Dear Associations,
Associations who want the edge, choose IAPCO members to deliver for them.
In 2024 alone, IAPCO members delivered 9,854 health and life science conferences – advancing collaboration and generating over €7 billion in economic impact – as part of more than 21,000 conferences globally, most of them for associations.
IAPCO members complete extensive association-specific conference education - so you don't have to. And through IAPCO’s direct link to IPCAA, they provide feedback on compliance measures that shape the future of health and life science meetings.
IAPCO members are true association specialists. They understand the intricacies of membership value, governance and commercial frameworks. They know how to deliver advocacy, policy, academic, scientific and technological outcomes on both national and international stages.
From strategic guidance and content curation to logistical precision and compliance expertise, IAPCO members bring unmatched competency, creativity and care to every detail. They are connected, informed, and globally attuned – always exploring the conference models of the future, so associations can focus on their mission today.
Your key to quality. IAPCO: Unlocking Excellence
See how IAPCO Members are driving real impact with Associations—dive into the case studies below (with more to follow soon):
More newsworthy collaboration stories between IAPCO PCOs & Associations
Hear what Associations Leaders say about choosing an IAPCO Accredited Member to partner with.
We interviewed some of the most respected Association and Industry leaders who have experienced firsthand the impact of working with an IAPCO accredited member. They share the IAPCO difference and why they always choose an IAPCO member for their meetings and conferences.
Monica Fontana
Executive Director, European Renal Association (ERA), Monica Fontana on the value of IAPCO accreditation
Monica Fontana, Executive Director at the European Renal Association (ERA), highlights the crucial role of IAPCO-accredited PCOs in enhancing the quality of events and congresses.
“The transparency and strict rules linked to performance and professionalism of IAPCO members is a guarantee of quality that has become even more relevant in the post-Covid era.”
Monica underscores the key qualities that distinguish IAPCO-accredited PCOs as a “guarantee of excellence. This is what I look for when I perform a tender for the choice of our preferred PCO: basically, IAPCO already does a pre-selection that I do not have to do.”
Looking ahead, Monica believes that IAPCO accreditation will continue to be crucial: “IAPCO has an essential role in making a pre- selection of partners, PCOs, allowing customers to save time when selecting a preferred PCO and in the post-Covid era time has become one of the most precious things that we have.”
Why recommend IAPCO? Monica emphasises the importance of reputation and reliability: “Reputation is key for medical societies and you cannot risk it especially when you are responsible for organising important annual events. Furthermore, the financial outcome of the events contribute to the overall annual income of the Society allowing funding for all the activities. These two essential things cannot be jeopardised in any way!”
Declan Kelly
Declan Kelly, Head of Development, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) on IAPCO-accredited PCOs managing complex situations with experience and ease
For the past 10 years, ICMS has been the trusted conference organiser for CBAA, “consistently delivering high-quality conferences that align with the diverse needs of our members,” says Declan.
What sets IAPCO-accredited PCOs like ICMS apart? According to Declan, it’s their unwavering professionalism, commitment to best practices, and innovative approach to event management. He notes, “ICMS has brought a level of professionalism, best practices, and innovation to the CBAA’s annual conference, helping to elevate the event’s profile and impact year on year. They have taken their time to understand our diverse membership’s needs, including those with disabilities.”
One of the defining moments of ICMS’s service was their handling of a critical situation during a recent conference when venue staff communication channels broke down; the IAPCO-accredited PCO’s swift and effective intervention ensured the event continued smoothly. Declan recalls, “ICMS stepped in, quickly assessing the situation and taking charge of coordinating the venue staff. Their ability to organise and streamline communication among the staff ensured that the conference ran smoothly.”
Looking ahead, Declan believes that IAPCO accreditation will continue to play a crucial role in driving innovation within the global meetings industry. “IAPCO and their accredited members will lead in the innovation of events and the integration of technologies.”
For those considering working with an IAPCO-accredited PCO, Declan’s advice is clear: “They will help you push your conference to evolve every year.” The CBAA has experienced firsthand the professionalism, innovative spirit and transformative impact of partnering with an IAPCO-accredited PCO.”
Rui Pinho
Rui Pinho, Executive Vice-President of the EUCENTRE Foundation, says accreditation delivers assurance and quality
The 2024 World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (WCEE) hosted 4,250 participants from 82 countries.
“The success of the international conference could not in any way have been reached without the partnership of an IAPCO-accredited member. In any industry and profession, the process of accreditation always plays a critical role in ensuring not only the provision of quality services, but also the adoption of up-to-date practices and principles.”
What sets IAPCO-accredited PCOs apart? According to Rui, it’s their consolidated experience, adherence to sustainability principles, and commitment to quality assurance. “We, as organisers of the event, had to regularly introduce changes to the initial plans, and our PCO was always able to take the necessary adaptation steps.”
Looking ahead, Rui believes IAPCO accreditation guarantees up-to-date practices and high-quality service. His advice for anyone considering an IAPCO-accredited PCO? “Assurance on experience and services provision quality is necessarily higher.”
