In 2025, IAPCO Accredited PCOs organised 23,512 meetings and events worldwide, up 20.77% from 2024. Across 187 office locations, they managed 7,718,808 participants and generated an economic impact of €17.36 billion.
These figures reflect far more than activity alone. They demonstrate the enduring value of professionally organised meetings in driving knowledge exchange, supporting economic growth, advancing sectors and connecting communities around the world.
The survey also highlights an evolving global meetings landscape. While the number of meetings delivered has increased, the average size of events has reduced, with participant numbers per event falling from 408 to 328. At the same time, IAPCO members are delivering more with leaner permanent teams, with meetings per staff member increasing from 2.02 to 2.89.
Looking ahead, the future pipeline remains encouraging. From 2027 to 2029, IAPCO members already have 6,841 confirmed and pending events, with a significant proportion of confirmed future business still without an attached venue or destination. This creates valuable opportunities for destinations, convention bureaux, venues and strategic partners to engage early and influence outcomes.
On GMID 2026, IAPCO celebrates the extraordinary work of its Accredited PCO community and the role professionally organised meetings play in creating opportunity, strengthening destinations and delivering lasting professional, social and economic impact.
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