IMEX Frankfurt is set to be another exciting and dynamic event for IAPCO this year, and we invite you to join us as we continue our mission to Unlock Excellence in the global meetings industry.
🗓 Tue-Thurs, 19-21 May 2026 ⏰ Show hours 📍 IAPCO Stand D755
Unlocking Education- Be sure to join the signature IAPCO education sessions, and unlock invaluable insights with the IAPCO seal of excellence.
Unlocking Advocacy- IAPCO has a busy agenda of advocacy activities, as we continue to advocate for our members and drive efforts to Unlock Excellence within the meetings industry.
Unlocking Community- We will be hosting a series of activities, exclusively for the IAPCO community, offering unique opportunities to further unlock global connections and new pathways to growth.
Unlocking New Possibilities- Visit the IAPCO stand D755 to connect with the HQ team, and discover more about how to unlock the IAPCO membership and the process of becoming part of the IAPCO community of excellence.
As a valued IMEX partner, IAPCO will:
✔ Connect with meeting professionals at our designated stand, shared with AMC Institute
✔ Host vibrant networking events to bring our international community together
✔ Advocate for IAPCO PCO Members at key industry events
✔ Deliver insightful education sessions and workshops
✔ Engage in exclusive activities with our Destination Partners
✔ Announce the IAPCO Innovation Award Winner, presented in partnership with IMEX, at IMEX’s gala dinner
✔ Host a Hosted Buyer group, exclusively for IAPCO Members
A general overview of IAPCO's activities can be found here:
Monday, 18th May
- Unlocking Advocacy- Association Focus
Open to all IAPCO Hosted Buyers representing an association- Pre-registration required - Unlocking Education- IAPCOxAMCI Joint Association Emerging Leaders Workshop
📍 Messe Frankfurt
Exclusively for IAPCO and AMCI Members, this workshop will explore AI through a strong human-centred lens, inspired by the IAPCO AM&GA 2026 theme:AI at the Crossroads of Human Connections:
Green Light or Red Flag?Open to all IAPCO & AMCI members- Places are limited – click here to register your interest.
- Unlocking Community- Association Social
Invitation/ Associations only - Unlocking Partnerships- IAPCO Destination Partner Dinner
Open to all IAPCO Hosted Buyers- Invitation only
Tuesday, 19th May
- Unlocking Partnerships- IAPCO Destination Partner Breakfast
Open to all IAPCO Hosted Buyers- Invitation only - Unlocking Excellence- Find us at the📍IAPCO Stand D755
- Unlocking Education- IAPCO Pop-up education
⏰ 10:00-10:20
📍IAPCO Stand D755Join us for an IAPCO Pop-Up Education Session on Sustainability with Ludivine Simon, Head of Division - Marketing Communications & Engagement at K.I.T. Group GmbH, winner of the IAPCO Sustainability Award 2026, sponsored by IAPCO Sustainability Partner Business Events Australia.
- Unlocking Community- IAPCO Members & Partners Drinks Reception
Invitation only - Unlocking Advocacy- Politicians Forum
Invitation only - Unlocking Partnerships- IAPCO Destination Partner Dinner
Open to all IAPCO Hosted Buyers & Members - Invitation only
Wednesday, 21st May
- Unlocking Education- IAPCO Education Session
⏰ 09:15-09:50📍 Room Rise | Inspiration Hub
If AI Can Run Your Congress, What’s Your Role?
A PCO perspective
AI is rewriting the PCO playbook. As automation absorbs operational tasks, the real question is not whether AI can run your congress—it is what becomes of your expertise. Examine where human judgement remains irreplaceable in the event value chain. Explore the automation boundary and walk away with practical strategies to evolve from delivery executor to trusted strategic advisor.
Leaning Outcomes:
- Explore how AI is reshaping the value chain of professional congress organisation and identify where human expertise remains critical.
- Contrast tasks that can be automated with those that require human judgement.
- Apply practical strategies to reposition your role from operational delivery to strategic advisory in an AI-enabled events landscape.
Speakers:
- Benoît Dubuisson, Managing Director, Downtown Europe (Europa Group), and IAPCO Council Member
- Alexandros Terzis, Event Coordinator, ERA Congresses and Events, and IAPCO Co-Opted Council Member
- Nicole Walker, CEO, Lightning Bolt Consulting
Moderator: Ginevra de Bellis, Chief of Global Projects, OIC Group, and IAPCO Council Member
- Unlocking Excellence- Find us at the📍IAPCO D755
- Unlocking Education- IAPCO Pop-up education
⏰ 14:00–14:30📍 IAPCO Stand D755
Join us for another insightful IAPCO Pop-Up Session at the IAPCO Stand. Stay tuned for further details
- Unlocking Advocacy- IAPCO Press Conference
⏰ 12:00-12:30
📍IMEX Press Centre (Invitation only) - Unlocking Community- IAPCO Destination Partner presentation & hosted drinks
Invitation only - Unlocking Excellence- IMEX Gala Dinner and Awards 2026
Awarding of IAPCO Innovation Award 2026
Invitation only
Thursday, 21st May
- Unlocking Excellence- Find us at the📍IAPCO Stand D755
