both events were systematically considered from the outset and throughout the entire planning process.
Sarah Markey-Hamm, President, IAPCO, said: “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all entrants of the Collaboration Award, who have shown remarkable dedication to innovation in our industry. This year’s winner, INTERPLAN Congress, Meeting & Event Management AG, in partnership with CCL-Congress Center Leipzig, has exemplified 'Unlocking Excellence' in congress management.
“Their big-picture approach – balancing client needs with efficient resource use – demonstrates a forward-thinking model for our field. Their achievement is an inspirational testament to the power of collaboration in delivering seamless, high-quality experiences.”
The IAPCO Driving Excellence Awards are a trio of awards which recognise excellence within the IAPCO member community and have long been coveted by those who seek acknowledgement for their quality and contribution to the meetings industry.
The IAPCO Collaboration Award recognises outstanding contributions to the meetings industry, celebrating partnerships that go beyond traditional roles, resulting in impactful and innovative conferences.
2023 Abbey Conference and Visit Flanders
2023 Winners
2023
Abbey Conference & Events with The International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC), Visit Flanders Convention Bureau (VFCB) and The Flemish Department of Care (FDC)
From L-R, Paul Swain (Association Relations Manager, VISITFLANDERS), Chrissy Schroder (Project Manager, ICIC23), Gemmeke de Jongh (International Association Expert, VISITFLANDERS), Martin Boyle (CEO, IAPCO)
Abbey Conference & Events, in collaboration with The International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC), Visit Flanders Convention Bureau (VFCB) and The Flemish Department of Care (FDC) have been announced as the winners of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO)’s Driving Excellence Collaboration Award 2023.
The prestigious award is supported by IBTM and was presented by IAPCO CEO, Martin Boyle at the Meetings Leadership Network during IBTM World on Monday, 27 November 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.
Chrissy Schroder received the award for Abbey Conference and Gemmeke de Jongh and Paul Swain from Visit Flanders Convention Bureau received the award on behalf of their collaborative partner, IFIC.
The winning collaboration was marked by the 23rd International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC23), held at Flanders Meeting & Convention Center Antwerp, Flanders, from 22-24 May 2023. ICIC23 hybrid conference, blending in-person and virtual participation to accommodate a global audience. It focused on the theme ‘Care in Action: How to Work Together, a Participatory Approach’, bringing together leaders, researchers, clinicians, managers, citizens, patients, and caregivers to discuss integrated health and social care.
The collaboration’s goal was to promote integrated care globally, with the event serving as a pilot legacy project. Impact and Engagement Task Forces were established to foster collaboration and create a community of practice, ensuring a lasting impact beyond the conference. The event showcased innovation in policymaking, inclusivity, real-life experiences and patient involvement.
IAPCO President Sarah Markey-Hamm expressed her admiration for the collaboration, stating, “We congratulate Abbey Conference & Events and its collaboration partners for their remarkable achievement. The success of ICIC23 demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts in the events industry, making a positive impact on both local and global communities. This collaboration demonstrates the potential of conferences to drive positive societal change and leave a legacy. Their achievement highlights the transformative potential of partnerships in advancing the mission and vision of the meetings industry.”
Evelyne Bardyn, Head of VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau, commented on the win, “Victory has many fathers; the Romans already knew. But in the case of the IAPCO Collaboration Award 2023, that is the truth. VISITFLANDERS Convention Bureau is honoured to have worked so closely with IFIC, Abbey Conference & Events, and the Flanders Department of Care. Only together could we cross the Rubicon and fulfil the ambitions of the ICIC23 conference: to create a positive long-term impact for all parties involved.”
Nominated by IAPCO members, the IAPCO Driving Excellence Awards are a trio of awards created by IAPCO to recognise excellence within the IAPCO member community and have long been coveted by those who seek acknowledgement for their quality and contribution to the meetings industry by IAPCO.
The IAPCO Collaboration Award recognises outstanding contributions to the meetings industry, celebrating partnerships that go beyond traditional roles, resulting in impactful and innovative conferences.
“The success of ICIC23 included record delegate numbers and an outstanding long-term impact in the Flanders region, which would have never been possible without the support and collaboration from everyone involved. It has been a true pleasure to work alongside all our collaborators to achieve the intended outcomes. On behalf of the team I sincerely express my heartfelt thanks to all, especially to our long standing partner IFIC, with whom we have developed a trusted relationship that allows such ambitious projects to be undertaken.” – Chrissy Schroder, ICIC23 project manager.
The winning collaboration between Abbey Conference & Events and its collaborators stood out to the judges from six other nominations for its innovative approach, inclusivity and commitment to creating a lasting positive impact.
Nominees:
- AIM Group and its Collaborative Partners – 1. European Society of Endodontology (ESE), 2. Messukeskus Helsinki Expo and Convention Center and 3. Helsinki Partners
- AFEA and its Collaborative Partners – 1. Top Kinisis Conferences and Events Cyprus, 2. Hellenic Thoracic Society and 3. Cyprus Respiratory Society
- Arinex and Australia ICOMOS
- Kenes Group and Ortra
- MCI Middle East LLC and Emirates ENT Society
- Publi Créations and Dundee City Region Convention Bureau
2022 – OIC Group and Federcongressi&event
The partnership between OIC Group and Federcongressi&eventi was revealed as the winner of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Driving Excellence Collaboration Award 2022 at the presentation ceremony held at the Meetings Leadership Network at IBTM World on Monday, 28 November 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.
