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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Awards and Scholarships

IAPCO is committed to raising standards of service among all sectors of the meetings industry by means of continuing education, interaction, and recognition of professionals. As part of this commitment, IAPCO has created a programme of Driving Excellence Awards to recognise excellence within the IAPCO member community.

Driving Excellence Awards

Nominated by IAPCO members, IAPCO Driving Excellence Awards are presented annually and have long been coveted by those who seek acknowledgement for their quality and contribution to the meetings industry by IAPCO. Every year, IAPCO seeks nominations from across its member community for 3 unique awards.

Innovation Award

Recognising Innovative Solutions in the Meetings and Events Industry

Collaboration Award

Celebrating Successful Partnerships that Drive Excellence in the Meetings and Events Industry

Emerging Leader Award

Recognising Emerging Leaders in the Meetings and Events Industry

Sustainability Award

Recognising Leadership and Innovation in Sustainable Event Management

IAPCO Driving Excellence Awards most recent recipients

Innovation Award Winner 2026

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The current winner of the Innovation Award 2025 is Mohamed Sherif, General Manager at ICOM DMC, a subsidiary of ICOM Group.

Collaboration Award Winner 2025

The current winner of the IAPCO Collaboration Award 2025 is MCI Australia, in partnership with the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA), the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA).

Emerging Leaders Programmes & Scholarships

IAPCO is committed to developing the next generation of leaders in the global meetings and events industry. Through its Emerging Leaders Programmes and Scholarships, IAPCO works with regional partners to identify, support and empower talented professionals who demonstrate the passion, potential and commitment to shape the future of our sector.

These initiatives provide participants with access to world-class education, industry mentors, networking opportunities and the global IAPCO community, helping them build the skills and connections needed to advance their careers.

IAPCO-FIEXPO Emerging Leaders Programme LATAM

Delivered in partnership with FIEXPO Latin America, the 2026 IAPCO & FIEXPO Emerging Leaders Programme – LATAM and the Jorge Castex Scholarship is designed to nurture rising professionals from across the Latin American meetings and events industry.

The programme offers participants the opportunity to engage with senior industry leaders, develop strategic leadership skills and become part of an international network of peers and mentors. Through education, collaboration and practical learning experiences, the initiative supports the continued growth and professionalisation of the business events industry across the region.

IAPCO & NZICC Emerging Leaders Programme – APAC and the Jan Tonkin Scholarship

Created to empower emerging leaders across the Asia-Pacific region, the IAPCO & NZICC Emerging Leaders Programme and Jan Tonkin Scholarship offers accessible online learning and mentorship to help shape the future of the meetings industry.

Launched in 2024 with the support of New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the programme includes the Jan Tonkin Scholarship, which awards one outstanding participant each year the opportunity to attend the IAPCO Annual Meeting and General Assembly.

Applications for the 2025 programme are now closed.

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Jan Tonkin Scholarship most recent recipients

Investing in the Future of the Industry

IAPCO believes that the future success of the global meetings industry depends on investing in people. By creating regional pathways for emerging talent, these programmes help build a stronger, more connected and more innovative professional community.

Through the Emerging Leaders Programmes, IAPCO continues to champion excellence, encourage knowledge exchange and support the next generation of industry leaders around the world.