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 & 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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Initiatives

IAPCO is the global voice of the PCO sector of the meetings and events industry. IAPCO today represents over 180 PCO registered or accredited professional congress organisations (PCOs) offices in over 45 countries. Our mission is to raise the professionalism of the meetings industry globally and by doing so, we can promote the business events industry and its role in driving economic and social growth and development.

CSR >

Supporting local communities around the globe

Research >

IAPCO surveys provide vital insights that help shape the future of the meetings industry. From tracking the impact of global shifts to understanding how our Members evolve, these tools fuel informed action and collective progress. Explore IAPCO’s survey initiatives, focusing on the insights that drive progress, strengthen our community, and shape the future of the meetings industry.

Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) >

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Events calendar >

The IAPCO Events Calendar is your comprehensive guide to upcoming events, conferences, and workshops organized or endorsed by the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO). Stay informed about key industry happenings, network with professionals, and explore opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID)

Global Meetings Industry Day 2026

Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) is an international day of advocacy showcasing the undeniable value that business meetings, trade shows, incentive travel, exhibitions, conferences and conventions bring to people, businesses and communities.

On 6 May 2026, the global meetings and events industry will come together to celebrate GMID and highlight why #MeetingsMatter.

To mark Global Meetings Industry Day 2026, IAPCO is proud to share the results of its 2025 Annual Member Survey, revealing the scale, strength and strategic value of its global community of IAPCO Accredited Professional Conference and Congress Organisers.

Research

CSR

We believe that the Meetings and Events industry has a responsibility to prioritise sustainability and to support the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). That’s why we have supported several initiatives to reduce our own environmental impact and support the specific SDGs that we know we can make a positive impact on. Additionally, over our past 5 Annual Meetings, IAPCO has supported various local children's projects encouraging our future leaders to grow and develop.

18 – 20 May 2026

IMEX Frankfurt 2026

Where the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry comes together annually for the largest trade show of its kind in Europe.

Germany

8 – 11 June 2026

FIEXPO 2026

FIEXPO Latin America is the place by excellence where destinations and suppliers specialized in the Meetings, Events and Incentives Industry can connect with the most prominent buyers globally.

Costa Rica

17 – 20 August 2026

Arabian Travel Market 2026

IAPCO CEO Martin Boyle will represent IAPCO at Arabian Travel Market 2026. If you are attending, we invite you to take the opportunity to meet and connect with IAPCO at this premier event.

Dubai

15 – 17 September 2026

EDGE Dubai Advanced

We are closely monitoring the situation in Dubai and the wider Middle East ahead of the planned IAPCO EDGE Dubai Advanced 2026 Seminar in September, designed for senior meeting professionals and previous EDGE attendees.

IAPCO Education Seminar Dubai, United Arab Emirates