Edgar Anaya
Edgar Anaya, President of the Mexican Branch of the International Fiscal Association, shares the difference an IAPCO Member delivers
An IAPCO-accredited PCO, BTC México, managed the 75th Congress of the International Fiscal Association in Cancun, October 2023.
Edgar highlights that, “BTC México acted as the PCO of the 75th Congress, demonstrating a complete and total understanding of our event’s needs. Their commitment went beyond expectations, showcasing unparalleled respect, professionalism, and attention to every detail.”
He underscores the significance of IAPCO accreditation: “Maintaining a standard of quality and professionalism is key in any business area. IAPCO-accredited PCOs set the bar high, ensuring that organisers can choose between a basic event or an exceptional experience.”
Edgar advises those considering IAPCO-accredited PCOs: “It’s a true investment in having a successful event. With an IAPCO- accredited PCO, you ensure a smooth, enjoyable event with peace of mind. They make all the difference between an expensive meeting and a truly great congress.
Leonidas Duntas
Leonidas Duntas on how IAPCO-accredited PCOs deliver successful events
Leonidas Duntas, Professor Dr at Evgenideio Hospital and Past Sec Gen of the European Thyroid Society says that IAPCO-accredited PCOs play a transformative role in delivering successful events.
Reflecting on his experience working with an IAPCO-accredited PCO, Leonidas emphasises their unique capabilities in overseeing multiple aspects of conference organisation, including technical support, catering coordination, and event promotion. “Their ability to foresee the importance of the event and choose the right venue, while engaging key sponsors and promoting the event through social media, set them apart.”
Looking to the future, Leonidas is confident that IAPCO and its accreditation will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the business events industry. “IAPCO accreditation will remain critical in certifying the quality of events and ensuring high standards across the board.”
He also recalls a challenging situation where the IAPCO-accredited PCO’s expertise made a significant impact. “There were unexpected technical issues and delays in the arrival of keynote speakers.” According to Leonidas, the PCO’s flexibility and adaptability to make swift program changes ensured the event’s success despite these challenges.
For those considering working with an IAPCO-accredited PCO, Leonidas says, “It is highly recommended to ensure the quality of the event. The details make the difference.”
At the end of the day, the reason to choose an IAPCO-accredited PCO is their point of difference: “Expertise and qualification are key. The tradition of IAPCO is important, and it can truly make the difference.”
Jayr Bass
Jayr Bass says a trusted partnership can create global impact
Jayr Bass, Director of AO Spine at AO Foundation, reflects on the vital role IAPCO-accredited Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) play in elevating global events.
Partnering with IAPCO-accredited OIC since 2015, has allowed a trust and true partnership to develop. “We have grown together over the years and were able to share experiences, challenges and solutions as well as challenge each other to further excel.”
Jayr believes that the high standards and global connections of IAPCO-accredited PCOs are some of the key qualities that sets them apart from others in the industry and enables them to solve region-specific challenges. “As we move our congress from region to region, we always face new challenges and the ability to tap into the knowledge pool of IAPCO members means we always find good solutions.”
Looking to the future of fast changing business events and the role IAPCO accreditation will play, Jayr says the IAPCO network of likeminded organisations exchanging knowledge, discussing challenges, and supporting each other is going to be key.
For Jayr, choosing IAPCO-accredited PCOs offers peace of mind, “Being a global organisation, moving our congress from region to region we have to rely on the expertise and insights of our PCO. Knowing that they can rely on a network of other PCOs across the world ensures that we can adapt to the local environment with the local knowledge of their partners.”
Alain Pittet
Convention Bureau Director, Alain Pittet, on why IAPCO is at the forefront of excellence
Alain Pittet, Director of the Convention Bureau at Geneva Tourism & Conventions Foundation, shares his insights on how IAPCO- accredited Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs) are at the forefront of delivering excellence in the industry.
According to Alain, one of the key qualities that sets IAPCO-accredited PCOs apart are the rigorous quality controls they undergo. “These regular assessments ensure that only the highest standards of service and reliability are maintained, offering peace of mind to event organisers.”
“The challenges of the pandemic brought to light the importance of innovative solutions which IAPCO-accredited PCOs were instrumental in delivering, helping clients respond to complex situations with creativity and expertise.”
Why choose an IAPCO-accredited PCO? For Alain, the answer is simple: “guaranteed quality standards. When it comes to organising a successful event, there is no substitute for the assurance that comes with working with an IAPCO-accredited PCO.”
Looking ahead, Alain believes that IAPCO-accredited members “will continue to raise industry standards through continuous education and the sharing of insights on new trends.”
Find an IAPCO‑Accredited PCO Near You
Partner with an IAPCO Member to deliver high‑impact, flawlessly executed events.
Explore our interactive global Member map to locate IAPCO‑accredited PCOs in your country or region, and connect directly with experts committed to excellence. Begin your search today — and work with the best in the industry.