The Progetto Mentore initiative, which began in 2010 from the Federcongressi&eventi Learning Center and was supported for the third consecutive year by OIC Group, reflects the strategic objectives of focus on professional development, training and mentoring of young talents that are taking their first steps in the meeting industry. The initiative was created to give practical, concrete training, and every year the project offers young participants the opportunity to develop and enrich their know-how, not just from a theoretical point of view, but also with the requisite practical know-how.
The 20 selected students, from master’s and degree programmes from the main Italian universities, were given the opportunity to liaise with the leading figures from the meetings industry through focused meetings which centred around practical learning and coaching topics. The meetings took place in person during the Federcongressi&eventi Convention, and also online through a series of online meetings.
The objective was to establish a relationship between the students and meetings industry professionals, which on the one side can offer a knowledge enrichment pathway for professional development and training to prepare the future leaders of the sector, and on the other hand to understand the motivation and ideas to drive forward the new generation.
The focused meeting sessions were centred around relatable topics of a typical working day in the event sector, focussed on themes such as personal branding, project management and strategies for creating value for the client.
The main motivation of the Progetto Mentore initiative was to give concrete answers to the student’s doubts, questions and queries.
This was the 10th year of IBTM supporting the Collaboration Award which is part of a trio of Driving Excellence Awards created by IAPCO to recognise excellence within the IAPCO member community.
“The IAPCO Collaboration Award celebrates partnerships that brings excellence to the meetings industry. It highlights the importance of effective relationships and recognises the achievement of organisations that join together to achieve a shared goal.
“The Progetto Mentore initiative tackles the most burning issue in our industry – attracting new talent. Connecting students with managers and executives from key companies and associations help to develop their theoretical knowledge into practical application. Thereby, bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice and helping to prepare the next generation of leaders in our industry.”
– Ori Lahav, IAPCO President
“The research and continuous training of talents are two key elements of the strategy and positioning of OIC Group. For me, this project represents the pleasure of contributing to shaping the future: accompanying the next leaders of this industry on a path of knowledge and personal enrichment but at the same time better understanding – thanks to these meetings – the needs and stimuli that can come from a new generation of talents.”
– OIC Group CEO, Nicola Testai
“Giving value to the new generation’s personal development that wants to enter the meeting industry sector is an important objective for Federcongressi&eventi in a perspective of growth and overall growth of our sector. Progetto Mentore is surely one of the key projects from this point of view, and this recognition makes us very happy.”
– Gabriella Gentile, President of Federcongressi&eventi
2021 – AFEA and CSR HELLAS
During 2019 and 2018, AFEA endorsed the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and integrated them into the organization’s strategic plan. AFEA wanted to go further and contribute to creating awareness of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development as key elements for the future strategic planning of the Greek Meetings Industry. They became a member of CSR Hellas Network and with its guidance developed the “Sustainable Events” organization service (SDGs 12,8,3,2).
Actions taken under this collaboration created further awareness of the field of Sustainability on a national level, wider promotion of all events on national Media, interviews, education & transfer of knowledge about the need to integrate and empower Sustainable Development to all member companies and executives of Industry Associations.
CSR & AFEA are collaborating currently on the organization of further actions with the aim of further boosting awareness around Sustainable Development.
Shortlisted entries:
Kenes Group and European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC)
MCI and Arab Association of Urology (AAU)
ICS and The Conference Company
“The applications for the IAPCO Collaboration Award were outstanding. But the judging committee agreed the collaboration between AFEA and CSR HELLAS was exceptional because of the broadness of its actions. Sustainability is a key issue for our industry and this collaboration has sparked changes on a national level. It is highly inspirational and aligns with IAPCO commitment to integrate sustainability further in what we do.”
– Ori Lahav, IAPCO President
“We are extremely happy and proud as this award gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of a valued, long-term collaboration with the network of CSR Hellas, as well as to empower our efforts in creating a greater awareness on the key role of sustainable development in our Industry. As active IAPCO Members, we invest in partnerships which contribute to the shaping of a more sustainable future in the Meetings Industry.”
– Sissi Lygnou, CEO AFEA
“Sustainability is the only future for everyone, and recognizing the value of partnering up with diverse stakeholders provides us with the know-how and skillset to transform this challenge into a fruitful opportunity.”
– Ariadne Stagkou-Bell, CSR & Communication Specialist, CSR HELLAS
2020 – Arinex, Australia and their collaborating partners (Business Events Perth, AIM Group International and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre)
Winners were announced at the IBTM World Virtual Awards Ceremony.
Shortlisted entries:
- ICMS, Australia with the Australian Society of Antimicrobials
- Arinex, Australia with Business Events Perth
- Conference Partners International with Glasgow Convention Bureau
“2020! What a year…The PCO year of innovation, collaboration, resilience, adaptation and forward-thinking. It is time for us to celebrate the triumphs, despite the still challenging climate.
“The winners demonstrated the power of collaboration, where partners and supporters came together for the good of the business events industry to deliver one of the first and largest business events industry hub and spoke events since the COVID19 pandemic: The Turn of Events; Bringing Business Events Back.
“The goodwill and inspiration provided as a collective to event planners and clients supported the announcement of $50 million being provided by the Australian Government to kickstart the industry.”
– Ori Lahav, IAPCO President and VP Client & Operations, Kenes Group
“We were overwhelmed by the support of a crippling sector to not only assist and back the event, but each made significant financial contribution during the most difficult of times for the benefit of the whole sector. We have been privileged to be part of this group. This award is timely given its international prominence to align with the global Tourism Australia international campaigns which highlight Australia’s strength in safety, sustainability, wide open landscapes, extraordinary adventures and the ability to work together. We look forward to welcoming international business events back to Australia.”
– Nicole Walker, CEO, Arinex
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